Location: Conejo Valley, CA
Employment Type: Full-Time
About Temple Adat Elohim
Temple Adat Elohim is a dynamic and inclusive Reform Jewish congregation located in the Conejo Valley, serving 420 member families. With an annual budget of $3 million, our synagogue is committed to strengthening Jewish community through spiritual, educational, and cultural engagement. Our facilities include an administration building, nine classrooms, a sanctuary, a social hall, and an Early Childhood and Infant Center.
Our Mission
Temple Adat Elohim is dedicated to fostering a meaningful Jewish experience through worship, learning, and community engagement. We strive to cultivate a warm and inclusive environment where individuals and families can connect, grow, and actively contribute to Jewish life.
Position Goals
We seek an experienced, passionate, and creative leader in Jewish education to oversee and enhance the Religious School program for our Reform Jewish community. The Director of K-12 Education and Engagement will be responsible for curriculum development, faculty supervision, and fostering meaningful engagement among students, parents, and the broader congregation.
The ideal candidate will share our vision for educational and engagement initiatives that span generations to inspire, challenge, and engage all our members. We are looking for an “outside the box” thinker who is innovative and collaborative to enrich learning experiences.
Position Summary
The Director of K-12 Education and Engagement will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the school's operations, including curriculum development, faculty recruitment and supervision, student engagement, and family communication. This individual will ensure the delivery of high-quality educational programming that aligns with Reform Jewish values while cultivating a welcoming and enriching environment for students from kindergarten through 12th grade, as well as facilitating parent education.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Curriculum & Educational Programming
- Develop and implement a dynamic and engaging curriculum for students ages 6 to 17, fostering a deep connection to Jewish learning, culture, and values.
- Oversee and evaluate the effectiveness of teaching methodologies and classroom management techniques, maintaining high standards of Reform Jewish education.
- Work closely with clergy to integrate religious teachings, services, and traditions into the school curriculum.
- Plan and execute special programs, holiday celebrations, and educational events that extend Jewish learning beyond the classroom.
- Supervise the preparation and implementation of Bar/Bat Mitzvah educational programs.
- Support clergy in developing and managing an engaging and educational confirmation program for teens.
Faculty & Student Engagement
- Recruit, hire, train, and supervise all Religious School teachers, administrative staff, and volunteers.
- Foster strong relationships with students and parents, offering regular updates on student progress and school initiatives.
- Collaborate with the Early Childhood Center (ECC) director to ensure a smooth transition from the ECC to Religious School.
- Develop and oversee youth engagement programs aimed at reconnecting disengaged teens through innovative approaches that encourage participation, foster dialogue, and strengthen their connection to our temple community.
Community Outreach & Engagement
- Design and implement innovative strategies to increase enrollment and retention in the Religious School, both before and after Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
- Cultivate community partnerships and outreach initiatives to engage families within the broader Jewish community of the Conejo Valley.
- Research best practices for youth engagement at comparable synagogues.
- Collaborate with temple leadership to ensure a unified vision and mission for Jewish education at Temple Adat Elohim.
Administrative & Operational Management
- Manage the school’s budget, including approving staff time sheets, ordering materials, and determining expenses for programming costs, maintaining financial sustainability.
- Oversee safety protocols and procedures to maintain a secure learning environment.
- Collaborate with staff to support a cohesive and dynamic team environment.
Required Qualifications
Educational Background
- Bachelor’s Degree required
- Master’s degree in Jewish Education, Jewish Studies, or a related field preferred.
Experience:
- Minimum of 3-5 years in Jewish education leadership, including faculty management and curriculum development.
Skills & Competencies:
- Strong leadership and management abilities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to develop and maintain meaningful relationships with students, parents, faculty, and synagogue leadership.
- Creativity and innovation in curriculum development and student engagement.
- Experience with classroom technology and educational tools to enhance learning.
- Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and comfort with data collection and analysis.
- Sensitivity to diverse learning needs and the ability to create inclusive learning environments.
- Ability to read, decode, and teach prayerbook Hebrew preferred.
Work Environment & Physical Expectations
- This is an in-person, office-based position.
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed to support Religious School programs and events.
- Ability to set up and oversee school events, including occasional lifting of educational materials and supplies.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience (estimated range: $85,000-95,000)
- Health and retirement benefits
- Paid time off, including Jewish holidays
- Professional development opportunities