Religious School Director

Religious School Director

Shaarei Tikvah is excited to welcome a Religious School Director who will oversee the day to day operations of the Anna and Louis Shereff Religious School. In partnership with the Director of Congregational Learning, the principal will hold a key role in the continued success of our program. The Religious School Director promotes a love of Judaism and personal connection to Jewish learning and living. This position will begin on or about July 1, 2024.

We are a progressive, engaged Conservative synagogue in Scarsdale, NY. Our community of more than 300 families has grown tremendously in the past two years. We’ve been described as Westchester’s “hidden gem,” and we expect our growth will continue. Our Religious School, known as Sha’ar, has been one of the keys to our growth. Children love coming to school to experience a vibrant and living Judaism while learning core concepts in Jewish history, texts, Israel, and Hebrew. 

You are: 

• A master educator who can train, supervise, and evaluate teachers and continue our reputation for excellence
• Creative, organized, and collaborative
• Passionate about Jewish education
• Knowledgeable about Judaism and experienced in educational best practices
• Dedicated to imagining and implementing a creative approach to Jewish education that will help strengthen and engage our community
• Looking to join a warm and growing professional team

Job Duties & Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide strategic leadership of PK-7 afterschool Religious School, including the development of curricular materials, schedules, and operational systems
• Supervise and support a dedicated group of teachers
• In partnership with our clergy, guide our B’nai Mitzvah program
• Evaluate student progress in coordination with teachers
• Work with Director of Congregational Learning to build on existing Shabbat and holiday programs and special events for children and families
• Partner with senior staff to design and implement our growing teen program
• Communicate regularly with Sha’ar parents about student progress

Experience, Qualifications, and Skills

• Master’s Degree in Jewish education or related field preferred; Bachelor’s degree required
• 3-5+ years professional experience in an education field 
• Proven excellence as a classroom teacher
• Experience leading and managing a team
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to have challenging conversations at times
• Self-starter with effective time management and demonstrated ability to balance short-term demands with long term strategic goals
• Knowledge of and ability to model teaching in Jewish Studies, tefillah, Israel, and Hebrew Language

If you believe that you could excel in this role, even if you don't meet 100% of the criteria, we encourage you to apply. We will consider combinations of knowledge, skills, education, and experience. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for this role. Send a resume along with a cover letter outlining your experience and "fit" for this role to [email protected].