Director, Hebrew School Project

Founded in Tribeca in 2002 as a non-denominational, inclusive Jewish community, the Jewish Community Project (JCP) of Lower Manhattan now serves 300+ families through dynamic educational, cultural, and spiritual experiences. JCP operates a prominent Early Childhood Center (ECC) and a thriving Hebrew school (the Hebrew School Project, or HSP) serving 250+ children ages 3.5 to 18.

JCP is seeking an experienced, visionary, and hands-on Director of the Hebrew School Project to report to JCP’s Executive Director and lead the growth and day-to-day operations of our program. You will set the tone for the school’s culture, support and supervise our growing team, and serve as the primary face of HSP for families, staff, and the broader community. This is a highly relational and strategic leadership role, ideal for someone deeply invested in inclusive Jewish education and excited to nurture a dynamic and joyful school environment.

What you’ll do:

• Lead & Inspire the HSP Community: Set the tone and uphold school values of inclusivity, pluralism, and joyful Jewish learning. Build strong relationships with families and serve as a responsive, trusted point of contact.
• Supervise Staff & Oversee Hiring: Recruit, onboard, and support a team of 40 part-time teachers and tutors; supervise a small administrative team including an Assistant Director and administrative assistant/bookkeeper. Conduct weekly classroom observations and feedback sessions.
• Manage Operations & Budget: Ensure smooth daily functioning of the school. Effectively manage the annual budget and meet enrollment and revenue goals.
• Oversee Curriculum: Review and guide lesson planning to align with JCP’s learner-centered, inquiry-based educational approach. Support differentiated instruction for diverse learners.
• Family & Community Engagement: Serve as the primary liaison to parents and lay leaders. Support the Parent Association and develop community-building initiatives. 
• Program Management: Oversee implementation of school traditions (e.g., Hanukkah parties, Purim Shpiel) and launch new community-building initiatives. Lead grade-specific events, Shabbat celebrations, field trips, and other enrichment programming. Support the b’nai mitzvah program in partnership with clergy, families, and tutors.
• Strategic Collaboration: Partner with clergy, development, events, and other JCP departments to integrate HSP into broader organizational life.

How your success will be measured:

• Trusted, responsive leader among families, staff, and JCP colleagues.
• Smooth daily operations, minimal crises, effective conflict resolution.
• HSP meets enrollment and budget goals.
• High staff morale and low turnover.
• High satisfaction from students, families, and teachers.
• Successful implementation of key new initiatives.

Requirements:

• Experience: 5+ years managing and supervising teams, ideally in a Jewish school or camp setting; Proven ability to hire, lead, and support staff; Experience working with children (ages 3–18) and families; Comfort working with neurodiverse learners and addressing individual learning needs.
• Skills: Proficiency in Google Suite; Strong written and verbal Hebrew skills; Solid Jewish literacy across denominations (texts, culture, customs, holidays, values); Public speaking ability and comfort in front-facing leadership roles; Deep understanding of child development; Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Attributes: Detail-oriented, proactive, flexible, and open-minded; Warm, collaborative, and community-driven.
• Bonus: CRM experience (e.g., HubSpot); Ability to type in Hebrew and create Hebrew learning materials; First aid certification; Allergy awareness and familiarity with safety protocols

Why you should be excited:

• Be part of a vibrant, pluralistic Jewish community that’s growing and thriving in downtown NYC.
• Work with a dedicated, collaborative, and joyful team.
• Help shape the future of Jewish education in a way that feels personally meaningful.
• Enjoy professional development opportunities, a hybrid work structure, and a supportive supervisor.

Benefits:

• Salary: $100,000-$110,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
• Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance (fully subsidized) for individuals, vision and dental coverage; retirement plan; short & long term disability; FSA & the pre tax transit benefit.
• Time Off: 2 weeks PTO, sick days, 10 US holidays (incl. Fri after Thanksgiving) and a number of Jewish holidays
• Schedule: HSP is an after-school program.  As such, the Director must be at JCP minimally Monday - Thursday from 1pm - 7pm in person. Outside of these hours, there is flexibility to work remotely, while also being available as needed for in-person meetings and programs. This position may also require some work on weekends (including Shabbat and Jewish holidays) to support community events.

JCP Downtown is an Equal Opportunity Employer.