Imagine a role where you aren’t just a Religious School Director, but a cornerstone of a thriving Jewish community. Congregation Habonim is looking for a strong educator to help us write our next chapter. We’re seeking a community builder who will immerse themselves in our friendly culture and help our families connect in meaningful new ways. Someone who loves the magic of the classroom, the energy of a busy hallway, and the heart of a deep conversation. Someone who will help us instill an authentic love of Judaism in our children while building a home-away-from-home for their families. If you have the drive to grow a community and the soul to nurture every student in it, you’ll find your place here.
ABOUT US: Congregation Habonim is a fully egalitarian, vibrant neighborhood synagogue located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Our synagogue offers a haven of warmth and spiritual growth in a large and often anonymous city. Congregation Habonim is a member of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ).
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Working in conjunction with the Rabbi and the Cantor, the Religious School Director will design rich religious, cultural and spiritual educational experiences for our school-aged members and their families. These experiences include:
(1) DIRECTING THE RELIGIOUS SCHOOL ● responsible for designing and disseminating a curriculum that is in alignment with the developmental appropriateness and educational goals of each grade of the Religious School (pre-K through 7th Grade) ● hires, provides professional development opportunities, and supervises the Religious School educators and specialists ● coordinates private Hebrew sessions with teachers and older students ● communicates with and responds to parents/guardians of Religious School students ● conducts outreach to the surrounding community in order to attract new members and Religious School students ● encourages Religious School families to participate in fundraising events, social action events and other community events ● works in conjunction with the Rabbi and Cantor during B’nai Mitzvah preparation and day-of celebration ● helps recruit students to the Lomdim program for post-B’nai Mitzvah teens (a program that is designed to stimulate discussion, prepare teens for issues they may face in the world, and reinforce connection with the Jewish community)
(2) SHABBAT AND HOLIDAY YOUTH AND FAMILY PROGRAMMING ● responsible for scheduling, staffing, programming and attending youth and family High Holy Day services and Shabbat services (such as Junior Congregation, Tot Shabbat, and Havdallah Services) ● implementing youth and family programming for other holidays including: Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Hanukkah, Lag B’Omer, Tu B’shevat, Purim, Pesach, Shavuot, etc. ● spearheads Israel programming in response to current events, as well as yearly Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations ● actively markets programming to non-religious school families (i.e. Jewish day school families)
(3) REPORTING AND BUDGETING ● meets monthly with both the Board and the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees to discuss such matters as the current status of the Religious School student body, budget issues, fundraising efforts, current and new plans for ways to maintain and grow the programs ● meets monthly with the Religious School/Youth and Family Programming committee to review programs, incorporate member feedback, and create and implement fundraising opportunities ● responsible for creating and monitoring a detailed budget for the following fiscal year in coordination with the Treasurer and Executive Director of Habonim
REQUIREMENTS: ● A Bachelor’s degree in education, Jewish Studies, or related field; Masters degree preferred ● 3+ years of experience teaching within a Jewish educational institution, including developing curriculum ● Significant supervisory experience at a school or educational program ● Experience in educational administration, including budgeting and human resource management ● Experience with youth and synagogue programming, including creating new programing or implementing change ● A passion for promoting Jewish Values, tradition, and culture ● The ability to work non-traditional hours (weekends, evenings, Shabbat and holiday services) ● Outstanding written and verbal communication skills ● Ability to collaborate and work well with others ● Knowledge of current learning technologies and modern innovative teaching methodologies ● Experience working in a synagogue and working with a Board of Directors is an asset ● Knowledge of Judaica and proficient in Hebrew