Director of Education - Temple Sholom of Chicago
We embrace a diverse community with people of varied religious backgrounds, ages, races, gender identities, abilities, sexual orientation, and economic status. This inclusive environment allows all of us to feel a sense of belonging in which we continue to connect and grow. We inspire through engaging and warm prayerful experiences with the spirit of Torah guiding us. We matter to one another – though a large community, we create smaller communities of meaning and friendship. We know each other’s names, stories, passions, and concerns. And we matter in the world. Known for its deep commitment to learning and action, 3480 N Lake Shore Drive is the first address in Chicago for scholars, thought leaders, and those ready to actively pursue tikkun olam.
We value every person as an individual and we fully welcome every individual into our beit sefer/religious school, our worship services, and our community. We hope that you will partner with us in this holy endeavor.
Our congregational community is deeply rooted in Torah, ritual, and Jewish values, and we continue to grow as a Reform synagogue, bringing warmth and light to our ancient traditions.
Be Our Director of Education!
We are looking for a deeply relational leader to identify, develop and execute their vision of a dynamic, cutting-edge learning environment in our beloved community. We are looking for a big-hearted candidate who will help us build deeper relationships and connections. In the pursuit of “raising mensches,” and with the support and guidance of a sacred team of professional and lay leaders, you will help create innovative educational experiences that enable our youth to navigate an increasingly complex world with a strong Jewish identity.
Responsibilities
- Identify, develop, and execute your vision of dynamic Jewish spiritual learning through transformational educational programs and models.
- Partner with our clergy, staff, and lay leaders to create engaging experiences to instill in our youth a strong Jewish identity and a love of Judaism.
- Oversee the efficient and smooth administration of Jewish education: Beit Sefer/Religious School, family education and retreat programming, High Holy Day youth services, and other educational activities and programs.
- Oversee, with the support of the Finance Department, the development, administration, and adherence to budgets.
- Ensure effective school communication and maintain frequent contact with parents/families and respond to their unique concerns and needs.
- Ensure the health and safety of participants in all our educational programs.
- Support and promote informal Jewish educational experiences (e.g., Jewish summer camp, Israel programs and Hillel) and work with rabbis to administer camp and Israel scholarships.
- Build relationships throughout the community, including students, families, staff, board members, lay leaders, congregants, external partners, and donors.
- Manage the ongoing transition of our Hebrew program to a prayer-centered pedagogy.
- Manage our religious school faculty, the Religious School Administrator, and Youth Engagement Coordinator (part-time), including their professional development.
- Attend our monthly Board Meetings and engage with our education-related committees.
- In partnership with the B’nai Mitzvah Program, coordinate prayer preparedness for students.
- In partnership with the Director of Early Childhood Education, develop innovative and engaging preschool program offerings outside the preschool day.
- Manage the Rabbi Frederick C. Schwartz Judaic Library.
We will support you! We’re happy to help match you with professional mentorship, executive coaching, and ongoing professional development through ARJE and other professional organizations.
Our Educational Programs
Our educational programs are focused on building strong connections – with one another in a kehila kedosha and with each person’s own Jewish identity – from the youngest ages through students in high school.
Our Hebrew program begins when students are preparing for their B’nai Mitzvah ceremonies. We want to continue to develop our Hebrew program to unlock a special part of a person’s soul, connecting them with am yisrael.
We engage our post-B’nai Mitzvah students through learning, social justice, and community building, all with the goal of further developing their Jewish identity. Our teens have the opportunity to work as teaching assistants (Madrichim), providing them the opportunity to be leaders in our community.
Attributes We Seek in Our Director of Education
We are developing the synagogue of the present that serves the future. We believe that Jewish education is key to our future and are looking for someone who will think big and identify, create, and implement groundbreaking learner-centered education programs for our youth.
We Seek Someone Who
- Is ready to build a cutting-edge, learner-centered education program that fosters a positive and inclusive Jewish identity for all participants.
- Understands the power of technology to engage our youth in vibrant learning settings.
- Uses the City of Chicago as a compelling learning landscape.
- Loves children and teaching, is warm and kind, and has a deep love of people including the Jewish people.
- Furthers our sense of kehila kedosha (sacred community) through Jewish learning.
- Helps students understand their ability to be change agents in a world in need of repair.
- Recognizes the potential of Hebrew to unlock a special part of a person’s soul, connecting them with am yisrael.
- Is in love with Torah and sharing its stories with others.
- Supports different learning styles and sees it as their responsibility to reach every type of learner.
- Possesses deep knowledge of the big principles in Jewish education.
- Sees obstacles as opportunities, always challenging themself to grow beyond their comfort zone.
- Holds the qualities to both inspire and manage, so that every team member feels appropriately challenged and completely supported.
- Builds collaborative teams composed of individuals with diverse backgrounds and teams that embrace the diversity of the Jewish people.
- Loves big institutions, understands how they run and their potential for groundbreaking work.
- Infuses youth programming with the world’s Jewish learnings and people, providing participants with transformative experiences.
Remuneration
Salary Range: $105,000 - $130,000. Commensurate with the candidate's experience and qualifications. Temple Sholom offers a comprehensive benefits package, including participation in and employer contribution to the RPB Retirement Program (15%).
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree required; MA in Jewish Education preferred.
- At least three (3) to five (5) years in Jewish Education, including administrative experience.
- Supervisory experience.
Team
You will report to our Senior Rabbi, Shoshanah Conover, and work closely with the Executive Director of Temple Sholom, Director of the Gan Shalom Early Childhood Learning Center, Facilities Supervisor, Director of Security and Director of Administrative and Member Services.
Schedule
In office Sunday - Wednesday, Friday.
For a History of Temple Sholom
Please see our website: www.sholomchicago.org
For Information or to Apply
Jeremy Perlin, Executive Director
Office: (773) 435-1537
Email: [email protected]
To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to Jeremy Perlin
Position is Available: July 2023
Temple Sholom of Chicago
3480 N Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60657
773-525-4707
www.sholomchicago.org
Senior Rabbi: Shoshanah Conover
President: Sherry Weil
Total Congregational Membership: 1,075
Number of Students in Religious School: 343
Number of Faculty: 27
Staff Supervised:
- Religious School Administrator (Full-Time)
- Youth Engagement Coordinator (Part-Time)
- Librarian (Part-Time)
- Religious School Faculty
- Teen Assistant Teachers (Madrichim)
Statement of Equal Opportunity
Temple Sholom of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.
Temple Sholom's management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs and general treatment during employment.
We Look Forward to Meeting You. Let’s Discover What We Can Build Together!