Director of Lifelong Learning

Our congregation’s Director of Lifelong Learning will be a dynamic and energetic person who leads and directs our congregation’s educational programming for learners of all ages. The Director of Lifelong Learning will report directly to the Rabbi, and work closely with our Lifelong Learning Committee, other senior staff, lay leaders, and educators. 

In collaboration with these stakeholders, the Director of Lifelong Learning will build on our current educational strategy, which achieves its mission via the following areas of responsibility:

Lead and Grow the Emanu-El Religious School 

• Articulate and oversee the vision, goals, and structure of the religious education program together with the Clergy and the Lifelong Learning Committee. 
• Facilitate curriculum that incorporates Hebrew study and Jewish culture, values, and knowledge; evaluate curriculum on an ongoing basis in consultation with the Clergy.
• Communicate with and respond to students, parents, teachers and other congregants in nurturing an environment that enhances enthusiasm for a lifetime of Jewish learning.
• Recognize students’ and teachers’ achievements via Consecration and other special events. 
• Recruit, train, and lead the faculty who teach our students. 
• Engage with the congregation and greater community to attract current and new families 
• Maintain appropriate budgeting, asset management, record keeping, and curriculum and resource development. 

Advance Emanu-El Adult Education Programs 

• Work collaboratively with lay leaders and senior staff leadership team to develop and deliver an inspiring and cohesive adult education program and curriculum. 
• Teach directly and create opportunities for Clergy, guests, and congregants to teach classes that will appeal to the members of Emanu-El and the broader community.
• Facilitate robust schedule of events such as topical presentations and scholars-in-residence. 

Develop and Promote Youth, Young Adult and Family Programming 

• Plan and organize Jewish programs that include parent/family involvement such as special Shabbat and holiday programming.
• Facilitate curriculum-aligned field trips for religious school students. 
• Collaborate with the other senior staff to plan and implement family social events, such as family Shabbat dinners, movie nights, and congregational retreats.

Build Community Connection

• Establish warm and positive relationships with families, children, faculty, and other members of our congregational community.
• Enlist and engage volunteers to contribute to lifelong learning and family programming. 
• Foster and maintain collaborative relationships with the community at large to facilitate continued growth in school enrollment and Temple membership.
• Represent Emanu-El in the community at organizations such as the JCC, BBYO, URJ Camp OSRUI, and with peers at other congregations.
• Partner with groups and committees within the congregation to foster collaboration and program integration.
• Co-facilitate monthly Lifelong Learning Committee meetings. 
• Collaborate with senior staff peers and attend senior staff meetings.
• Attend monthly board meetings to keep board apprised of school and learning activities and metrics; gather feedback and input to inform the planning process.

This is a full time position, with a salary range of $70,000 to $85,000 (commensurate with experience). The work schedule will include Sunday mornings, occasional Shabbat evenings and days, and some weekday evenings with Mondays off.

Qualifications

We recognize that no single candidate will bring every experience listed below. These qualifications reflect the skills, strengths, and perspectives we believe will help someone thrive in this role—not a checklist that must be fully met.

If you are excited by this opportunity, feel aligned with our mission, and see yourself reflected in some of these qualifications, we warmly encourage you to apply. We are eager to meet candidates who bring curiosity, creativity, a passion for Jewish learning, and transferable experience that can strengthen and grow our lifelong learning community.

Education & Jewish Learning Experience

• Related experience or a background in Jewish education across a range of ages, from children through adults
• Experience designing, developing, or implementing engaging educational programs
• Ability to work collaboratively on curriculum and programming that reflects Jewish values, culture, and traditions
• Understanding of classroom management, teacher supervision and teacher training 

Leadership & Relationship-Building

• Possess an engaging and inviting personality that draws people in, creating a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere
• Ability to motivate, inspire and support students, teachers, and volunteers
• Desire to foster an inclusive, warm and joyful learning environment
• Comfort working collaboratively with clergy, staff, lay leaders, and volunteers
• Experience (formal or informal) mentoring, supporting, or guiding educators, staff, or volunteers

Creativity & Program Development

• Ability to create and promote multiple avenues of engaging learning, both formal and informal, for a diverse community of students, educators, parents and staff 
• Have innovative ideas to promote Emanu-El’s commitment to building and sustaining a warm and welcoming culture
• Willingness to bring new ideas forward and adapt programs to meet community needs
• Ability to support educators in identifying creative and engaging ways to share curriculum with learners

Organizational & Practical Skills

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, including comfort with digital communication
• Organizational and administrative skills that support planning, coordination, and follow-through
• Financial literacy including ability to read, create and adhere to a budget 

Emanu-El is a collaborative, relationship-centered community that values learning, creativity, and connection. We are excited to meet candidates who are eager to grow, contribute, and help shape meaningful Jewish learning experiences for our congregation

Thank you for considering being our next Director of Lifelong Learning. Your resume and personal statement may be sent to Jen Bergman and Rachael Badt at CEEBJDLLapp@gmail.com. Our search committee will then be in touch with you. Emanu-El is a wonderful community to serve—we look forward to receiving your application.

At Emanu-El, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive community that values diversity. We believe in providing equal opportunities to individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation or any other characteristic. Our commitment is to create an environment fostering unity and respect, where everyone can contribute and thrive.