Seeking an enthusiastic, collaborative, and organized candidate with a passion for engaging Jewish teens to serve as Teen Engagement Advisor. This is an exciting opportunity for someone interested in dreaming big and sharing Judaism with teens in ways that will resonate for them. Under the direction of our Executive Director, the Teen Engagement Advisor will manage all aspects of our Teen Program including cultivating and building relationships with teens; developing and leading teen programs, meetings and events; and managing the administrative foundation of the program. A vibrant teen program is a synagogue priority and we are excited for someone to join our team and think critically about meeting teens where they are and enriching their lives through a Jewish communal lens.
Who are we? Who are our teens?
Westchester Jewish Center (WJC) is a Conservative, traditional and egalitarian synagogue, located in Mamaroneck, NY, just a 35 minute train ride from NYC. We invite members to experience, participate in, and celebrate the richness of our heritage and rejoice in its relevance today.
We are looking to re-invigorate our Teen program and know that a full time advisor building bonds with our teens and collaboratively planning events, learning opportunities, and other meaningful experiences will allow teens to continue to stay or become more engaged in synagogue life. Our teens (grades 8-12) attend public schools, private schools, and Jewish day schools, and have varied and vibrant Jewish identities and family backgrounds.
Position Responsibilities:
Experiential and Relationship Building:
- Foster relationships between teens of all ages and backgrounds; empower teens to try new things and develop new friendships.
- Build relationships with teens one-on-one.
- Facilitate twice-monthly meetings with our Teen Council to plan events for their peers.
- Lead teen events once or twice per month. Currently events take place on Sunday afternoons once a month.
- Organize learning opportunities for our teens. This might include engaging with our teens in a county-wide program or developing and leading a weekly in-house program at our synagogue.
- Accompany teens on experiences including a weekend or multi-day trip.
Vision and Operation:
- Examine our current program and think critically about changes that could enhance teen engagement. Implement new ideas, with the knowledge that some ideas will succeed and others we will learn from.
- Create measures to assess success of initiatives.
- Survey the landscape of synagogue-based and other teen programs nationally to bring new ideas to WJC.
- Build relationships with other youth-serving organizations in lower Westchester with an eye towards collaborative events and activities where interests are aligned.
Communications and Administrative:
- Communicate with teens and parents of teens via weekly email blast and on other platforms (text, What’s App, Remind app, phone calls).
- Maintain a database of teens in our synagogue community, making sure that information is correct and up-to-date.
- Oversee and manage all program logistics, including registration, reservations, and ordering necessary supplies.
Who is the Successful Candidate?
Someone who is passionate and enthusiastic about Judaism and Jewish life.
We welcome candidates with diverse Jewish backgrounds and are comfortable working in a Conservative Jewish community. WJC is a USCJ-affiliated Conservative synagogue.
Someone who has experience with youth and teens aged 12-18.
Have you been a student teacher? Were you a youth group advisor? Did you work at a camp? We are looking for someone who is friendly and approachable, who maintains appropriate boundaries with teens, and who has strong moral character and good judgment.
Someone with strong organizational and communication skills.
We are looking for a self-starter, someone who pays attention to details, who is organized and able to multitask. Experience with Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets, Constant Contact, and other platforms is a plus, but not required.
Someone who is open-minded and flexible.
Teens are exploring and pushing boundaries, asking questions and figuring out who they are Jewishly and who they are in the world. Are you able to form relationships with, support, and encourage teens who might do Judaism differently than you do?
Additionally, we are looking for someone who maintains a positive attitude and outlook. College graduate preferred, but not required.
Compensation: $53K-60K dependent on experience
Please contact Sherry Thaler at [email protected] with resume and cover letter.