Director of Congregational Learning

Temple Beth-El

Director of Congregational Learning

Position Description

Temple Beth-El (TBE) is a Reform congregation in Northbrook, IL, serving 400 families with a school enrollment of 190 students in a fast growing community. Our school is geared towards today’s families and provides a flexible education experience with a high level of compassion and care.    

We seek a warm, highly motivated, innovative, enthusiastic, organized, broad thinking, Director of Congregational Learning to continue this growth and bring us to the next level.  We seek a collaborator who will work closely with all stakeholders to create a cohesive team while managing and implementing a well-run, seamless learning environment.

The Director is responsible for developing a comprehensive vision of education within the congregation in collaboration with the Rabbi, Cantor, and staff, and in consultation with the Vice President of Education and the Board of Directors.  The Director of Congregational Learning is a full-time position reporting to the Rabbi and the Executive Director.

Administrative/Budget

• Responsible for day to day operation of the Temple Beth-El Slavin Malkin School including hiring and evaluation of teachers, developing the annual school calendar, developing and maintaining the budget, scheduling classes, and teacher assignments, and directing and overseeing the school 
• Work effectively with the Education & Operations Coordinator and office staff regarding all communication and activities.
• Develop and communicate teacher expectations and provide professional development to maintain a high quality educational staff and program.
• Supervise Judaic and Hebrew School, teachers, and support staff.
• Develop and implement strategies for informal enrichment programs such as Shabbat class dinners, holiday programs, children’s services, Tot Shabbat, etc.
• Work in partnership with clergy on B'nai Mitzvah students' Divrei Torah and preparation for B’nai Mitzvah process.
• Oversee all aspects of the operation of the Adult and Children's Libraries
• Identify and actively pursue grant opportunities to enhance educational programming.
• Work with the Executive Director, Vice President of Education, and Vice President of Finance on the development, implementation and management of the annual budget for all aspects of educational programming.

Leadership / School Administration

• Work closely with the Rabbi, Cantor, Executive Director and Vice President of Education and the Education Committee to further TBE education goals.    
• Provide direction in designing and implementing Judaic and Hebrew curriculum 
• Oversee Youth Director to develop shared vision and programming for different age groups.
• Develop Adult Education programs with lay leaders. 
• Represent Temple Beth-El in local Jewish organizations, develop networking relationships with professional colleagues, professional and related organizations such as the URJ 
• Meet regularly with the Vice President of Education and provide leadership in developing the Committee’s priorities.
• Attend monthly TBE Board and Education Committee meetings. Participate in other lay committees as needed.

Curriculum, Program Development & Teaching

• Define educational objectives and develop, implement, monitor, evaluate and revise curriculum where needed.
• Identify and execute appropriate methodology to evaluate student progress.
• Remain current with educational trends and best practices in the field.
• Maintain and enhance flexible school structure, including a traditional model of Sundays and Tuesdays, individual tutoring, Friday Crew, and Spirit Room.
• Partner with Cantor to maintain, enhance and build the school Tefillah program and Music curriculum.
• Partner with parents, TBE staff, and community resources to identify students' unique needs.  Advocate for families and students to ensure all learning opportunities are accessible.
• Design, develop, implement and evaluate programs to include parents and/or families of students of all grade levels, including working with staff on our Temple retreat.
• Develop and promote Adult Education programs utilizing TBE and community resources. 
• Identify students’ unique needs to ensure all learning opportunities are available.

Engagement

• Engage lay leaders and TBE staff to identify, promote, oversee and evaluate programming.
• Actively engage in the life of the TBE community.
• Build meaningful relationships with students, parents and the TBE community at large.

Communication

• Prepare bi-monthly articles for the TBE newsletters.
• Proactively communicate with clergy, staff, and parents.
• Respond to contacts expeditiously and professionally.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Jewish Education or a related field, Master’s degree preferred.
• Professional experience and expertise in overseeing a Jewish Education Program and supervising staff.
• Minimum 5+ years of teaching experience preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years experience in Education Administration. 
• Strong problem-solving, interpersonal, and written and oral communication skills.
• Strong background in Judaism and knowledge of Hebrew.
• Strong writing and editing skills.
• Capable of managing, organizing, and prioritizing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Highly organized with superb attention to detail.
• Working experience with and competency in Microsoft Office platforms; knowledge of Shulcloud is a plus.

 Competitive compensation and benefits:

• Compensation commensurate upon experience and performance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous PTO and Flex Day policy
• Salary $70,000-$80,000

Send resumes and Cover letters to Sandy Ridker at [email protected] or Laurie Orenstein at [email protected]