Director of Religious School and Community Engagement
Location: Congregation Adath Israel, Middletown, CT
Position Type: Full Time Hybrid
About Us: Adath Israel is a vibrant and welcoming egalitarian synagogue where Jews by birth or choice, interfaith families, traditional and non-traditional families and individuals, celebrate our Jewish faith and heritage. We are centrally located in Middletown, Connecticut, which is halfway between New York City and Boston; and enjoy the benefits of being in a college town with Wesleyan University at its core.
Job Summary:
The Religious School and Engagement Director will oversee and manage the synagogue’s religious school, involving curriculum development and staff supervision. In this unique combined role, the applicant will also be responsible for engagement with congregants and the greater community by developing and implementing a comprehensive social media strategy to increase membership, visibility, and participation in synagogue activities by collaborating with staff, clergy, leadership, volunteers and members to promote events and programs. The ideal candidate will be both passionate about Jewish education and skilled in digital marketing, with a clear vision for building the synagogue’s online and community presence.
Key Responsibilities:
Religious School Management
- Develop and implement a comprehensive curriculum for the religious school, aligning with the synagogue’s educational goals and values.
- Recruit, train, and supervise religious school faculty.
- Plan and coordinate religious school events, including holiday celebrations, family programs, and special programs.
- Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment that supports the spiritual and educational growth of students.
- Communicate regularly with parents and guardians, providing updates on student progress and school activities.
- Collaborate with synagogue leadership, clergy, and other organizations to enhance the educational experience.
- Manage the religious school budget and resources efficiently.
- Ensure compliance with safety and security policies within the school.
Engagement and Social Media Development
- Develop and execute a social media strategy that aligns with the synagogue’s mission, vision and values to attract new members and increase program participation.
- Create and manage content for social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and others that foster a positive and inclusive online community.
- Update and maintain the synagogue’s website, ensuring it is dynamic and user-friendly, highlighting upcoming programs and events.
- Plan and coordinate social media campaigns for holidays, special events and community initiatives.
- Coordinate the content and distribution of weekly email blasts, the monthly newsletter and timely messaging to congregants and the broader community.
- Oversee the development of promotional materials for synagogue events, including flyers, brochures and digital assets.
- Strengthen the synagogue’s presence within the greater Jewish community by networking and fostering relationships with other Jewish organizations and potential members
- Analyze social media metrics to track performance and adjust strategies for better engagement.
- Stay updated on social media trends and best practices to keep the synagogue’s online presence fresh and relevant.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in education, Jewish Studies, Communication or a related field
- Experience in Jewish education, including teaching and curriculum development
- Passion for Jewish learning and commitment to fostering a love of Judaism in students.
- Proven experience in social media platforms, trends, and analytics
- Creative mindset with the ability to produce compelling visual and written content.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with clergy, staff and community membership.
- Proficiency in graphic design tools and social media management software is desirable.
Compensation: Salary range of $50,000-$65,000 with bonus incentives for increases in membership, religious school enrollment and program participation.
How to Apply: Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume, cover letter and references to cai.ct.jobs. Applications will be accepted until March 31.
Join Us: Become a part of a dynamic and forward-thinking community that values engagement, creativity, and connection. Adath Israel is excited to welcome a new Director of Religious School and Community Engagement.