Head of Programming & Education

Congregation Agudas Achim, in Columbus Ohio, is looking to hire a talented Jewish educator to lead us in our efforts to develop inspiring Jewish education for both young families and our adult learners. We want to meet the Jewish needs of our congregants with programming that is tailored to their interests and passions. We envision an educator delivering programming on site, in our shul building, as well as offsite, traveling to different corners of the community to bring Jewish life into homes, workplaces, and other public forums. 

We are excited to work with someone to carefully craft and launch several educational initiatives tailored to the needs of specific groups of our congregants. We envision the possibility of small groups, Hevruta/Beit Midrash, and annual Shabbatonim. This year we are launching a Jewish Ideas Speakers Series, drawing on scholars from around the country to speak on timely topics that are meaningfully enriched by Jewish wisdom. 

We do not have a traditional religious school that meets on Sunday. Instead, we have a Shabbat school called JoLT (Jewish Learning Together). Many of our families with young children attend Jewish Day School during the week. This presents a creative opportunity for the Education & Programming Coordinator to create top notch educational programming that supplements our Shabbat School and the education of our day school students.

Responsibilities & Duties

Religious Education

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee educational programs and initiatives throughout the year, including an annual Jewish Ideas speakers series
• Develop new educational and programmatic offerings based on applicant’s and congregational interests, in consultation with the rabbi
• Teach, in formal and informal settings, congregants of different ages and with a diverse range of backgrounds and competency levels
• Oversee and manage JoLT, our weekly Shabbat morning religious school, including on-site coordination each Shabbat morning and supervision of teachers
• Provide professional development opportunities for teachers (i.e. Community Educator Day, other trainings as needed, etc.)
• Collaborate with the rabbi and religious school teachers to develop curriculum and organize the educational year thematically
• Serve as liaison for collaborative Hebrew School program with Congregation Tifereth Israel
• Serve on and consult with the synagogue’s lay-led Education Committee
• Serve on the Jewish Educator’s Organization (JEOrg) group
• Manage the programming and educational budget

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Coordination

• Serve as contact for B’nai Mitzvah families and develop programming to enhance their experience
• Work with rabbi to ensure smooth Bar/Bat Mitzvah process for parents and kids
• Oversee all B’nai Mitzvah tutors
• Work on all necessary final documents (i.e. honors sheet & Bar/Bat Mitzvah program) with the family 

Synagogue Programming 

• Cultivate and capitalize on collaborative relationships with other institutions in the Greater Columbus area
• Collaborate with Brotherhood on synagogue programs as (Pizza in the Hut, Mother’s Day Brunch, etc.)
• Collaborate with staff members and/or volunteers as needed for other programming (AgudasFest, High Holiday Family Service, etc.)
• Maintain current monthly programming, (i.e. First Friday Shabbat Dinners, Pajamdallah, Tot Shabbat, etc.)
• Other duties as assigned

 Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in related field of study (Jewish Studies, Education)
• Demonstrates experience planning and delivering high-quality community-based educational programming
• Deep knowledge of and passion for Judaism, Hebrew and Jewish learning
• Ability to inspire others Jewishly and empower them to take on leadership roles
• Demonstrates commitment and capacity to teach to learners of all ages with a variety of backgrounds and competencies
• Ability to communicate effectively with children, parents and leadership
• Excellent facilitation skills
• Experience leading collaborative processes
• Detail oriented
• Competence in Google and Microsoft office collaborative software; Agility with technology a plus
• Ability to work on Shabbat and High Holidays