Director of Youth and Programming

Beth Jacob Synagogue is seeking a passionate and experienced leader to ignite a love of Judaism in our next generation. As the Director of Youth & Programming, you'll design and deliver engaging experiences for children, teens, and families, fostering a vibrant and welcoming synagogue community.

Beth Jacob is a welcoming, traditionally progressive, egalitarian synagogue located in Mendota Heights, Minnesota. We are guided by the principles of Torah (study), Avodah (meaningful worship and work), and Gemilut Chasidim (acts of loving kindness.) We exist as a congregation in order to practice and further our understanding of Conservative Judaism through the celebration of Shabbat, holidays and lifecycle events, and daily practice. 

The Director of Youth and Programming will be responsible for overseeing and facilitating youth programming for children and teens ages 0-18, as well as support programming synagogue wide. The Director of Youth and Programming will oversee the BJUSY advisor, and will work with the BJUSY board, synagogue staff, and adult youth commission to sustain and grow the synagogue’s youth programs; including family programming, BJuniors (3rd-5th grade), Gesher (6th-8th grade), and BJUSY (9th-12th grade). The Director of Youth and Programming will work with and support our Clergy and Executive director to create synagogue wide programing success, ensuring alignment with Beth Jacob’s mission and vision. 

The Director of Youth and Programming will report to the Director of Congregational Learning and will work closely with, and take direction from, the Senior Rabbi and Executive Director. The role is a full time position beginning July 1st 2024. 

Responsibilities:

Lead & Develop Engaging Youth Programs:

• Oversee all youth programs for all ages from young families to BJUSY (ages 0-18).
• Collaborate with BJUSY board and staff to create a balanced program calendar with educational, religious, and social activities.
• Recruit, train, and mentor youth group volunteers and student leaders (BJUSY board) to build program ownership.
• Develop strong relationships with BJuniors, Gesherites, and BJUSYers, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
• Plan, organize, and lead a variety of social, educational, and spiritual programs that spark Jewish identity, Israel connection, and a love of learning.
• Mentor youth, providing guidance and support on their personal and Jewish journeys.
• Track program participation and use data to improve engagement and outreach.
• Manage the youth program budget and chapter finances responsibly.

Synagogue-Wide Programming:

• Work with clergy, executive director, and program committees to ensure alignment with Beth Jacob's mission and maximize program impact.
• Support existing programs including holiday celebrations, Shabbat potlucks, and social events.
• Coordinate event logistics, marketing, and setup/reset.
• Assist committees in planning and executing their programs.

Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree preferred
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal) (direct, concise, polite, comprehensive, welcoming)
• Marketing skills, event planning 
• Able to efficiently switching between tasks, multitasking
• Must be a practicing Jew, knowledgeable about Judaism and committed to upholding the religious rituals and practices of our community
• Serve as a role model/dugma for the synagogue youth and their families 
• Must not conduct synagogue business on Shabbat or Jewish holidays
• Brings Jewish values of Torah, Avodah, and G’milut Chassadim to life 
• Does mitzvot and encourages observance through personal action and teaching
• Is ethical in all dealings with the synagogue and the youth program
• Does not use drugs, alcohol, or tobacco at events or any time in the presence of youth
• Does not attend synagogue events when under the influence 
• Speaks appropriately, refrains from l’shon harah (gossip, slander) and nivul peh (foul language) 
• Confronts social issues with which youth and teens deal from the Jewish perspective
• Is familiar with how to deal with teen issues such as suicide, substance abuse, sexuality, and family problems
• Can serve as a confidential resource to youth; understanding when to maintain confidentiality and when such confidentiality cannot be kept; reporting problems such as drug/substance abuse, sexual or physical abuse, or pregnancy to a parent or synagogue officials
• Supports behavioral religious standards which USY members and staff are expected to follow.  See Emtza Regional USY Home page for more details https://www.emtza.org 

Compensation and Benefits:

• Beth Jacob offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Send a cover letter and resume to Rabbi Justin Held 

Email: [email protected]