Congregation Beth Emeth in Albany, NY has a distinguished past going back to the roots of Reform Judaism. Our history, as the 4th oldest Reform Congregation in America carries with it both pride and an obligation from clergy and congregants to perpetuate this meaningful legacy. Nationally, we are respected and well known, not just for our roots back to Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise. Throughout our history, we have produced some of the most influential national leaders, both lay and clergy, within the Reform movement. Our strength comes from our membership, our long-standing clergy, a very active and committed Board of Trustees, and temple staff.
Job Title: Youth Engagement Advisor
Time Commitment: 10 hours per week, 26-30 weeks a year
Reports to: Rabbi Shara Siegfeld, Director of Lifelong Learning
Rate: $23-25/hr (to be determined, based on experience)
The Youth Engagement Advisor position offers administrative and logistical support for the Congregation Beth Emeth (CBE) youth groups; to cultivate creative and compelling programming for youth groups tailored to kids in Grade 3-6 & 9-12 of CBE; to connect youth groups with Beth Emeth opportunities; to nurture connections filled with community spirit and a vibrant Jewish identity.
Administrative Responsibilities:
- Facilitate logistics for youth programming including Religious School aged kids, teen programming, youth group, retreats, and synagogue-wide events
- Coordinate schedules
- Manage procurement and replenishment of supplies
- Maintain accurate rosters for memberships and program attendees
- Lay out the path for youth to take initiative in planning programming and supports them
- Oversee forms, data, and calendars using Google Workplace
- Support communication and marketing efforts under the guidance of the Director of Communications, including social media involvement, email correspondence, flier distribution, and phone communication with students and families
- Creates a forum via Google Workplace for youth and adults to see updates and upcoming events
- Collaborate with the Director of Lifelong Learning to uphold budgetary guidelines and strategize for future departmental initiatives
- Collaborate with the Director of Program Operations each year to develop a comprehensive calendar of meetings, programs, and events.
Youth Group Advisor Responsibilities:
- Lead the design and execution of social, religious, cultural, and experiential initiatives tailored to the needs of:
- Grades 3-4 Youth Group (new) 2 - 3 times per year
- Grades 5-6 Youth Group (new) 2 - 3 times per year
- Grades 9-12 Youth Group (CBEYG) weekly during school year (approximately 25 weeks)
- Oversee the strategic planning, organization, execution, and staffing of all overnight stays, excursions, and events for the youth groups
- Mentor and empower teenage leaders, nurturing their growth in program design and implementation
- Manage the Youth Group Board and facilitate regular meetings to ensure effective communication and collaboration
- Cultivate strong rapport with Youth Group members, offering personalized guidance and support
- Collaborate closely with the Clergy and Professional Staff to shape program vision and oversee budgetary considerations
- Forge partnerships with local youth organizations, community events, and external entities to broaden opportunities for teenage involvement city-wide
- Liaise and collaborate with board members & admin on committee events
- Design and implement lesson plans aligned with the broader curriculum
- Assist in the development and implementation of High Holy Day Youth Programming
Qualifications:
- Preferred qualification includes a Bachelor's degree in a related field
- Demonstrated minimum of two years of experience in an educational Jewish youth environment or relevant field
- Exhibit an enthusiastic and nurturing leadership approach
- Display professionalism, reliability, and a steadfast work ethic
- Maintain a positive demeanor, adaptability, and sense for collaborative work
- Exhibit strong follow-through and a dedicated commitment to task accuracy
- Demonstrate the ability to take initiative when undertaking new projects.
General Job Expectations:
- Compliance with health, safety, and fire protocols to ensure the well-being of all participants
- Readiness to plan and lead youth group events year-round, including weekends
- Availability to teach/engage on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings
- Flexibility to fulfill reasonable job-related tasks as required
- Readiness to adjust to evolving needs as directed by the Community
- Attendance at all necessary meetings
- Undertake the above role to comply with any policies and procedures that CBE may issue and any other reasonable duties, as may be assigned, that is consistent with the nature of the job and its level of responsibility
- Utilize proper communication with youth and their families in advance of events and programs
- Create a fun, welcoming and safe environment
- The job holder must be available to work Jewish holidays and weekends
- This job description does not encompass the complete duties and should be treated as a guide to the duties that the Youth Engagement Advisor is expected to perform
- This job description may be amended to meet the changing requirements of Congregation Beth Emeth at any time after discussion with the job holder
If you are passionate about engaging with Jewish youth and want to make a difference in their lives, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and a cover letter to Rabbi Shara Siegfeld at [email protected].
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY
Congregation Beth Emeth does not unlawfully discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of one’s actual or perceived race; color; religion; sex/gender (including gender identity); creed; sexual orientation; marital status; pregnancy; ethnicity; national origin; ancestry; age; disability; citizenship status; arrest or conviction record (consistent with the provisions of New York State’s Corrections Law); partnership status; familial status; military service; status as a victim of domestic violence; stalking or sex offenses; veteran status; genetic predisposition or carrier status; or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Employment decisions at Beth Emeth are made in a non-discriminatory manner and are based on qualifications, abilities, and merit. As may be permitted by law, certain Beth Emeth positions will be filled by persons of the Jewish faith as a bona fide occupational qualification. Beth Emeth also prohibits, and will not tolerate, any form of retaliation or reprisal against any employee who reasonably and in good faith complains of discrimination or harassment or provides information in connection with any such complaint.