Job Title: Dean, Masor School for Jewish Education and Leadership
Status: Full-time/Exempt
Department: Office of Academic Affairs
Salary Range: $160,000 - $180,000; Salary commensurate with education and experience.
Supervisor: Provost
Location: 4 Days In-Person (Mon-Thur); 1 Day-Remote (Fri)
About American Jewish University
American Jewish University (AJU)’s mission is singularly focused on the future of Jewish life in North America—training and educating the next generation of rabbis, educators, professionals, and lay leaders, and creating innovative, dynamic pathways for Jewish learning and living. With locations in Bel Air (soon to be relocated, likely to the San Fernando Valley), Beverly Hills, and Simi Valley, as well as distance education programs serving learners nationwide and globally, AJU is a private, nonprofit institution of higher education offering both community-based and formal academic programs.
AJU comprises two academic schools offering degree programs: the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies (ZSRS), which provides an in-person MA in Rabbinic Studies and ordains Conservative rabbis; and the Masor School for Jewish Education and Leadership (Masor School), which offers fully online programs in early childhood education at the BA, MA, and EdD levels, along with certificate programs and an EdD in Jewish Education and Communal Leadership. AJU also delivers for-credit undergraduate-level coursework to high school students through its Jewish Learning Experience (JLE) program. In 2024–25, the University enrolled 164 full-time equivalent (FTE) students with a total, unduplicated enrollment of 536.
Position Overview
The Dean of the Masor School for Jewish Education and Leadership (Masor School) serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the Masor School at American Jewish University—a focused, mission-driven Jewish institution committed to academic excellence, values-based learning, and community engagement. The Dean will lead a dynamic team that includes a Masor School Senior Director, Associate Director of Academic and Faculty Services, full-time faculty on multi-year contracts, as well as adjunct faculty and mentor teachers.
The Dean position is in-person four days a week, with one remote workday, based at a TBD office in or near Encino, CA, or Sherman Oaks, CA, working collaboratively and dynamically with their administrative team, as well as AJU’s academic, leadership, and administrative staff.
The Dean is responsible for the strategic leadership, administration, and academic integrity of the Masor School. This role oversees faculty, curriculum development, student success efforts, accreditation compliance, and overall academic operations. In partnership with the President, Provost, and Development Office, the Dean also supports fundraising and grant initiatives for the School.
The position demands a blend of strong project management, strategic vision, and thought leadership, coupled with exceptional formal communication and problem-solving skills. The role also requires the administrative leadership necessary to drive initiatives at this level of responsibility, guiding the Masor School team toward innovative solutions and growth.
Key Responsibilities
- A strong commitment to AJU’s mission and to strengthening Jewish community life in North America.
- Provide strategic and academic leadership for the Masor School, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and values.
- Supervise and support programmatic leadership and administrative personnel, including the Senior Director and Associate Director of Academic and Faculty Services, faculty, and staff.
- Lead efforts to enhance academic policies, teacher preparation, curriculum innovation, and research excellence.
- Enhance existing programs and develop new academic initiatives to address emerging trends in education.
- Draw on assessment and program-evaluation strategies to make data-driven decisions for program enhancement.
- Oversee curriculum development, assessment, and continuous improvement of degree and certificate programs.
- Address academic concerns, grievances, and appeals.
- Recruit, mentor, and retain diverse, high-quality faculty dedicated to scholarship and teaching excellence.
- Cultivate partnerships with Jewish and general education institutions, including day schools, preschools, and community organizations.
- Strengthen student recruitment, retention, and graduation rates.
- Manage budgets, grant opportunities, and resource allocation in coordination with university administration.
- Represent the School internally and externally, advocating for its mission and programs.
- Collaborate with the President, Provost, and Development Office to support fundraising and grant initiatives for the School.
Minimum Requirements/Qualifications
- An earned doctorate in education or a related field from an accredited institution.
- A proven record of academic leadership and teaching experience, preferably within a post-secondary environment.
- Demonstrated success in strategic planning, program development, and team leadership.
- A deep understanding of Jewish educational and communal contexts or experience in Jewish institutions is strongly preferred.
- Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusive education.
- Experience generating and accommodating enrollment growth.
- Proficiency with online education and emerging instructional technologies.
- Ideally, a record of peer-reviewed scholarly publishing; at minimum, strong knowledge of research methods and the ability to support and produce such work.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Senior Director of the Masor School & Faculty member (multi-year contract) (FT)
- Associate Director of Academic and Faculty Services (FT)
- Masor School Faculty Member (multi-year contract) (FT)
- Masor School Adjunct Faculty and Mentors
Additional Non-Supervisory Support for the Masor School
- 3 Coordinators of Academic Affairs
- Associate Provost and (Interim) Vice Dean of Masor School Operations
Items listed may not be all inclusive and responsibilities may change over time.