Congregation Or Shalom, a warm and inclusive Reform Jewish community in Vernon Hills, Illinois, is seeking a friendly and enthusiastic Education Coordinator to join our team. In this part-time role, you will support the Director of Lifelong Learning and help manage the day-to-day operations of our dynamic education programs. The ideal candidate is self-motivated, detail-oriented, and compassionate, with a collaborative spirit and strong interpersonal skills. We’re looking for a relationship-builder who understands that every team member plays a vital role in strengthening our community. 

At Or Shalom, we believe that Jewish learning should be joyful, inclusive, and rooted in meaningful relationships—with one another, with tradition, and with the broader world. 

This is a part-time position (24 hours per week) and requires on-site availability during key program hours: 

• Wednesdays: 1:00 PM – 8:30 PM (7.5 hours) 

• Sundays: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM (5 hours) 

• Remaining Hours (11.5 hrs): Flexible during regular weekday office hours (Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri) 

• Availability for occasional Friday evening Shabbat services and holiday programming as needed 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Program & Administrative Support 

• Serve as primary administrative support for our Jewish Journeys (i.e.,  J²) PreK–12th grade religious school and other education programs. 

• Maintain a welcoming and inclusive school environment for students, families, and staff. 

• Assist teachers and teen teaching aides (i.e., madrichim) with classroom supplies, copies, and tech support (e.g., Zoom, Google Drive). 

• Manage the school office during key program hours, including supervision of madrichim office aides. 

Enrollment & Records Management 

• Administer school registration, forms, rosters, and event sign-ups using the ShulCloud database. 

• Maintain accurate attendance and student records; assist with program participation outreach. 

Communication & Engagement 

• Handle ongoing communications with families and participants via email, phone, and text. 

• Support coordination of youth group and family events in collaboration with other staff. 

• Partner with the Communications Coordinator to promote programs through email and social media. 

Teen Madrichim Program 

• Coordinate and mentor our madrichim, including onboarding, scheduling, and quarterly professional development. 

• Foster a strong, inclusive madrichim cohort through team-building and celebration. 

Event & Office Support 

• Provide staffing and logistical support for holiday programs, grade-led Shabbat services, and other education-related events. 

• Greet all guests warmly and manage front-office traffic as needed. 

• Answer calls, manage email inquiries, and ensure timely follow-up by appropriate staff. 

• Process receipts, invoices, faculty contracts, and payroll reports. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Experience working with children, teens, and families in an educational or Jewish communal setting. 

• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; warm, professional, and composed under pressure. 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and CRM/database platforms (experience with ShulCloud is a plus). 

• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and adapt to changing needs. 

• Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills. 

• Knowledge of Reform Judaism or Jewish education environments a plus. 

KEY ATTRIBUTES 

We’re looking for someone who is: 

• Warm and welcoming, with a genuine love for working with children, teens, and families 

• Highly organized and detail-oriented, able to manage logistics and administrative systems efficiently 

• Collaborative, with a team-oriented mindset and strong interpersonal skills 

• Adaptable, ready to shift priorities and stay calm in a dynamic environment 

• Tech-comfortable, especially with tools like Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and database platforms 

• Passionate about Jewish life and learning, and excited to help build joyful, inclusive experiences 

WHAT WE OFFER 

• The hourly pay range is $20–$22/hour and is commensurate with experience 

• A commitment to a positive and collaborative staff culture 

• Paid time off for most federal and major Jewish holidays 

• Earn one hour of additional paid time off for every 40 hours worked 

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education  

WHERE YOU WORK 

Congregation Or Shalom is located in Vernon Hills, Illinois, in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. We are a welcoming, relationship-centered community where building personal connections is at the heart of everything we do. 

This in-person position includes administrative and programmatic support hours, with required availability on Sundays, Wednesday evenings, occasional Friday nights, and Jewish holidays as needed. 

TO APPLY 

Please email your resume and cover letter to [email protected]. We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and will move forward with the timeline that best supports a thoughtful transition. Final offers will be contingent on reference and background checks. 

Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? Please apply anyway! We encourage applications from individuals whose experiences and skills align with the spirit of this role, even if they don't check every box. 

Congregation Or Shalom is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against qualified applicants or employees based on any protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.