Director of Congregational Education
Employee Status: Full-time, Exempt
Reports to: Senior Rabbi
Schedule: Regular office hours are M–Th 9–5:30, F 9–3.
This position requires the ability to regularly work on Sundays and evenings when teaching, occasional Shabbats (flex time offered)
About Us
Temple Rodef Shalom is a Reform Jewish congregation located in the Northern Virginia suburbs just outside Washington, DC. Since our founding in 1962, we have grown into the largest Jewish congregation in Virginia and the 10th largest congregation in the Reform movement, serving over 1,700 households. We are bustling with activity- we serve hundreds of people each week who walk through our doors to pray, sing, learn, connect, and mark life cycle moments, including:
- Over 200 families in our Early Childhood Center with a teaching staff of 50+ part-time teachers
- Nearly 800 students in our Religious School, with a teaching staff of 50+ part-time teachers
The Director of Congregational Education (DCE) is an integral member of the senior leadership team at TRS and an active partner with other Temple professionals, clergy, lay leaders, and members. This person will work in service of our congregational vision of education – that Jewish learning should deepen Jewish identity and literacy, build community, and inform and bring meaning to daily life.
This person will ensure that TRS offers multiple and well-defined learning pathways at every life stage: supervising our Early Childhood Center (ECC) and Religious School (RS) Directors and personally managing our adult learning program in close collaboration with our Adult Education committee. As a member of our senior leadership team, the DCE serves as an educational resource to the entire congregation and is an active participant in Shabbat and holiday programming.
Essential Responsibilities
Educational Leadership
- Partner with clergy and TRS education teams to develop and implement the congregation’s vision for lifelong learning based on TRS’s core values, priorities, and strategic goals.
- Design and implement the adult education program: create and teach classes, arrange for visiting scholars and/or guest speakers for additional classes/programs, work closely with the clergy to coordinate their participation.
- Serve as educational advisor to the K–12 Religious School program and Early Childhood Center.
- Work with lay-led committees on the planning and execution of all adult education offerings.
- Support orientation programs and other professional growth opportunities for members of the RS and ECC faculty teams, and other staff as needed.
- Build relationships with learners of all ages and backgrounds, helping them to connect with and engage more deeply in Jewish learning.
- Maintain an understanding of the national pulse of Jewish learning within the Reform movement and key and current trends in the larger Jewish community and Israel.
Management
The DCE will meet regularly with the staff members below to provide support on staff management issues, growth, and professional development. They will provide ongoing feedback and annual performance reviews, partnering on budget and administration work.
- Religious School Director
- Director of the Early Childhood Center
- Part-time Library Director
Administration
- Prepare the Adult Education budget along with the Adult Education Committee; work with the RS and ECC Directors to create their department budgets. Provide oversight for all education budgets in accordance with financial policies as determined by the Finance Committee and Executive Director.
- Ensure educational offerings are publicized to the congregation and community by working with our Communications team to ensure information is regularly updated on the TRS website.
Congregational Involvement
- Serve as a member of the senior staff team, attending weekly meetings.
- Staff congregational programs in rotation with other senior staff members: holiday celebrations and occasional Shabbat services as well as other large congregational gatherings.
- Be present on the bimah when a service pertains to adult education.
- Contribute toward the identification and cultivation of future Temple leaders.
- Serve as a liaison to the larger community, visiting local senior centers to offer holiday-based learning and worship experiences (in partnership with the Director of Caring).
Clergy Responsibilities (if applicable)
- Provide occasional life cycle support, such as but not limited to conversions and shiva minyans.
- Support or lead High Holy Day worship as determined by the clergy team.
- Possible pulpit responsibilities as needed.
Professional Requirements and Skills
- Deep knowledge of Judaism and Jewish history, traditions, practices, values, and culture
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, talent for working with and developing member engagement and leadership
- Experience in program development and delivery, comfortable in a public speaking role
- Strong organizational skills, including project management; capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously and moving projects from inception to planning to implementation
- Ability to develop and maintain effective and respectful relationships with staff and clergy, lay leaders, and program participants
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook
Education and Experience
- MA in Jewish education, Jewish studies, or other relevant subject required; ordination strongly preferred
- A proven track record for innovation and dynamic leadership
- Strong Hebrew knowledge
- Knowledge of/experience with pedagogical practices and curriculum development
- Demonstrated commitment to social justice and building a culture of belonging
Temple Rodef Shalom is committed to creating an inclusive environment that embraces diversity. The Temple does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.