Title: Director of Lifelong Learning
Classification: Exempt;
Department: Senior Staff, Emanuel Congregation
Status: Full-time
Reports to: Temple President & Executive Director
OVERVIEW
Emanuel Congregation, an inclusive reform synagogue located in Chicago, is seeking a Director of Lifeline Learning.
The Director of Lifelong Learning will hire and supervise a staff of teachers in order to facilitate the operations of Emanuel’s religious school (JLaB) and will generally oversee the JLaB annual budget, subject to board approval.
ABOUT US
Emanuel Congregation has over 140 years of history and a membership of 275 units. A member congregation of the Union for Reform Judaism, we provide worship services, cultural life, education, and other activities. Emanuel is a welcoming and spiritually seeking congregation, providing opportunities for all those who wish to engage in Jewish life through prayer, study, social action, and communal gathering while supporting each other in times of joy and sorrow. Our creative and diverse program efforts meet the needs of our dynamic congregation. For more information, please visit www.emanuelcong.org.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Instructional Leadership
- Hire, supervise, and evaluate all staff responsible for the provision of educational programming.
- Work in collaboration with the other professional staff to ensure effective curriculum, programming, and instruction for all aspects of educational activities.
- Provide or arrange for professional development for the teaching staff.
- Recruit and supervise madrichim/student aides.
- Work in collaboration with professional leadership to develop off-site educational programming. Oversee administrative details for these programs.
- Attend and assist with school-wide programming including Shabbat and other holiday events.
Administration
- Consult in the development and implementation of the Religious School budget.
- Arrange and facilitate Religious School staff meetings.
- Participate in the weekly synagogue staff meeting, and other meetings as required.
- Report information to the synagogue Board as requested.
- Work with and engage volunteers in any way necessary to benefit the school community.
Communication
- Communicate and coordinate with families regarding school programming, parental involvement, and education using such tools as the synagogue bulletin, e-mail, social media, and regular mail as needed.
- Communicate on a regular basis with families regarding student progress.
- Collaborate with the Marketing/Communications support role as needed to ensure all marketing materials and plans are executed to completion.
The Greater Jewish Community
- Represent the synagogue in community educational programming.
- Participate with other Jewish professionals in community meetings and programming.
- Represent Emanuel Congregation amongst colleagues on both local and national levels.
B-Mitzvah and Senior Staff support
- Senior Staff:
- Serve as a senior staff member for weekly meetings, daily/weekly/monthly planning, and overall strategic planning
- B-Mitzvah:
- Coordinate dates with families, Clergy and synagogue calendar
- Coordinate orientation meetings
- Help facilitate the B-Mitzvah program with Clergy
Vision & Program Leadership
- Establish long-range vision and annual goals for JLaB. Lead religious school through transformation to achieve new vision.
- Manage and lead all marketing efforts in support of the school.
- Lead the design and development of creative and inclusive engagement, education, and learning opportunities and programs for all ages.
- Remain informed about current local and national trends in Jewish education and create a program that reflects best practices.
Community Engagement & Partnership
- Build community engagement, capacity, expertise, and outreach.
- Seek to build membership through activities which foster a sense of community at Emanuel Congregation.
- Personal Characteristics and Qualifications
- An ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with children, parents, and leadership, both verbally and in writing
- Knowledge of Judaism and a commitment to Jewish education
- Strong interpersonal and decision-making skills
- Effective administrative skills, including attention to details, organization, and written communication
- Supervisory experience
- Ability to thrive with a small staff, and roll up the sleeves to jump in wherever necessary
- Computer literacy
EFFECTIVE DATE
Position available May 1, 2025
HOURS, COMPENSATION, AND BENEFITS
Monday through Thursday, 8:00am–4:00pm; Sunday 8:00am – 3:00pm. Evening hours will be required at times, in lieu of weekday/Sunday hours. Pay range 80,000-90,000, depending on experience level. Benefits include medical insurance and paid time off.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Please submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected].
*The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person(s) assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.