Education Director Position Description
We welcome applicants of every background, race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, disability status, marital status, and sexual orientation
Job Summary
We are seeking a dynamic, passionate, and experienced Jewish education professional to join our Jewish Neighborhood at Beth Chaim Reform Congregation (BCRC). This role presents an exciting opportunity to shape the educational future of our congregation’s “Sababa” Religious School, while growing professionally under the mentorship of our respected and dynamic Rabbi, Michele Pearlman. BCRC is a Reform Jewish congregation in Chester County, PA and is a vibrant, warm, and inclusive spiritual home to our member families. We've cultivated a unique "Jewish Neighborhood" at BCRC—a welcoming community where connections flourish across generations, and Jewish values are lived daily. We take an innovative approach that creates an environment where families learn, celebrate, and grow together, strengthening both individual Jewish identities and our collective community bonds.
BCRC has a special opportunity with our stably growing community – in terms of membership numbers, community participation, and program offerings. As a professional leader within the synagogue and the head of our Sababa religious school, the Education Director would act as an innovator and engagement leader for educational elements of our future plans. The Director will foster connections between students, their families, and teachers, as well as between different age groups through collaborative programming. They will work in close collaboration with BCRC’s dedicated and passionate board of directors, clergy, lay staff, and volunteer committees.
Description of the Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be adept at building meaningful connections across generations while having a particular passion for engaging families with young children. We are seeking a candidate with the following characteristics:
- You are an enthusiastic educator who embodies the best practices of Jewish education and professionalism.
- You are highly motivated and meticulously organized such that you can craft a vision for our educational program and deliver its implementation.
- You display Jewish leadership through your love and respect for children, teachers, parents, and congregants of all ages, as well as your fellow employees and teammates.
- You are patient and compassionate in personal settings, nimble and accessible in teaching settings.
- You meld Jewish tradition with modern pedagogy, weaving music, the arts, and acts of hesed (loving kindness) and tzedek (justice) into congregational engagement and community outreach.
- You treasure foundational Jewish wisdom alongside Reform Jewish ideals.
- As a partner with our clergy, staff, and board of trustees, you welcome challenges, value trust, and approach others with humility, honesty, humor, and emotional intelligence.
- You show skill in building community across different age groups and backgrounds, and are particularly adept at engaging young families, children, and teens.
- You come with a strong background in Jewish education, acquired through your formal education as well as professional and life experience.
- You are able to innovate and challenge the status quo through unique and engaging educational approaches and program offerings.
- You are able to leverage technology as a tool to deepen our congregation’s connection and expand access to all those who wish to engage in learning in our Reform Jewish Neighborhood.
BCRC is more than just a synagogue—we're an interconnected neighborhood bonded by shared values, creative approaches to Judaism, and genuine care for one another. As the only Reform congregation in Chester County, we play a vital role in sustaining and growing Jewish life in our region and educating each generation in ways that inspire spiritual and personal growth. Our members represent diverse backgrounds and degrees of observance, creating a rich tapestry of Jewish experience and practice. Our future Education Director must be motivated and competent to take on this exciting, challenging, and essential role in our community.
Education Director Responsibilities
Sababa Religious School Curriculum and Programming
- Direct and oversee our comprehensive Sababa Religious School program
- Review, and update, and evolve the curriculum for the religious school, including Judaic studies, Israel education, Hebrew language education*, and social justice studies in collaboration with the clergy and faculty. The curriculum should bridge tradition with contemporary Jewish life.
- Develop age-appropriate family education programs for K – 6th grade that align with the curriculum.
- Develop engaging programs specifically designed for families with young children.
- Assist and support older students and teens who attend URJ L’Taken Solcial Justice Seminars in Washington, DC.
- Coordinate with our Hebrew Coordinator to ensure program integration
- Work with Parent Engagement chairperson to develop a calendar of events for parents (assess interest) in order to connect and build community
- Monitor, evaluate, communicate with parents, and revise and/or create as needed an inclusion program that provides differentiated instruction for students with learning differences and support for teachers serving these students.
- Oversee the planning, implementation, and integration of student-led services, class programs, youth group programs, holiday programs, and other special events in collaboration with Rabbi, faculty, and staff.
- Work with Rabbi and lay leaders to develop innovative High Holiday youth programs and service.
- Create innovative, multi-generational programming that strengthens our Jewish Neighborhood.
*BCRC recognizes that the Hebrew language has played a significant role in the preservation of our Jewish religious and cultural heritage l'dor vador. As such, a specific programmatic enhancement that we wish to implement is a stronger integration of Hebrew language education into our core teachings. The new director will play a direct role in organizing and (in partnership with our Hebrew language teachers and tutors) leading Hebrew lessons not only for B'Mitzvah preparation, but also throughout our student's Jewish educational experience at Sababa School.
B'Mitzvah Coordination
- Lead (or co-lead with staff) B’Mitzvah instruction and tutoring programs
- Coordinate with Rabbi to orient families at different stages of the B’Mitzvah planning and preparation process
- Work with current B’Mitzvah teacher(s)/tutors to schedule Tuesday classes
- Be liaison for parents (connect them to the appropriate person, answer questions of process)
- Work with families/students to create an appropriate Mitzvah Project for each student
Teen Programming and Coordination
- Work with rabbi to develop calendar of classes and special programs.
- Hire, supervise a teen advisor to run unique and engaging informal programs
- Communicate/Promote activities (eblast, texts, phone, etc) to the teens.
