Peninsula Temple Sholom (PTS) in Burlingame, California is a diverse and vibrant Reform Jewish synagogue serving 2,000 adults and children. Every member of our staff helps us create a warm and welcoming environment through the work that they do and the way in which they interact with the community.
The Director of Youth and Family Engagement is a key player in our thriving youth programs, including PreK-7th grades on Sunday mornings and 8th-12th grades on Sunday afternoons. Each cohort includes a Judaic learning component as well as worship. 3rd-6th graders learn Hebrew in small groups of 2-5 students that meet throughout the week. In addition to formal class time we also offer informal family programming and youth programming. These include a teaching assistant program, youth groups (PARTY and pre-PARTY), and monthly Rosh Hodesh groups that meet to discuss social and emotional issues facing teens today. We are committed to guiding youth and families on a lifelong journey of Jewish identity formation in order to find meaningful ways to bring Judaism into contemporary life.
We are seeking an enthusiastic, creative, and organized person to help foster youth and family connections at PTS. We would like a person who will develop youth and teen programs that meet their needs, increase engagement, and build relationships. You will be able to articulate the vision and goals for each Youth Education cohort and informal program and encourage participation at events and programs. This person will work with the Director of Education to:
Curricular and Programmatic Responsibilities:
- Teach in our youth education, teen, and Hebrew programs following established curriculum and teaching expectations
- Plan and implement informal educational events and activities for K-12th grade youth and their families
- Oversee our enrichment programs
- Design and lead programming to build connections with college-age young adults
- Design and lead children’s activities connected to Family Shabbat Dinners
- Design and lead children’s activities for our annual Congregational Retreat Weekend
- Plan and oversee the Purim Carnival in cooperation with the preschool
- Actively participate in Youth Education committee and faculty meetings
- Participate in professional development learning opportunities as they become available
- Participate in the hiring process for Youth Education teachers and support teachers in their curricular implementation
- Stand in if Director of Education is absent
- Coordinate room parents and parent engagement opportunities
- Other duties as assigned
Teen Program Responsibilities:
- Guide, lead, and advise the teen youth group, PARTY board with clear objectives and expectations
- Advise and coordinate the Madrichim (high school aged teachers’ assistants) program
- Communicate with PARTY board members effectively
- Attend and help lead PARTY board meetings
- Coordinate monthly Rosh Hodesh meetings and service learning field trips
- Plan and run the teen High Holy Day services as well and other holiday programs with PARTY board
- Supervise PARTY fundraisers
- Coordinate PARTY Scholarship process
- Attend youth and teen trainings/workshops to keep informed about best practices
- Connect with other Jewish Youth Professionals in the Bay Area
- Attend and supervise NFTY regional events as needed
Administrative Responsibilities
- Communicate with parents regarding all youth events in-person and via social media, phone, email, print communications, etc.
- Create graphics and verbiage for PTS weekly and monthly communications
- Communicate with clergy, staff, and lay leadership regarding planning and implementation of programs
- Plan and track expenses and revenue of each program
- Arrange for food and other supplies for each event
- Coordinate with the finance and administrative staff regarding payments
- Track event documentation (permission slips, receipts, etc.)
- Arrange transportation to/from events as appropriate
- Coordinate with vendors
- Arrange for proper security and supervision requirement, including greeting for events
Skills and Requirements
- Knowledge of Jewish holidays and customs
- Demonstrate good time management skills and balance priorities
- Demonstrate highly effective interpersonal skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Show flexibility and motivation
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Experience working with youth
- Experience in the field of Jewish education is a plus
- Ability to lead song and worship is a plus
- Excellent computer skills including: Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, Facebook, Instagram, Canva, etc. Experience with ShulCloud database is a plus
- Bachelor’s Degree or higher is required.
Expected salary is between $65,000-$75,000 commensurate with education and experience. Benefits include health care, short-term disability, 3 weeks vacation, paid days off for national and Jewish holidays, 2 weeks paid sick leave, and other benefits as described in the PTS Employee Handbook. Typical weekly schedule is Sundays and Tuesday-Fridays, working 40 hours per week, and the option to work from home 1-2 days per week. Frequent nights and weekends required.
This position begins June 2024.
To submit a resume and cover letter to Director of Education, Rosa Whitten at [email protected]. Please include a statement that answers these 3 questions 1) Why are you interested in this particular position? 2) What do you think is important for Jewish youth today? and 3) How does this position fit into your longer-term career plans?