RIVERDALE JEWISH CENTER
Youth Director
Riverdale, New York
The Riverdale Jewish Center is seeking a part-time Youth Director - a structured, mentored opportunity for the right person or couple to lead a thriving youth department, build real professional skills, and become rooted in one of New York’s most vibrant Modern Orthodox communities.
This position is designed for someone early in their career who is serious about Jewish education, synagogue life, or communal leadership - and who wants their experience to be genuinely formative. You will work closely with the Rabbi, the Executive Director, the Shul President, and the Youth Committee Chair, building a professional foundation, a meaningful body of work, and deep roots in a community that knows you.
Position at a Glance
Type: Part-time salaried position - approximately 15 - 20 hours per week
Compensation: Competitive; commensurate with experience - details discussed with candidates
Commitment: Minimum two years
Location: Riverdale, NY - candidates should plan to live locally
Schedule: Mondays in-office; most Shabbatot and Yomim Tovim; regular Sunday programming; occasional weeknights
Reports to: Senior Rabbi and Youth Committee Chair
Open to: Individual or couple
Mentorship & Professional Growth
We believe the best Jewish communal professionals are developed through mentorship, not just experience. As Youth Director, you will:
- Work closely with the Senior Rabbi on programming vision, values, and community relationships
- Collaborate with the Executive Director and office staff on scheduling, communications, and department logistics
- Partner with the Shul President on leadership, lay committee dynamics, and communal strategy
- Work with the Youth Committee Chair and committee members to plan, refine, and grow the youth program
Responsibilities
The Youth Director is responsible for the full scope of the RJC Youth Department - from toddlers through 12th grade. This means holding a bird’s-eye view of the entire year: planning a thoughtful, well-rounded calendar in advance that serves every age group, then executing it with a team of student youth leaders and the broader RJC staff. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following.
Toddlers & Lower School
- Oversee Tot Shabbat and Shabbat and Yom Tov morning youth groups; hire, train, and support a team of student youth leaders
- Organize holiday and seasonal events throughout the year that connect younger children to the Jewish calendar
Middle School & High School
- Coordinate with the Teen Director to support meaningful engagement for teen minyan participants
- Develop relationship-driven programming including Friday night onegs, Shabbat gatherings, and seasonal events
- Engage and develop teen youth leaders as active participants in department programming and their own Jewish growth
- Oversee sports programs and other recurring youth initiatives
Department Administration
- Maintain a full-year program calendar with a clear vision for all ages - planning ahead so the department runs with intention
- Attend and facilitate Youth Committee meetings; maintain a close working relationship with the Youth Committee Chair
- Coordinate communications - including listserv emails, flyers, and announcements - in collaboration with office staff
- Maintain a balanced annual budget with the Executive Director
- Hold a weekly Monday in-office day and regular staff meetings
Who We Are Looking For
We are looking for someone with warmth, good judgment, and a genuine passion for children's Jewish growth - someone who takes this work seriously and wants to do it well.
- Passionate about children and teenagers and their connection to Jewish life
- Experience in informal Jewish education, youth work, or camp
- Organized, communicative, and comfortable managing a team
- Coachable - open to feedback and willing to work collaboratively within an established community
- Modern Orthodox and Shabbat-observant, committed to living in Riverdale, participating in community religious life, and supportive of Israel
- Able to commit to a minimum of two years
- Open to an individual or a couple
Schedule & Commitment
This is a part-time role of approximately 15 - 20 hours per week. Shabbatot are at the heart of the job - most are required, with five off per year plus Yomim Tovim. Mondays are the weekly in-office day. Some weeknights are required for programming and meetings.
How to Apply
Send a resume and a brief cover letter to [email protected] - tell us who you are, what draws you to this work, and what you hope this position leads to for you. We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis. Questions are welcome - feel free to reach out before applying.