Director of Lifelong Learning (Hybrid Remote Position)
Posted on November 27, 2024
Beth Emet The Free Synagogue - Evanston, IL
Inclusive/Diverse, Reform
The Director of Lifelong Learning is a senior member of our Klei Kodesh (senior leaders) and is responsible for the vision, strategy, and management of all educational programs for families, children, teens and adults with a focus on building relationships and learning communities that transform, or at least impact, our souls, Jewish identities and quality of life. Beth Emet’s Director of Lifelong Learning is a catalyst for broader community-building and the holder of our vision for sustained learning for all members. We anticipate that this role will evolve over time based on the strengths and influence of the hired leader as well as the transition in our rabbi in summer of 2026. Key responsibilities include: Drive overall strategy and innovation within educational programming at Beth Emet, Hire, mentor, provide professional development for and supervise teachers and madrichol (teachers’ aides), Ensure a safe and supportive learning environment for staff, students, families and community members, Guide and refine curriculum for Beit Sefer (K-7) and BE NOAR (8-11) (see details below), Recruit, place, and support students with inclusion in mind, Lead meaningful and timely family engagement including but not limited to, oversight of all communication to parents regarding family events, recruitment of and relationship building with families, and report cards and teacher conferences, Oversee and provide mentoring for our Kabbalat Mitzvah (our term for B’nai Mitzvah) Divrei Torah Mentoring program, including finding mentors for our students’ Divrei Torah, Teach classes such as the 11th Grade for BE NOAR, adults in the Adult Kabbalat Mitzvah Class, or other classes as assigned/requested. In addition, give occasional Divrei Torah at Kahal, our lay-led Shabbat morning minyan, Support and guide the Adult Education Committee and other congregational committees regarding education for children and adults, Provide vision and management for synagogue wide programs, Oversee all budgets related to the above areas, Collaborate on strategy with other members of Klei Kodesh and lay leadership & Participate actively in appropriate professional organizations, keep abreast of national trends in Jewish education, and implement new and creative educational ideas. Education/Experience desired: Master’s degree in education, Jewish education, childhood development, or other relevant subject preferred, Supervision of teaching and staff; committee and project oversight, Knowledge of/experience with progressive pedagogical practices for both young people and adults and a track record for innovation, Development and refinement of curriculum, Experience in Jewish camps, Demonstrated commitment to social justice and diversity, equity, inclusion and building of belonging & Hebrew knowledge. This is a full-time position. The Director of Lifelong Learning and the Rabbi will create a hybrid schedule to include remote and in-person work time. The Director of Lifelong Learning is expected to be on site when our school programs are in session on Thursday afternoons and Sunday mornings and for retreats and other events that happen occasionally on Shabbat. There is great flexibility on other days when there are no programs, and we strongly value family life/work balance. Salary and Benefits: $110-135K based on experience. Benefits include healthcare, pension, generous PTO, opportunities for professional development. Position Available: July 2025. To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and references to: [email protected]. www.bethemet.org.
(11/22/24)