Religious School Director | Kol Tikvah (Woodland Hills, CA)

Kol Tikvah is a warm and inclusive Reform Temple affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism. We are a community that values creativity, social justice, social action, and a modern connection to Jewish life. Above all, Simcha—joy—is our guiding principle, and we strive to bring that spirit into everything we do. We’re looking for a leader who fits our friendly, down-to-earth culture and can help our families find that same joy in their Jewish journey.

We are looking for a Religious School Director who can dream big but also get the job done. You’ll lead our educational programs, making sure our kids (and their parents) feel excited to be part of our community. This is a full-time position starting July 1, 2026, reporting to the Senior Rabbi.

What You’ll Do

1. Lead the Learning

• Curriculum & Vision: You’ll oversee what our kids are learning in our Traditional Religious School, Hebrew Study sessions, Tzedakah Teens, Confirmation, and Teen Tuesday. We love hands-on, values-based learning.
• Holiday Fun: You’re the point person for planning creative holiday programs for the school and helping with High Holy Day Youth Services and Programs.
• B’nai Mitzvah Revolution: You’ll co-lead this program with our Clergy. You’ll handle the "nuts and bolts"—staffing, supplies, and dinners—while making sure the program stays fresh and meaningful.
• Kemach: You will oversee our Kemach program where our students accumulate social action credits prior to their Bnai Mitzvah.
• Youngest Learners: You’ll oversee Tot Shabbat programs and help our youngest families feel at home at the Temple.

2. Support the Team

• Staff Management: You’ll hire and supervise our teachers, Hebrew and Hebrew Through Movement specialists, and our PT Youth Group Director.
• Mentorship: You’ll meet weekly with our Education Intern (if one is available) and Madrichim leader to help them grow and succeed.
• Teacher Support: You’ll lead staff training, handle teacher reviews, and make sure we have substitutes ready when someone is out.

3. Run the Business Side

• Budget & Supplies: You’ll create the annual school budget and stick to it. This includes ordering books, supplies, and even running the school "Snack Shop."
• Logistics: You’ll manage the school calendar, write staff contracts under the supervision of the executive director, and make sure rooms are set up and ready for class.
• Progress Reports: You’ll oversee the end-of-year narrative reports that let parents know how their kids are doing.

4. Connect with Families

• Communication: You’ll keep parents in the loop through newsletters and WhatsApp. If a student is struggling or something comes up, you’re the one who calls the parents to work it out.
• Marketing: You’ll help show off our school to new families, lead tours of the Temple, and work closely with our Parent Association (PA).
• Family Shabbats and Tot Shabbats: You’ll coordinate our Family Shabbat services and dinners, making sure the food and the program are great.

5. Temple Leadership

• Senior Staff: You’ll be a key part of our Senior Staff team, meeting weekly with the Senior Rabbi, attending senior staff meetings, and attending Board meetings to share school updates when requested.
• Community Ties: You’ll represent Kol Tikvah at monthly BJE (Builders of Jewish Education) meetings.

Who You Are

• You have a degree in Jewish Education (or something similar) and experience running a school in a Temple setting.
• You are a "people person" who can talk to a nervous child, a busy parent, and a Temple Board member all in the same hour.
• You are organized enough to manage a budget but flexible enough to pivot when a program needs a spark of creativity.
• You love being part of a Reform community and want to help it grow.