Education Director for Ohr Kodesh Congregation
In the backyard of our Nation’s Capital, Ohr Kodesh Congregation is a vibrant Conservative synagogue with more than 500 member households, where the number of children, ages 5-18, has tripled in the past 10 years. We are a warm, vibrant, and traditionally-committed community with members of every background, enriched by diverse perspectives. Ohr Kodesh is growing – in membership, in spiritual connectedness and religious practice, and in becoming a synagogue of excellence in lifelong learning.
Imagine a Bustling Week: It’s Wednesday afternoon or Sunday morning. More than 100 Kindergarten through 7th grade students from the Alvin Browdy Religious School (ABRS) fill the hallways and classrooms. On Shabbat morning, 200 regulars are in the sanctuary, 65 pray outside on the patio, and 100+ students participate in Shabbat groups and services or play outside on the playground. From tot services to teen-led programs for elementary school students, our youth feel at home at OK.
“Doing” Education at OKC
We are looking for a warm, inspiring, and highly motivated individual to be our new Director of Education. The Director will be an organized and dynamic individual responsible for shaping and executing our educational vision: creating a connected and empowered youth community of learners of Torah and Jewish tradition. The Director will work closely with professionals and lay leaders to develop a strategic plan to meet the needs of the community, while focusing on the operation of the school and engaging our students and families. This role includes social and creative programming for all young people, from pre-K to 5th grade, engagement with B’nei Mitzvah preparation, and Shabbat and evening responsibilities. Priorities include:
- Establish and implement curriculum goals that meet community needs. Support teachers in developing grade-specific curricula that align with these goals.
- Oversee the hiring, management, and supervision of teachers, staff, and specialists (e.g., art and music) for ABRS.
- Recruit and register students and utilize and maintain the school CRM module.
- Work closely with the ABRS Parent Committee to oversee and implement the school’s vision and mission.
- Ensure regular feedback and communication with parents, including through class updates, progress reports, and meetings as needed for special concerns.
- Foster a supportive environment for students with special educational and behavioral needs to thrive in class. Promote educator awareness, parental communication, and provide necessary resources for maximum inclusion.
- Manage and implement the tutoring program for students in grades 3-7 on an opt-in basis.
- Facilitate professional development for ABRS faculty 3-4 times per year.
- Facilitate family educational programs 3-4 times per year.
- Plan and implement special programs for ABRS and synagogue youth.
- Coordinate and enrich Shabbat morning youth programming.
Does this sound like the right position for you? Here’s what we’re looking for:
Essential or Interpersonal Skills
- Someone who loves working with and teaching children and their families and has a passion for learning and teaching, a dugmah (a model) for living a proud Jewish life.
- A dynamic, organized, and creative leader who loves working as part of a collaborative team of professionals and engaged, knowledgeable lay leaders.
Jewish Subject Matter Expertise
- Strong proficiency in Hebrew, specifically prayerbook Hebrew and t’fillah, with the experience and ability to lead youth services confidently.
- Fluency in Jewish practice and Torah, and familiarity with the Jewish teachings, values, and principles of Conservative Judaism.
- Knowledge and appreciation for Jewish life, traditions, and culture, with the ability to integrate these values appropriately into educational material and programs.
Experience
- Demonstrated experience in leading a synagogue youth educational or similar program from K-12
- Proven success in an educational supervisory role that included teacher coaching and curriculum planning, staff and budget management.
- Knowledge of top Jewish and non-Jewish educational environments and their common pedagogies.
- Master of Education/Jewish Education or equivalent experience. Rabbinic/Cantorial Ordination a bonus.
Management Skills
- A demonstrated proficiency in administration and management in a leadership role, emphasizing strong organizational skills.
- Superior written and oral communication skills with attention to detail.
The Education Director is supervised by Rabbi Batya Glazer, Director of Lifelong Learning, and works collaboratively with the OKC educational team, all staff, and clergy.
Compensation Package
This is a full-time, year-round position. The salary is $85,000-$95,000 plus benefits (health insurance, professional development, disability, retirement, paid time off), commensurate with experience.
We look forward to hearing from you. If you are interested, please email a cover letter and resume to [email protected].