Job Description - Youth Director, Congregation Or Torah
About the Role
Congregation Or Torah, of Skokie, IL, seeks a dynamic and passionate Youth Director. The Youth Director is responsible for the overall management, development, and delivery of youth programming for the shul. The ultimate goal of the Youth Director is to foster among our youth a deeper connection to the Jewish community, our synagogue, and Torah observance.
This position is responsible for developing and leading a successful Youth Program, comprising diverse activities for various age groups and levels of observance. The Youth Director will report directly to the Executive Director and will work closely with the Rabbi and volunteers, including the shul’s Youth Chairs and Committee. The Youth Director will supervise and manage the youth group leaders as well.
The Youth Director is a role model for Jewish values and the promotion of Jewish identity.
About Or Torah
Congregation Or Torah (www.ortorah.org) is one of the largest Modern Orthodox Synagogues in the Midwest, with approximately 350 member families. Our congregation, led by Rabbi Zvi Engel, serves as a place of spiritual growth and communal activity within the greater Skokie area.
Or Torah’s mission is to provide a premier Modern Orthodox experience to our membership. We are committed to spiritual growth and Jewish education, an embrace of and respect for fellow Jews, strong support of Israel, an emphasis on the entire family experience, social consciousness, and community responsibility.
Job Responsibilities
Program Development & Management
- Create and manage the annual Youth Program calendar, ensuring a balance of educational, social, and religious activities throughout the academic year.
- Develop, implement, and oversee regular activities, including:
- Weekly Shabbat Groups, ranging from 6 months through 6th grade
- Weekly Shabbat Jr. Congregation (5th-6th Graders)
- Monthly youth events, including special programming for every Chag (Rosh Hashanah, Succot, Simchat Torah, Chanukah, Purim, Pesach, Shavuot, and Yom Ha’atzmaut)
- Parent-child Torah learning opportunities
- 1-2 times a year, high-profile special programs for youth, parents, and the community
- Provide a fun environment, where youth want to come to shul
- Attract and retain increased numbers of youth to shul programs
- Collaborate with the Executive Director, Rabbi, and board/Youth Committee to align youth programming with the shul’s broader mission
Leadership
- Recruit, develop, and supervise a team of Madrichim (youth group leaders)
- Provide leadership training and opportunities for Madrichim
- Serve as a positive and accessible mentor and role model for our youth as a visibly observant, engaged Jew
Engagement & Outreach
- Actively engage with youth and their families to encourage participation and build a sense of community
- Promote youth events effectively, to parents and their youth, through a range of mediums, including in-person conversations, social media, email, and synagogue newsletters
- Occasionally liaise with other local youth leaders to collaborate on joint programs
- Maintain regular communication with synagogue staff and supervisor
Management and Administration
- Manage the Youth Program budget, including tracking expenses and ensuring cost-effective programming
- Submit monthly payroll/budgets to the Executive Director
- Ensure adequate youth supplies (e.g. snacks, games) to support youth programming
- Staff programs and events with Madrichim and/or adult volunteers
- Develop a handbook for Youth activities to allow for improved organization and efficiency
- Together with the Executive Director, Rabbi, and Youth Committee, evaluate programming on an ongoing basis to ensure that the Youth program is meeting its goals
Qualifications & Skills
- Minimum of two years proven success leading a youth program in a synagogue or similar experience, including accountability for developing and delivering programs on your own initiative
- Torah knowledge sufficient to deliver youth programs within an Orthodox synagogue
- Exceptional interpersonal and English communication skills, with the ability to connect with a wide range of people and age groups. (Children and their parents.)
- Capacity to act as a role model by engaging with youth in a manner that is professional and consistent with Jewish values
- Strong leadership skills
- Computer literacy, including Google Workspace, email, and social media
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills
- Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and Jewish holidays
- Bachelor’s degree preferred (or similar requisite experience)
For more information or to apply, email your resume and cover letter to [email protected].
To see this job description in a PDF format, click here.