Youth Coordinator/CLASP Fellow

Temple Beth Avodah is a nurturing, progressive Reform synagogue in Newton, MA, seeking a Youth Coordinator/CLASP Fellow to join our vibrant staff team. Our congregation is made up of 440 families deeply engaged in Jewish life and learning, including approximately 130 students in Kindergarten through 12th grade.

At TBA, our vision is to be a true home for our congregants. We believe each child and family deserves to be nurtured in ways unique to them. We’re looking for a youth professional who shares our personalized approach, values deep relationship-building, and is passionate about Jewish learning and joyful engagement.

This position is in partnership with URJ Camps as part of the CLASP (Camp Leadership and Synagogue Professional) Fellowship. The Fellow will work closely with our educational team and clergy to create meaningful, exciting programming for children, teens, and families throughout the year. During the summer, the Fellow will serve on staff at a URJ Camp, with a role determined in early spring by the Camp Director based on the candidate’s strengths and experience.

Position Start Date: August 18, 2025 (with flexibility for an earlier or later start as needed)

Responsibilities

Leadership & Administration:

• Support K-12 programming including planning, communication, participation tracking, and calendar management
• Collaborate on engagement strategies and develop new initiatives such as experiential education, post B Mitzvah retention, and regional youth group and camp involvement.
• Stay current on issues related to adolescent development and social-emotional learning
• Participate in professional development opportunities

Youth Group:

• Serve as advisor for youth groups (grades 3-12) by planning and attending events and conducting outreach to potential participants
• Mentor and support teen leadership board through regular meetings and guidance
• Represent youth groups to synagogue leadership and the wider community
• Encourage participation in regional youth events

Teaching/Religious School:

• Teach in middle and high school programs (weekly lessons, elective groups, and special programs)
• Support elementary school programs (subbing, one on one student support, or planning special programs as needed)
• Assist in coordinating the Madrichim/Teen Intern program

Trips/Retreats:

• Collaborate with Director of Education to plan and lead teen trips/retreats for grades 6-12
• Create a clear vision for each experience incorporating goals for learning and community building
• Manage logistics including registration, transportation, and communication
• Implement outreach strategies to encourage participation and relationship building

Camper Recruitment & Retention:

• Bring the energy and spirit of camp into synagogue community through programming
• Connect families to summer camp program that best fits their needs
• Track and follow up with prospective campers and families
• Staff URJ year-round programs as needed per agreement with camp
• Serve on URJ Northeast Camp staff during the summer (specific responsibilities assigned by the Camp Director)

This position is perfect for an early career professional looking to learn more about working in the Jewish community in an inclusive and encouraging work environment. To apply, please send a letter of intent and resume to Becky Oliver at [email protected]