Director of Youth Education and Family Engagement
Jewishsac - Des Moines, Iowa, United States
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Overview
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Overview
United Hebrew Congregation is seeking a warm, dynamic, and innovative Director of Youth Education (K-12) and Family Engagement who (1) excels in engaging with young people and their families, (2) is eager to cultivate Jewish values and identity, and (3) is ready to contribute to a thriving Jewish community. The Director will oversee all aspects of Jewish education from Kindergarten through 12th grade - including Religious School, Hebrew education, family programs, and retreats - as well as youth engagement for Kindergarten through 5th grade. This role will also work closely with the Director of Early Childhood Engagement and the Youth Group (Middle and High School) Advisor to form a continuum of Jewish experiences. In collaboration with clergy, staff, and lay leadership, the Director will help create, support, and implement our educational vision and cultivate multiple touchpoints for youth and family engagement at United Hebrew. Key Responsibilities:
Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Religious School, including curriculum development, teacher supervision, registration, and classroom management. Hire, train, evaluate, and support Religious School faculty, offering ongoing professional development opportunities. Design and implement dynamic Jewish educational programs that promote Jewish values, tradition, and community. Work with the Education and Engagement (Parent) Committee to offer family programming and parent engagement opportunities. Collaborate with clergy and senior staff to integrate youth education and programming into broader synagogue life. Communicate regularly with families to foster strong relationships and encourage participation in synagogue life. Team: The Director of Youth Education and Engagement will…
Report directly to the Rabbi. Supervise 15 Religious and Hebrew School Teachers as well as 20+ Teen Madrichim. Collaborate with our supportive full-staff team, including clergy, administrative staff, other directors, and part-time program specialists. Participate in the local Educators Council through JProSTL and additional support as a member of ARJE. Desired Experience and Qualifications: Required:
Bachelor's degree, preferably in Education, Jewish Studies, or a related field. Proven experience in education or youth programming with various age groups. Knowledge of (Reform) Judaism, Jewish traditions, and prayerbook Hebrew. Strong leadership, communication, organizational, attention to detail, and technical skills (including experience with Microsoft and/or Google Suite). Passion for working with children and families and a commitment to fostering Jewish identity and community. Ideal: Master's degree or commensurate in Education, Jewish Education, or a related field. 3-5+ years of experience in education or youth programming, including teaching, staff supervision, and curriculum development, preferably in a Jewish organizational setting. Jewish camp or immersive youth program experience. Familiarity with Constant Contact and ShulCloud (or other customer management software); professional experience with social media platforms is a plus. Teamwork, collaboration, creativity, flexibility, and vision. Religious/Hebrew School Overview: United Hebrew is a community of 800 member families with approximately 150 Students enrolled in our Religious School (K-12). Religious School meets on Sunday mornings. Kindergarten through 5th Grade attend from 9:00am to 11:15am, including all school t’fillah, music, and specialty time with our ShinShin from Israel. 6th through 10th Grade (Confirmation) attend from 11:30am to 1:00pm, also including time with our ShinShin as well as cooking and service opportunities. 11th and 12th Grades meet once a month for a special session with our clergy, often around food and culture, focusing on being Jewish beyond the synagogue. Madrichim (teen leaders) – Many of our 8th through 12th graders assist in our Kindergarten-5th Grade program, with 11th and 12th also working with Grades 6-9. Our small-group Hebrew programs, for 3rd Grade through B’nai Mitzvah, meet once a week, with times either on Sunday or on 2-3 weekday afternoons. Hours: The position is full-time, approximately 40 hours per week with most Saturdays and an additional weekday off. Hours are flexible, though generally include 10am to 6pm on weekdays (present for afternoon Hebrew groups), Sundays 7:30am to 2:30pm, as well as periodic family programs and holiday events. Availability to work from home is determined in concert with the supervisor/Senior Rabbi. Additional Benefits: Health insurance: including medical with opt-in dental and vision coverage. Paid time off (PTO) and family leave. Tuition benefits for early childhood and religious school programs (if applicable). Retirement contribution after first year. Professional membership dues and professional development allowance. How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their qualifications and interest in the role to Rabbi Brigitte Rosenberg at brosenberg@unitedhebrew.org.
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