Management & Supervision
- Hire, train, and supervise/evaluate school faculty, staff, youth group advisors, and madrichim
- Provide Professional Development to staff
- Conduct frequent lesson plan reviews
- Observe teachers periodically (both formally and informally) and provide guidance on issues related to instruction, assessment, and classroom management
Administration & Communication
- Provide frequent communications to parents of students to promote awareness of curriculum content, lesson plans, program scheduling, and other pertinent information
- Attend monthly Board of Directors’ meetings and provide reports as requested
- Communicate with parents as needed to ensure optimal engagement
Team & Reporting Structure
The Education Director reports to the President of the Board of Directors. Direct Supervision will be provided by the Senior Rabbi. The Education Director hires, trains, and supervises part-time teachers, madrichim, and teen advisor.
Qualifications
Required:
- Background in Jewish Education and demonstrated knowledge and ability to lead Jewish education and curriculum development
- Teaching experience with various age groups ranging from early childhood/elementary school age through high school
- Track record of successful program development for diverse age groups.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills, including experience communicating with parents, students, instructors, clergy, lay leadership, and congregation
- Demonstrated leadership and administrative capabilities
- Strong technological skills that will enhance curriculum development, lesson planning, and innovative program offerings
Preferred:
- Master’s degree in education, Jewish Education, or an advanced degree in a similar field
- Experience in leadership of a Jewish religious school (or other management experience)
- 5+ years’ experience of relevant work experience in a religious school setting
- Experience fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion of all types of learners
- Knowledge of hands-on learning
- Experience with ShulCloud or similar customer management software (CMS)
- Microsoft and/or Google Suite experience
Hours and Location
This position is full-time (approximately 40 hours per week). Religious School meets on Sunday mornings, with B’Mitzvah preparation classes currently meeting one night per week during each student’s B’Mitzvah year. Regular attendance at religious services, all special family/student services, and B’Mitzvah services is expected.
Location: Malvern, PA (remote employment is not an option)
Nestled in the heart of Chester County, Malvern, PA offers a unique blend of historical charm and contemporary living. This quaint town is known for its vibrant community spirit, making it an ideal place for families and individuals alike. With its picturesque landscapes, excellent schools, reasonable cost of living, and a variety of cultural and recreational activities, Malvern provides a high quality of life that is hard to match.
For those seeking opportunities in Jewish learning and scholarship, Malvern is strategically located within the Greater Philadelphia Area (25 miles from downtown Philly), offering access to renowned institutions and a thriving Jewish community. Chester County itself is home to a diverse and welcoming Jewish population, with numerous synagogues, educational programs, and community events that enrich Jewish life.
In addition to its strong sense of community, Malvern and the surrounding towns boast bustling downtown areas filled with charming shops, restaurants, and cafes. Our area’s rich history is evident in its well-preserved architecture and numerous historical sites, providing a beautiful backdrop for daily life. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the abundance of parks, trails, and green spaces that the Great Philadelphia Area has to offer.
Whether you're looking to grow professionally and spiritually or enjoy a fulfilling personal life, Malvern, PA, presents an inviting and supportive environment for all.
Salary
Compensation is in the range of $50,000 - $100,000 depending on factors such as years’ experience, degrees and other professional qualifications, and individual skillsets.
To apply, please send cover letter and resume to [email protected]
More about BCRC
https://www.bethchaim.net/
Beth Chaim Reform Congregation is a vibrant, warm, and inclusive Reform Jewish community serving Chester County, Pennsylvania. Established 30 years ago, we've grown into a thriving congregation of over 220 member families, representing 731 individuals who call BCRC their spiritual home. Our beautiful, open sanctuary—designed to welcome both people and nature—pays homage to our humble beginnings in a barn, reflecting our down-to-earth approach to Jewish life and learning.
Rooted in tradition while embracing innovation, we pride ourselves on being a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can worship, learn, and celebrate Judaism together. Our commitment to loving kindness (chesed) and audacious hospitality ensures that everyone—regardless of religious background, race, sexual orientation, or gender identity—finds a welcoming spiritual home within our community.
BCRC is more than just a synagogue—we're an interconnected neighborhood bonded by shared values, creative approaches to Judaism, and genuine care for one another. Our members represent diverse backgrounds and degrees of observance, creating a rich tapestry of Jewish experience and practice.
Beth Chaim is known for warm and creative prayer services that permeate throughout our entire congregational culture. We are a down-to-earth singing community where people are encouraged to come as they are to our beautiful sanctuary. For many years before we built our permanent sanctuary in Malvern PA, our synagogue was hosted by the Church of the Loving Shepherd in their sanctuary barn on Shabbat evenings and mornings. We have built a sanctuary that echoes that feeling of welcome, with timber peg construction, natural stone, movable seating, and large picture windows that invite nature (and even some foxes, deer, and birds) to inspire our worship. A significant portion of our membership comes from diverse faith traditions and backgrounds. In every service there are people who are steeped in a diversity of Jewish tradition, but also those who are new to our customs and rituals, so we strive to make our worship engaging and accessible. Sermons, along with other program offerings, are often interactive and we pay particularly close attention to the planning and creation of our services and invite prayerful participation through soulful music and Jewish meditation, learning and teaching. We take every opportunity to invite congregants to celebrate their Torah and life cycle events. Visual Tefillah is a part of our worship repertoire, and all services are hybrid. The education director would collaborate with Rabbi Pearlman on creating unique, musical, and resonant family and community educational experiences, as well as holiday events.
BCRC is a Brit Olam congregation affiliated with the URJ, URJ’s Religious Action Committee, and Keshet.