Work at YJ

Job Description: Director of Jewish Life

Job Length: June 16 - August 15, 2025

Who We Are: Camp YJ is an independent, non-profit overnight camp for kids ages 8-15 from a variety of Jewish backgrounds. We are located on 168 scenic wooded acres on the shores of Lake Baboosic in southern New Hampshire. Since 1939, campers,counselors, and alumni have experienced

the Joy of Judaism and incredible Journeys of growth that shape their lives by being part of our camp community.

Our community is composed of:

• ~400 campers largely from the eastern seaboard and their families –– at least 30% of our campers have a parent who went to YJ
• Summer staff of 80 counselors –– 80% of whom are former campers and 20% are international
• 20 summer administrators, specialists, and medical professionals –– all of whom are college graduates and some with 10+ years of experience at CYJ
• 6 year-round staff (current configuration: f/t Executive Director, f/t Chief Operating Officer, f/t Director of Facilities, f/t Assistant Director, p/t Director of Recruitment and Family Engagement, p/t Director of Alumni Engagement)
• 5,000 active alumni –– many of whose children and grandchildren attend camp

We welcome children 8-15 years-old (completing grades 2-9) for 2 week, 3 ½ week and 7 week sessions. Our oldest campers (completing grade 10) participate in a culminating, educational experience in Israel or Europe for 5 weeks and then return to camp “deep in the hills of New Hampshire” for 2 weeks of leadership training.

Camp YJ is a private, independent, non-profit organization and is not affiliated with the Young Judaea movement or other camps with similar names. We are proud to be the original Camp YJ.

Director of Jewish Life Overview

The Jewish Life Director is the lead educator at Camp YJ, overseeing Jewish learning and Israel engagement for campers ages 8-15. This role requires a passion for Jewish camp, a love of teaching traditions, and an appreciation for summer Jewish holidays. The director fosters meaningful connections to Israel through discussions, programs, and cultural experiences. In collaboration with the Music Director and Jewish Life staff, they help plan Shabbat services and Havdalah, with opportunities to co-lead services. Additionally, they coordinate and support Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutoring, using materials from campers' home clergy. Families pay a separate fee for this service, and the director is compensated accordingly.

Responsibilities:

• Creates and oversees curriculum emphasizing a pluralistic learning experience for campers with an emphasis on a connection to modern-day Israel, tikkun olam, Jewish heroes and heroines, understanding the roots of anti-Semitism, and performing mitzvot.
• Leads informal and age-appropriate experiential “classes” up to 3 days a week
• Option to collaborate with Music staff to organize and co-lead Shabbat services on Friday night and Saturday morning and Havdalah services on Saturday evening.
• Oversees, trains and directs a Jewish Life
• Provides insight and creates content for special cultural, religious, and social action programming and events and serves as mentor and resource for American and international staff and campers.
• Collaborates with the Music, Dance, and Arts and Crafts Directors to weave Jewish-themed arts through the YJ summer experience.
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Position Qualifications:

• Live-in preferred; live-out possible (see below for family housing)
• Must commit for a seven-week camp season as well as one-week staff training program beginning June 16 and culminating August 14, 2025
• Jewish educator, rabbinical or cantorial student with experience in children’s Jewish education
• Seeking an engaging, approachable leader who thrives in a pluralistic setting, demonstrates strong Jewish content knowledge, and excels in curriculum planning.
• Must be kind, creative, and able to connect with campers and staff in a welcoming klal Yisrael

environment.

• Strong Hebrew skills required; fluency
• Comfortable leading college-aged staff and collaborating with older adults and children (ages 8-15).
• Highly motivated to foster an inclusive, spirited, and fun camp
• Exceptional organizational skills, flexibility, and problem-solving
• Passionate about teaching and creating a safe, intentional, and fun
• Detail-oriented with strong logistical and prioritization skills

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Adult housing
• Tuition benefit for camp aged children
• Three meals per day of Kosher food provided
• Full use of facilities including swimming pool, waterfront on Baboosic Lake, basketball and tennis courts, etc.
• Fantastic community with a love for YJ and significant opportunity to make a positive and long-lasting impact on hundreds of campers and staff.

Application:

Please submit a resume and cover letter outlining why you are interested in this position and how your qualifications make you a good fit. Please email to: Ryan Rosen, Assistant Director, [email protected].