Assistant Director of Religious School

Congregation B’nai Israel

Position Title: Assistant Director of Religious School (SLJ)
Reports To: Director of Religious School

Position Summary:
The Assistant Director of Religious School (SLJ) supports the Director of Religious School in overseeing all aspects of the Barry Ira Graff School of Living Judaism (SLJ). This role includes managing communications, operations, curriculum, Shabbat and holiday programming, faculty support, and other administrative duties. With an emphasis on engagement, this position is integral to fostering relationships with families, students, and staff, helping to create a meaningful and dynamic Jewish educational experience for students in Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade. The Assistant Director will also co-lead BISY (Youth Group) and collaborate on various synagogue-wide initiatives and community events.

Who We Are:
Congregation B’nai Israel (CBI), based in Boca Raton, Florida, is a Reform Temple committed to advancing Jewish values and traditions. The Barry Ira Graff School of Living Judaism (SLJ) offers a unique experiential approach to Jewish education, emphasizing community, social action, and the development of a strong Jewish identity. Our goal is to engage children and families in meaningful Jewish practice through study (Torah), work (Avodah), and acts of loving kindness (Gemilut Chasidim).

Key Responsibilities:

Communications & Family Engagement:

• Oversee and execute weekly cohort communications to all families (Pre-K-12), ensuring consistency and a strong SLJ voice.
• Work closely with faculty to ensure that updates and communications are aligned with the SLJ vision.
• Manage the communication calendar for SLJ and collaborate with the Director to strategize the timing, aesthetics, and messaging of all SLJ communications.
• Serve as a key point of contact for families, forging strong relationships and ensuring a supportive, communicative environment.
• Address student attendance concerns and track related data.
• Create flyers and marketing materials as needed for SLJ programs.
• Address routine student and/or parent concerns and escalate issues to the Director when appropriate.

Operations & Administrative Support:

• Assist Director with the daily operation of the religious education program for students and families.
• Lead carpool on Sundays and Tuesdays, ensuring smooth operations and positive engagement with families.
• Submit bimonthly payroll for SLJ faculty and Madrichim (student volunteers), ensuring accuracy and timely processing.
• Track teacher hours, paid sick days, and tutoring hours, and ensure proper documentation and payroll processes.
• Collaborate with administrative staff to support student enrollment, outreach efforts, and curriculum needs.
• Attend Religious School Board meetings and lead presentations as needed.
• Assists Director in planning and executing SLJ budget.
• Assist Director with recruiting, training, supervising, and supporting teachers and classroom aides.

Shabbat & Holiday Programming:

• Collaborate with Director and faculty to design and implement engaging lesson plans for Shabbat and holiday programming, integrating student activities into congregational services.
• Be a visible presence at SLJ grade-level Shabbat services, ensuring that students’ projects and activities are well-prepared and presented.
• In collaboration with the Director, plan and execute Junior Congregation learning and Tikkun Olam initiatives for High Holy Days.
• In collaboration with the Director, organize and facilitate special Shabbat and holiday programs, including Simchat Torah and other community-wide events.

Curriculum & Faculty Support:

• In collaboration with the Director, work with faculty to ensure the curriculum aligns with the vision of SLJ and meets the educational goals of the program.
• Support curriculum implementation and educational programming for students and families.
• Support preparation and management of program materials and supplies.
• Order and manage the distribution of all necessary books and curriculum materials (e.g., Berman House, Israel Link, Moving Traditions).
• Collaborate on curriculum development and the planning of family programming (Mishpacha moments).
• Assist faculty with lesson planning, professional development, and classroom management.
• Leads several faculty meetings during the year.
• In collaboration with the Director, develop and execute innovative professional development opportunities, including integrating educational technology (e.g., ChatGPT, Kahoot, Goosechase).

Faculty & Volunteer Management:

• Interviews potential faculty members.
• Manages potential faculty issues and resolves any problems.
• Coordinate teacher supply requests and ensure timely delivery of resources.
• Manage faculty correspondence with families and ensure effective communication.
• Oversee faculty hours, coordinate substitute coverage, and hire additional support when necessary.
• Supervise Youth Engagement Professional in the recruitment, training, and management of madrichim (student volunteers), ensuring they have the support and resources they need to succeed.

Program Development & Collaboration:

• Work with the Director of Religious School and Youth Engagement Professional to design and implement engaging youth group activities and programs (BISY).
• Foster connections between the Religious School and other synagogue departments, particularly with the preschool.
• Collaborate with clergy and staff to integrate educational programming into synagogue services and special events.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate community events, including Mitzvah Day and other synagogue activities.
• Represent SLJ at local community events, such as PJ Library and Chabad Chanukah Candle Lighting.
• Coordinate and support special projects, such as faculty and student retreats, and other synagogue initiatives.
• Chaperone on school trips, retreats, and overnights as needed.
• Expected to utilize independent judgment and discretion in supporting program operations and student engagement.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; a degree in Jewish Education or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in Jewish education, and 3+ years in staff management.
• Familiarity with Jewish holidays, synagogue life, and community dynamics in Southeast Florida region.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, educational technology (Zoom, Kahoot, etc.), and CRM services (e.g., Shulcloud, Salesforce).
• Familiarity with Canva
• Familiarity with Hebrew language, including, reading, writing and speaking.
• Availability during religious school hours, which include evening and weekends, as well as High Holidays and other major Jewish holidays.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a "figure-it-out" attitude and a focus on family engagement.
• Prior experience in education, youth programming, or religious school environments strongly preferred.
• Commitment to supporting the mission and values of SLJ.