Bet Ha’am is a vibrant Jewish community in South Portland, Maine. We welcome Jews from all backgrounds, embrace interfaith families and maintain an open and progressive approach to worship and religious expression. Established in 1985, we have become the largest Jewish congregation in Maine and are dedicated to social justice and healing the world.

The vision and mission of the religious school is a reflection of the overall mission of Bet Ha’am: To provide vision, voice and opportunity for connecting to, practicing and sustaining Judaism in Southern Maine. The mission is to instill a strong sense of Jewish identity through education about Jewish history, the Hebrew language, the study of Torah and the exploration of our Jewish values. Students are taught from the earliest grades to be respectful and compassionate towards each other and to the broader community. There is an emphasis on welcoming the stranger and Tikkun Olam. These values are presented in various formats including stories, class discussion, community service and outreach projects and later as part of their Bet Mitzvah program.

The Religious School at Congregation Bet Ha’am has 100 students ranging from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. It meets regularly on Sunday mornings and evenings and follows the South Portland public school calendar.

We are seeking a Religious School director to be an integral part of the staff of Bet Ha’am. This person will work closely with our full-time Rabbi, office administrator, events coordinator, parents and volunteer teachers to ensure that students of all ages gain a high quality Jewish educational experience.

Required Education: BA/BS, preferable in education, child development or related field. An advanced degree and formal teaching certificate are preferred. Additional course work in Jewish studies is desirable.

Required experience:

1. Curriculum development.
2. Direct personal experience in Jewish religious beliefs and culture.
3. Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team of volunteer educators and engage with students and parents.
4. Excellent organizational abilities, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
5. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively collaborate with various stakeholders.
6. Commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and creating a welcoming environment for all students and families.
7. Flexibility to work evenings and weekends, as needed, to accommodate Religious School programs and events.
8. Experience in teaching Hebrew, leading Jewish prayers and services.

Responsibilities:

1. Evaluate curriculum goals for the school with the help of the Rabbi and Education Committee.
2. Recruit, interview and engage teachers. Because our teachers are volunteers, it is important to provide ongoing support to insure consistency and adherence to curriculum guidelines/goals. Provide support and guidelines for the teachers in areas of student behavioral issues and discipline.
3. Meet regularly with the Rabbi, teachers, and Education committee to discuss and recommend revisions in school procedures, policies and standard curriculum changes, budget requirements, school calendar and related matters.
4. Establish and maintain regular office hours.
5. Maintain student attendance records and curriculum progress in coordination with the teachers.
6. Set up the registration process for the upcoming school year.
7. Coordinate a Bet Mitzvah program with the Rabbi, Hebrew teachers and tutors that prepares students to lead a service and read from the Torah.
8. Maintain a weekly school email that goes to teachers, office staff, Rabbi and parents that outlines programming and schedules in a timely way for the upcoming Sunday mornings and evenings.
9. Work with the bookkeeper and parents to be in compliance with school fees and synagogue membership.
10. Plan and coordinate open house/parent information programs, joint parent-student programs and family education.
11. Work with the Education Committee, Rabbi and office staff to ensure family holidays such as Purim and Chanukah are well coordinated with the Religious School programs and curriculum.
12. Manage Family and Tot Shabbat services with the Rabbi, Events Coordinator and key volunteers.

Compensation and Benefits: This position is full-time (35-40 hours a week). It is an in-person position (with scheduling flexibility to meet with teachers, Rabbi, Education Committee as needed). The salary range is $45,000–$62,500, commensurate with experience and schedule. We offer a benefits package, including paid time off, sick leave, time off for select Jewish holidays and school vacations, a professional development stipend, pension and a health care stipend.

Flexibility: While the role follows the rhythms of the school year and Jewish holiday calendar, we also offer flexibility throughout the year. We’re committed to working with the right candidate to shape a schedule that supports both the position and individual needs. During the school year the Director is expected at once-a-month Friday night Family Shabbat services as well as all day Sunday for morning and evening Religious School. The synagogue has an employee handbook that covers issues of maintaining a healthy and safe work environment. Background checks are required for teachers.