Assistant Dean of Jewish Life and Learning

Assistant Dean of Jewish Life and Learning

Reports to: Dean of Jewish Life and Learning (DJLL)

Supervises: Student Life Department team and part-time Z’man Kodesh Leaders

Position Summary
The Assistant Dean of Jewish Life and Learning is a dynamic educator and practitioner dedicated to implementing innovative models of Jewish education at Frankel Jewish Academy (FJA). This role is designed for an energetic professional with a background in both formal classroom instruction and experiential Jewish learning (camps, youth groups, or retreats).

The Assistant Dean will serve as a primary bridge between the Jewish Studies curriculum and the daily lived experience of students, fostering an intellectually open, welcoming, and celebratory Jewish atmosphere. As a role model, the Assistant Dean will build meaningful relationships with students from diverse religious and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Organizational Mission

Frankel Jewish Academy is a rigorous college preparatory high school dedicated to

academic excellence and Jewish literacy. We inspire students to think critically, creatively, and compassionately, dedicating themselves to Jewish tradition, peoplehood, and the State of Israel, and to become lifelong learners and leaders.

Characteristics of Professional Excellence

• Are invested in and dedicated to our mission and the school community’s

continued growth and success.

• Create an inclusive, open-minded school community and learning environment for our students.
• Embrace cross-curricular learning opportunities to create meaningful educational

experiences inside and outside of the classroom.

• Are passionate, dynamic, and nurturing mentors.
• Seek opportunities for innovation and growth.
• Value responsive and collaborative professional relationships.
• Encourage students to challenge themselves to think critically about the world

around them.

• Foster authentic connections with students through support, consistency,

professionalism, and understanding.

• Inspire students to approach the world with awe and wonder.

Key Responsibilities

1. Teaching and Curriculum Implementation

• Core Instruction: Maintain a significant teaching load within the Jewish Studies
  Department, delivering student-centered and engaging lessons.

• Curricular Support: Assist the DJLL in reviewing and updating the Jewish Studies
  curriculum to ensure it meets the needs of students with varying levels of
  Jewish background.

2. Experiential Programming & Student Life

• Program Execution: Lead the planning and execution of Shabbatonim, holiday
  celebrations, and service-learning trips.

• Co-Curricular Advising: Serve as the faculty advisor for Judaic clubs and initiatives, such as Moot Beit Din.

• Israel Engagement: Promote Zionism and Israel education through clubs, staffing the school’s Israel trip, and assisting students with Gap-Year program applications
  (Yeshivot, Seminaries, etc.).

3. Z’man Kodesh (Religious Life)

• Tefillah Facilitation: Assist DJLL with leading and facilitating various ZK options
  (Mechitza, Egalitarian, Discussion Based, etc.), ensuring students develop practical liturgical skills.

• Skill Building: Train students to lead services and perform religious rituals for retreats and daily minyan.

4. Rabbinic & Student Guidance

• Mentorship: Hold regular "office hours" for student consultation on religious and
  personal matters.

• Rabbinic Advisor: Assist DJLL in Advising Principal in matters pertaining to the Jewish development of the school and students.

5. Campus & Community Liaison

• Ambassadorship: Represent FJA at community events, local synagogues, and
  recruitment fairs to help grow the school community.

• Beit Midrash Stewardship: Maintain the physical decorum of the Beit Midrash, manage the library collection, and oversee the proper handling/burial of geniza material.

Qualities and Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree in Education, Jewish Studies, or a related field (Rabbinic Ordination also highly valued).

• Expertise: Deep familiarity with Jewish texts, Hebrew language, and diverse modes of Jewish practice.

• Communication: Strong verbal and written skills; communicate authentically
  with teenagers.

• Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively under the direction of the DJLL and
  school administration.

• Background: Experience in Jewish camping or experiential programming is
  strongly preferred.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary range commensurate with experience, $80,000 - $90,000.

• 8 PTO days, the month of July, and all school holidays.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Retirement plan with employer contribution.

• Professional development support and family-friendly schedule.

• Supportive team culture and opportunities for growth.

General Requirements:

• Criminal history background check required.

• Compliance with federal employment eligibility verification.

• References required.

Don’t meet every single requirement? We encourage you to apply anyway! At FJA, we valuediverse experiences and perspectives. Please email your resume, cover letter and references to employment@frankelja.org with the subject “Assistant Dean of Jewish Life and Learning.”

Your work will directly support our mission of fostering academic excellence and a vibrant Jewish community, ensuring our school’s financial health and the success of every student.
Frankel Jewish Academy is a non-profit private secondary academy. We are an equal opportunity employer and committed to the belief that each individual is entitled to equal employment opportunity. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation or pregnancy), disability, religion, national origin or genetic information.