Who We Are:
The Institute for Jewish Enrichment, founded 15 years ago, is a place where children are co-creators of Judaism. We’ve developed an explosively creative, empathetic, project process to bring children into dialogue with self, peers, and our ancient and ongoing Jewish conversation. The impact is a child who owns their Judaism, is able to think critically and creatively, with skills to collaborate and dialogue respectfully with peers.
We operate a four-day/week Field School after school in Hyde Park, Chicago.
We also offer full days of Jewish enrichment when local schools are out, called Special Days, and Jewish Enrichment Camp during selected school breaks.
Our programs reflect our belief that there are many ways for families to live and learn Jewishly.
About the Role
The Educator is a hands-on, immersive role designed for someone eager to gain experience in a dynamic educational environment.
An IJE Educator might serve in one or several of the following capacities:
- Serve as a lead educator for a kvutzah, learning group, 2 - 4 days per week. Our flagship Afterschool serves children ages 3 through 8th grade.
- Support Special Days, our full-day immersive Jewish learning programs for children, as well as week-long camps.
Additional responsibilities include supporting family engagement and building relationships with children and their families.
What You Might Do:
- Teach a group in our flagship Afterschool, 2-4 days per week. Children in Afterschool range from nursery to 8th grade.
- Participate in the and implementation of Special Days (full-day immersive programs), with logistical and educational responsibilities
- Support children with Hebrew learning
- Occasionally support Sunday programming (with advance notice, approx. 4/year)
- Plan and run quarterly social events for teens
- SeJewishrve as a Jewish community liaison, stay up to date with teen happenings in the community, such as Keshet, BBYO, Moving Traditions, and more, and connect teens with relevant partner organizations. Know teen programming in the Chicago Jewish community, and be a known presence.
- Organize and run occasional “reunion” type programming for high schoolers
- Support teen Madrichim, volunteer helpers, during learning time
You'll be fully embedded in IJE's Education Team, supported in your growth as a Jewish educator, and immersed in our educational methodology.
What You Bring
- Experience working with children in a formal or informal setting (school, camp, youth group, etc.)
- Significant working knowledge of Jewish text, traditions, and practices
- Interest in learning IJE’s educational methodology and participating in team learning
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Warm, reliable, flexible team player who thrives in a fast-moving environment
- Creativity, curiosity, and a learner’s mindset
- Comfortable engaging with both children and adults
This position is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to enter Jewish education, develop new skills, and learn through hands-on experience in a supportive and collaborative team.
Work Schedule & Compensation
- Part and full time positions available during the academic year.
- Salary range: 25,000 - 40,000, depending on experience and number of hours.
- The position does not include summer programming and follows the Field School year schedule.
2-4 days per week, starting August 7, 2025
- Onsite required at least two days per week, between 12:00–6:00 PM.
- Available for full days on Special Days, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Special Days are the last two weeks of August, one week in March, and about 10-12 Special Days throughout the year, mostly on or around national holidays (Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Presidents’ Day, MLK Day).
- Occasional Sundays required (with advance notice, likely 4/year)
- Benefits include health care contribution, three paid weeks of vacation plus personal and sick days, and SIMPLE IRA after one year
This is a one-year immersive role with potential for renewal and advancement.
Physical Requirements
This position requires active movement throughout the day, including standing for extended periods, walking between classrooms, and engaging with children at their level. The role may also involve light lifting (up to 25 lbs.) for setting up learning spaces, moving supplies, or supporting program needs. Reasonable accommodations will be made to support applicants and employees with disabilities. Please let us know of any needs when applying.
We encourage all interested applicants to apply, even if you do not meet all of the qualifications listed on the job description, or you require hours different from the ones advertised. We strive to build a team of the right people for the IJE and will partner together to figure out logistical needs.
To Apply
Please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Your cover letter should briefly share why you’re interested in the role and how your experience connects to the position.
Due to the number of applications we typically receive, we sincerely regret that someone from our team will not be able to respond to all applicants. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. No phone calls, please.
*The Institute for Jewish Enrichment is a 501(c)(3) organization that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability status, protected veteran status, or other protected classes under the law.