Director of Religious School

Temple Israel of the City of New York | New York, NY

Posted Date 4/18/2025
Description

Director of Religious School

Inspire. Innovate. Lead the next chapter of Jewish education.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Director of Religious School to lead our PreK–12 educational programming and shape the future of Jewish learning in our congregation. This is a leadership role ideal for a seasoned educator who combines pedagogical expertise with a passion for community engagement and a deep understanding of Jewish life and values.

The Director of Religious School will be a key member of our educational leadership team, overseeing formal and informal educational experiences, supporting faculty, engaging families, and cultivating a learning environment that is inclusive, hands-on, and spiritually rich. The ideal candidate brings warmth, creativity, and a strategic mindset, and is excited to partner with clergy, staff, and lay leaders to advance a compelling vision for Jewish education.

Core Responsibilities

Educational Leadership & Curriculum Development

  • Lead the development, implementation, and continuous evaluation of an innovative and engaging Religious School curriculum for grades PreK–12.
  • Ensure that curriculum reflects best practices in Jewish education, differentiated instruction, and experiential learning.
  • Cultivate a school culture that fosters a love of learning, Jewish identity, Hebrew language, and meaningful engagement with Jewish traditions.
  • Modify curriculum and instructional approaches to support learners of all abilities, creating a welcoming and accessible environment for every child.
  • Oversee day-to-day operations of the Religious School, ensuring smooth execution on Mondays, Wednesdays, and designated Sundays.

Faculty Supervision & Professional Development

  • Recruit, mentor, and supervise a team of passionate and talented educators.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, creativity, and reflective practice among faculty.
  • Design and implement professional development opportunities aligned with pedagogical goals and educator growth.
  • Serve as an educational coach, providing guidance, feedback, and ongoing support to ensure high-quality instruction across all grade levels.

Family & Community Engagement

  • Build strong, trust-based relationships with parents and guardians, serving as a thought partner in their children’s Jewish journey.
  • Communicate regularly and transparently with families about curriculum, programming, and student progress.
  • Partner with clergy and professional staff to lead family learning opportunities that extend the values and lessons of the classroom into the home.
  • Serve as an ambassador for the school, actively engaging with prospective families and supporting recruitment efforts.

Program Administration & Strategic Planning

  • Collaborate with the Director of Learning and Engagement on strategic visioning and long-term planning.
  • Develop and manage the Religious School budget, ensuring responsible allocation of resources.
  • Oversee school calendar, scheduling, registration, and special programs, in collaboration with other departments and stakeholders.
  • Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and mission-aligned organizational culture.

Qualifications

  • Proven experience in Jewish education leadership, preferably in a congregational or community-based setting.
  • Deep knowledge of Jewish life, holidays, Hebrew language, and contemporary educational practices.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead teams, mentor educators, and inspire excellence in teaching and learning.
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a warm and engaging presence.
  • Strong organizational and administrative skills, including experience with budgeting, scheduling, and program development.
  • A collaborative, team-oriented approach with the ability to think strategically and work across departments.
  • Bachelor's degree in Education, Jewish Studies, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.

Why Join Us?

You will be part of a dynamic, mission-driven team dedicated to creating meaningful Jewish experiences for children and families. This role offers the opportunity to innovate, lead, and make a lasting impact in a community that values learning, connection, and tradition.

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Duration
Full Time
Categories
Bnai Mitzvah | Community Organizing | Curricula | Director | Education - Other | Engagement | Hebrew | Principal | Religious School Administrator
Organization Type
Synagogue
Salary100,000.00 - 125,000.00 Annual
Benefits
Retirement Plans | Dental | FSA | Medical Insurance | Paid Holidays | Paid Vacation | Parental Leave | Sick Days
Job Location
US
Views 461

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