Congregation Mishkan Shalom, a Reconstructionist synagogue in Philadelphia, PA, seeks a Youth Coordinator (Part Time). We are a diverse, progressive and inclusive community with a growing congregational school, an array of adult education opportunities and a commitment to activism. We are dedicated to Tikkun Olam, repair of the world, as described in our Statement of Principles.   

This position, reporting to the Education Director, is a newly created role responsible for building and sustaining vibrant youth programming for teens. This position is foundational to a multi-year vision that will grow in scope and responsibility as programming expands. In the first year, the primary focus is on establishing the infrastructure, relationships, and rhythms that will carry the program forward for years to come. Working in active collaboration with the Rabbi, the Education Director, and lay leadership, this position will help to ensure we have programming to create a cohesive and supportive experience through high school for our youth.

The ideal candidate is relational, organized, and passionate about Jewish community life, with a talent for engaging young people and supporting family connection. This person will be able to design compelling programming and occasional services for 13-18 year olds, relate to youth in that age range, and proactively engage teens to keep events on their radar and drive consistent attendance. The Mishkan Shalom community has an exceptionally willing population that is happy to help under your leadership.

The ideal candidate will be able to work independently and as an engaged team member, promote positive interactions with young people and families who hold a broad range of opinions on current political, social and religious issues, and build authentic, trusting relationships that make teens feel seen, valued, and connected to their community.

This is a part time, on-site, position about 15 hours a month and is expected to grow in hours and scope as the programming grows.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Meet with teens up to two evenings per month and design programming that is exciting, compelling, and responsive to their evolving needs and interests. Examples may include:
• Continuous Learning: Field trips to other congregations (including other faiths); discussions on timely and relevant issues for teens
• Social: Game nights; Dungeons & Dragons; and other group activities
• Community Investment: Creating care packages for Mishkan college students; maintaining the synagogue's on-site arboretum in collaboration with Site Stewards
• Culture & Fun: Cooking classes; field trips; and hands-on experiences
• Social Action: Addressing issues like food insecurity through volunteering and advocacy; letter-writing campaigns; engagement with local policy
• Design and implement teen engagement and worship programming for Rosh Hashanah Day 1

Scheduling Requirements:

• Up to two Wednesday evenings per month, 6:00–7:30 PM (Wednesday is when current programming is scheduled; for the right candidate, other weekday evenings may be considered)
• The first day of Rosh Hashanah
• Some Shabbat mornings (Shabbatot)

Preferred Qualities and Background:

   - Professional Experience

• Demonstrated success working with teens or youth, with preference for experience as a Rabbinical student, Jewish summer camp staff member, or Jewish youth movement leader
• Background in event coordination, outreach, or driving participation
• Experience in Jewish service leadership or engagement (a plus)

   - Personal Qualities & Work Style

• Passion for Jewish community life

• Familiarity with Jewish customs, synagogue life, and holidays

• Warmth, personability, and relationship focus

• Strong communication skills

• Creative and diagnostic thinking (able to design activities tailored to the people who show up)

• Ability to prioritize, problem-solve, and stay calm under pressure

• Sound judgment, confidentiality, integrity, and tact

• Proactive, collaborative spirit in dynamic, fast-changing environments
• Ability to connect and work effectively with clergy, staff, teens, and families 

Growth Potential

• Open to a role that expands in hours and scope over time

Hiring Range 

• $25-$35/hour, depending on experience

To apply, please submit as a single attachment in Word or PDF document  your resume, cover letter, and a list of three professional references, with contact information (we will not contact prior to consent), to [email protected]. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Mishkan Shalom is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants need not be Jewish.