Religious School Director

Position Title: Riverdale Temple Learning Center Religious School Director
Location: Riverdale Temple, Bronx, NY
Reports To: Education Committee
Employment Type: Part-Time: School runs Sundays, 9:30am – 11:30am; and Tuesdays 4:00pm – 5:30pm.

Position Summary

The Riverdale Temple Learning Center (RTLC) Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the synagogue’s religious school program, ensuring the development and implementation of a comprehensive Jewish education curriculum for attending students in grades K – 8. This individual will work closely with clergy, staff, teachers, and families to create a meaningful, engaging, and inclusive learning environment. The director is also responsible for the recruitment and supervision of staff and teachers.

Key Responsibilities

1. Curriculum Development & Implementation

• Work with key stakeholders, such as the Rabbi, Cantor, teachers, and RTLC Committee to maintain and further develop an enhanced and developmentally appropriate curriculum that integrates Jewish values, traditions and Hebrew.
• Review and order textbooks and supplementary materials.
• Regularly evaluate and update the curriculum to reflect contemporary needs and changes in Jewish education.

2. Staff Management & Development

• Recruit, interview, hire, and supervise qualified teachers
• Create a collaborative and supportive work environment that fosters strong relationships between teachers, students, and parents.
• Assist in such daily management and support functions as enrollment, teacher needs and student supervision; teach classes as necessary.
• Observe and review/evaluate staff on a regularly scheduled basis providing feedback on performance and run staff meetings on a regular basis.

3. Student/Family Engagement & Support

• Oversee the educational experience of students, ensuring they are supported and engaged in their learning journey.
• Work with families to address individual student needs and concerns, including academic and behavioral support.
• Coordinate and support family engagement activities, including holiday programs and special events.
• Work with B’nei Mitzvah students in designing and supporting the completion of their B’nei Mitzvah project.
• Interface with families at drop-off, pick-up, including monthly informal meetings on Sundays, and special events
• Communicate with parents about student progress including overseeing completion and distribution of semi-annual progress reports
• Develop programming to engage families; attend at least one Ruach Shabbat where the RTLC is celebrated.
• Plan and attend events such as Holiday Celebrations during school hours.
• Inform and promote Riverdale Temple activities that the RTLC families should engage in such as Ruach Shabbats, Holiday events/festivals and opportunities for service.
• Offer various opportunities for potential students and parents to become acquainted with Riverdale Temple programs through open houses, tours, programs, and events in conjunction with the clergy and coordinating with the Membership Committee.
• Provide ongoing communication with the parents via email, calendar newsletters, columns in the Temple Bulletin, and website. Take steps to inform parents of availability to meet to discuss any thoughts or concerns that they may have.

4. Administrative Oversight

• Manage the religious school’s budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to meet the needs of the program.
• Participate in managing the school’s scheduling, including holidays, teacher meetings, and student events.
• Handle student registration, attendance and maintain accurate records. Respond to all new registrations and any school inquiries and further forward such information to the Membership Committee.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and synagogue policies.
• Develop and manage an annual budget that supports all aspects of RTLC programming including classroom materials, staffing, events, and marketing.

5. Communication & Collaboration

• Serve as the primary point of contact for parents, students, and teachers regarding religious school matters.
• Promote and foster a positive relationship between the religious school and the broader synagogue community.
• Report to RTLC Committee on a monthly basis or regularly at Committee meetings.
• Provide such information as the RTLC Committee may request, including but not limited to: updates on enrollment, staffing, curriculum, special events and outreach.
• Report either in person or virtually via Zoom (or another virtual format) every two months to the Board of Trustees.
• Provide Marketing Director and Executive Director weekly information sent to religious school families while school is in session.
• Contribute an article to the Riverdale Temple Bulletin at least once every two months.

6. Program Development & Community Engagement

• Plan and implement innovative programming that enhances the educational experience (e.g., family education programs).
• Develop outreach activities to promote RTLC and encourage enrollment and participation in coordination with the RTLC Committee.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in Jewish education, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Strong knowledge of Jewish traditions, culture, and Hebrew language.
• Proven ability to work with children, teachers, and parents in an educational setting.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with clergy, staff, and families.
• A passion for fostering Jewish education and community engagement.