Director of Youth Engagement
Beth Emet The Free Synagogue, a vibrant Reform congregation, is searching for a full-time Director of Youth Engagement to join our team of clergy, educators, and administrators. We’re looking for an exceptional youth professional who can encourage youth ownership and leadership, build personal relationships with youth, and continue to develop our thoughtful teen program.
About this role and about you:
You are drawn to working with children of various ages, especially teens and tweens. You have experience inspiring children and teens through experiential learning inside the classroom and beyond. You are creative, compassionate, and collaborative. You are open-minded, a team player, and want to develop your professional skills as part of a dynamic synagogue staff. You’re able to roll up your sleeves with us to do the work that will translate into progress.
The Director of Youth Engagement will imagine and bring to fruition exciting and meaningful experiences for children and teens at Beth Emet. This work will include long-standing programs as well as new ideas as part of our dynamic lifelong learning team. Our new Director of Lifelong Learning is energetic, thoughtful, and excited to work with your current skill set and help you grow as you iterate teen and youth programming together.
Responsibilities include:
- Develop caring, mentoring relationships with Beth Emet youth and their families as a role model, mentor, and educator
- Plan, lead, and coordinate our three youth groups: Garinim (4th-5th grades), Chasamba (6th- 8th grades) and BESSY (high school)
- Develop and facilitate social and informal education programs for 4th-5th grade students and their families
- Teach and coordinate our 7th grade Gesher program on Thursdays and some Sundays
- Teach two courses in our 9th-11th grade BE NOAR program on Sunday afternoons
- Create and implement experiential learning opportunities, including social justice and community service programs and weekend retreats
- Support special programs such as holiday programs and other synagogue programs and initiatives for our teen community
- Participate in ongoing professional learning opportunities at Beth Emet and in other networks
Qualifications and Core Competencies:
- Strong Jewish identity and understanding of the principles of Reform Judaism
- Experience in Jewish experiential and formal education
- Demonstrated ability to connect with and mentor tweens and teens
- Strong organizational, technology, and communication skills
- Track record of receiving and giving feedback in a culture of collaboration
- Ability to communicate sensitively with people of various backgrounds, gender identities, and ethnicities
The Director of Youth Engagement reports to the Director of Lifelong Learning and will work closely with Beth Emet’s Klei Kodesh, our professional staff team.
Work Location & Hours:
This position is based onsite at Beth Emet in Evanston, IL. Because the schedule extends beyond traditional 9-to-5 hours, including evenings, weekends, and holiday commitments, we will work together to create a schedule that includes regular days off.
This position will begin as early as mid-June, though we are flexible for a start date during Summer 2025.
Additional Benefits:
Salary $45,000-52,000, commensurate with experience. Compensation includes health insurance and paid time off. Employees also receive a complimentary synagogue membership, and those with school-aged children may qualify for tuition discounts. The benefits of this position will also include membership in professional organizations and professional development opportunities, such as conferences, to support your professional growth.
To Apply:
Email cover letter and resume to Lauren Reeves, incoming Director of Lifelong Learning: [email protected].