Director of Lev Learning
Makom Solel Lakeside– Highland Park, Illinois
Full-time position, in person
Makom Solel Lakeside seeks a Director of Lev Learning to guide our Lev Learning School. “Lev” means “heart,” and this role centers on connecting head and heart—creating learning that is intellectually alive, emotionally resonant, and spiritually grounded for our Pre-K-12 students.
Building on Makom’s recent rapid growth, the Director of Lev Learning will work to help maximize our space and work in close partnership with clergy, staff, and lay leadership to deepen Jewish identity, build community, and inspire social action in the world.
Lev Learning Program’s Vision and Mission
Makom Solel Lakeside is a welcoming Reform Jewish congregation where learning, worship, and community are deeply intertwined. Through our Lev Learning program, we invite learners of all ages to explore the beauty, meaning, and joy of Jewish life. Our vision is to inspire curiosity, compassion, and connection and to help every learner discover how Jewish wisdom can enrich their daily lives. We nurture confident, engaged Jews who bring heart, purpose, and justice into the world. Makom Solel Lakeside offers a special opportunity for an inspiring, forward-thinking Director of Education to lead a caring and dynamic Jewish learning community. We are seeking an educational leader who will bring vision, warmth, and creativity—someone who will partner with our dedicated team to make Jewish learning come alive for our learners and families.
Core Responsibilities
Educational Vision and Curriculum Leadership
The Director will design and implement learning experiences that reflect the values of Reform Judaism and the unique character of Makom Solel Lakeside. This includes:
- Reviewing, implementing, and helping develop, as needed, curriculum and programming for students in grades Pre-K–12. The curriculum will nurture a love of Judaism, God, Israel, and the pursuit of social justice, while working on ways to involve families, art, music, and Jewish culture.
- Supervising and supporting faculty and madrichim (older students assisting teachers), cultivating professional growth and a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and excellence.
- Finding creative ways to use our space to meet the needs of our growing school.
- Ensuring inclusion for students with diverse learning, social, and emotional needs.
- Partnering with clergy and lay leaders to align youth learning, B Mitzvah preparation, and larger synagogue life.
- Fostering experiential learning that connects classroom study with community action and Jewish values lived out in daily life.
Community Building and Engagement
- Build deep, authentic relationships with children, parents, and families—helping them find belonging and meaning within the Makom community.
- Participate in congregational life and, as much as possible, in holiday celebrations and community events.
- Partner with clergy and staff to integrate Lev Learning families into the broader rhythm of synagogue life, including family shabbat dinners and Sunday morning programming.
- Represent Makom in professional Jewish education networks, maintaining awareness of emerging trends and best practices.
Administration and Leadership
- Lead and manage all aspects of Lev Learning operations, including scheduling, staffing, and program logistics.
- Recruit, mentor, evaluate and supervise teachers, madrichim, and administrative staff; oversee faculty meetings, professional development, and performance reviews.
- Prepare and manage the Lev Learning budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility.
- Attending monthly Board meetings providing reports when requested and input on congregational matters.
- Communicate clearly and consistently with families through email updates, newsletters, and social media.
- Collaborate with clergy and staff on calendar planning and coordination of facility use.
- Uphold safe, supportive learning environments guided by clear expectations and shared community values.
Reporting
- Reports to clergy on responsibilities relating to Educational Vision and Curriculum Leadership.
- Reports to Executive Director, and ultimately to Board of Directors, and works closely with clergy, on responsibilities relating to Community Building and Engagement, and Administration and Leadership.
Qualifications
- Required:
- Bachelor’s Degree.
- Strong administrative, interpersonal, organizational, supervisory, and communication skills.
- Love of Judaism, Israel, and Jewish texts, prayer, and culture.
- A warm, flexible, and creative spirit with a deep commitment to the mission and values of Reform Judaism.
- At least three years in Education, including administrative experience.
- Preferred:
- MA in Education, Jewish Education, or related field.
- Three to five years in a leadership position at a religious school.
- Demonstrated success in curriculum innovation, faculty development, and community engagement.
Our Congregation
Makom Solel Lakeside is a vibrant, inclusive Reform community in Highland Park, Illinois where spiritual life, lifelong learning, and social justice intersect. With approximately 650 member families, we embrace interfaith households and all who seek meaning through Jewish life. Our clergy and staff work collaboratively, guided by our belief that everyone who walks through our doors should feel inspired, uplifted, and connected.
Compensation
Salary commensurate with experience ($100k-$130k/year), plus benefits including health insurance, professional development, and retirement contributions.