Director of Jewish Education

Temple Israel, Columbus, Ohio

Temple Israel is a 180-year-old Reform synagogue located in central Ohio, deeply committed to Jewish learning, community, and the growth of young Jewish lives in an inclusive and welcoming environment. We believe meaningful Jewish education is built through strong relationships—among students, families, clergy, and a professional staff that works closely, thoughtfully, and collaboratively.

Temple Israel seeks a seasoned, highly organized Jewish educator to serve as Director of Jewish Education, leading our growing Religious School and teen programming. This is not an entry-level role. It is a senior, operational leadership position for a professional who has successfully run a school and is ready to bring both strong execution and thoughtful vision to a thriving community.

Postition Overview

The Director of Jewish Education oversees Jewish education for students in Pre-K through 7th grade, leads teen engagement and Madrichim programming, supervises faculty and teen staff, and partners closely with clergy and professional leadership.

Success in this role requires exceptional organizational and time-management skills, comfort with weekly administrative responsibilities, strong Jewish educational pedagogy, and the ability to build trusting relationships with families.

We are intentional about our professional culture and seek a colleague who values collaboration, accountability, consistency, and long-term program building. We are looking for someone to be a valued part of the senior leadership team who has great leadership and mentoring skills. 

Key Responsibilities

Religious School & Educational Leadership

• Provide comprehensive leadership and day-to-day management of the Religious School (Pre-K–7)

• Ensure smooth operations, consistency, and a high-quality educational experience

• Oversee weekly administrative responsibilities including:

  • Scheduling and staffing coordination

  • Lesson readiness and supply preparation

  • Family communication

• Balance strong operational execution with thoughtful program evolution

• Strengthen and build upon existing curriculum

• Lead implementation and evaluation of Religious School and Hebrew Pod curricula in partnership with clergy and the education team

• Apply strong knowledge of educational pedagogy, child development, and Jewish education
  (Hebrew language learning experience is a strong plus)

Faculty, Teen & Madrichim Leadership

• Hire, supervise, mentor, and evaluate Religious School teachers and Teen Madrichim

• Provide training and leadership development for Teen Madrichim as educators and Jewish role models

• Currently supervises approximately 13 teachers and 27 Teen Madrichim

Teen Engagement & Programming

• Lead post–B’nai Mitzvah teen engagement and leadership development

• Oversee and grow the Madrichim program

• Support teen trips and travel experiences

Family Engagement & Community Relationships

• Partner effectively with parents and caregivers through clear communication and expectation-setting

• Navigate challenges with professionalism, warmth, and responsiveness

• Build trust through consistency and relationship-centered leadership

Team Structure & Collaboration

• Reports to the Executive Director

• Partners closely with clergy on educational vision and curriculum

• Supervises:

  • Religious School part-time administrative assistant

  • Teachers and teen staff

• Collaborates with professional and administrative colleagues

• Serves as a thought partner with the Jewish Educators Organization (JEOrg) of Columbus

Required Experience & Qualifications

Required Experience

• Proven success leading a synagogue-based Religious School or comparable educational program

• 3–5+ years of senior leadership experience in Jewish education, including:

  • Operations

  • Staff supervision

  • Curriculum oversight

• Clear professional identity as a Jewish educator grounded in Jewish learning, tradition, holidays, and communal life

• Interest in long-term leadership and program continuity

Core Competencies

• Strong educational pedagogy and understanding of child development

• Operational leadership and weekly program management

• Initiative and follow-through

• Effective time management and prioritization

• Confident family partnership and communication

• Collaborative leadership style

• Comfort with educational technology and systems

• Comfort with social media

• Flexibility and adaptability within a structured environment

Religious School Snapshot

• Religious School: Sundays, 9:00–11:30 AM
  Includes Tefillah, Havdalah, Shirah with the Cantor, and experiential learning
  Approximately 200 students (including Madrichim)

• Hebrew Pods (Grades 3–6):

  • Sundays after Religious School until 12:45 PM

  • One weekday afternoon, 4:30–5:30 PM

• Madrichim Program:
  Teen leaders support classrooms and creative, inclusive programming, with monthly training

Schedule & Work Expectations

• Full-time, exempt position (minimum 40 hours/week)

• Some weeks may require up to ~50 hours, especially during:

  • Religious School year

  • High Holidays

  • Special programs

Typical Schedule:

• Weekdays: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Hebrew Pod days: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• Sundays (Religious School): 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• Evenings, holidays, and special programs as needed

Mondays and most Saturdays are generally off during the school year, outside of major holidays or special events.

The Director of Jewish Education is expected to be present and engaged in:

• Family programs

• Community-wide events

• Education Team meetings

• Education-related Board meetings

Limited remote work may be available in coordination with the supervisor and Senior Rabbi, based on program needs.

Location

Temple Israel
3100 E Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43209

Benefits

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience

• Health insurance options for individual and family (medical, dental, vision) 

• Retirement benefits at 12% through the Reform Pension Board

• Paid Time Off (vacation, personal/sick days, holidays)

• 1 week winter break

• 12 weeks paid parental leave

• Professional development funding

• Association of Reform Jewish Educators (ARJE) membership

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume to:

Natalie Adler, Executive Director
[email protected]

Temple Israel is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply and join our community rooted in respect, equity, and shared purpose.