Director of Education 

Congregation Beth Israel (CBI) is a growing and vibrant Conservative synagogue, with a warm, welcoming, family environment.  Our Director of Education will continue to bring energy and creativity to our 300-student Religious School, will implement creative, quality programming outside of the classroom, and will ensure that all ages are engaged as learners and participants in meaningful Jewish living. Scotch Plains and surrounding towns have become very popular with families from across the NY/NJ-area who are seeking more space, strong schools, and a thriving Jewish community. Many of those families have sought out CBI for our welcoming atmosphere, growing religious school, and active community. Religious school enrollment and overall membership have grown every year since 2021 and we continue to engage our growing population with personal connections and opportunities for ongoing education.

The Director of Education will be supervised by the Rabbi and will join the Cantor, and Executive Director as members of CBI’s senior staff, working together to craft and implement a vision of lifelong congregational engagement. The Director of Education will serve as a community builder, fostering a welcoming atmosphere and inviting our youth to participate meaningfully in congregational learning and living. We are committed to supporting the professional growth of the Director of Education and we seek someone who wishes to grow and thrive along with CBI.

To help support our growing community, we are eager to consider rabbis and other clergy for this position who are interested in devoting a portion of their time to support life cycle events, the B’nai Mitzvah process, and pulpit leadership and responsibilities.

CBI is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive environment for all its members, and we are proud to have been recognized as an ABLE Awarded Synagogue by the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest.

Areas of Responsibility:

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL DIRECTOR FOR 300+ STUDENT SCHOOL:  PRE-K, K-7, AND HIGH SCHOOL
Develop, implement, and evaluate curriculum as needed with emphasis on synagogue and Hebrew language skills, in addition to holidays, lifecycles, history, fostering a sense of Ahavat Yisrael, an appreciation for Israel, and ensuring that the needs of all students and all types of learners are addressed.

Oversee all Religious School procedures and records including calendar management, facility needs, class registration, and student files.

Manage logistical needs for multi-day Religious School programs with classes at two locations as well as occasional field trips.

Recruit, train, observe, support, and evaluate faculty, ensuring that school goals and expectations are met.

Supervise and encourage the involvement of teenagers as classroom assistants in the Religious School.

Communicate regularly with parents regarding school programs and individual student progress.

**SHABBAT AND HOLIDAY PROGRAMMING
**Develop, implement, and oversee High Holiday educational programs for all school-aged students.

Collaborate with clergy to coordinate and expand congregational holiday celebrations and learning opportunities.

CONGREGATIONAL ENGAGEMENT

In conjunction with Clergy and lay leaders. build connections between “school” and “shul” -- integrating Religious School students and their families into the larger synagogue community with innovative classroom and experiential learning, creative family services, intergenerational community building activities, special holiday programs, parent education opportunities, congregational Shabbat dinners, and social action projects. 

Enhance opportunities for teenagers to engage with the synagogue by building upon the existing Hebrew high school program, and continuing to engage teens as leaders and participants in Shabbat, holiday, and religious school programming.

ADMINISTRATION

Develop and manage the CBI education budget under Finance Committee guidance.

Partner with lay leadership on the Education Committee to shape school policy, elicit parental support, develop new ideas, and implement programs, ensuring that the goals of the school are consistent with the goals of the congregation.

Plan calendars for all educational and related engagement events, in conjunction with clergy, office staff and lay leadership.

Attend board and staff meetings on a regular basis.

Work collaboratively with CBI office and professional staff. 

CLERGY RESPONSIBILITIES - PREFERRED

If the Director of Education has ordination from an accredited seminary, they will serve as an integral member of the clergy team, partnering in the spiritual leadership of the congregation. Responsibilities may include officiating and supporting lifecycle events, guiding and mentoring students and families through the B’nei Mitzvah journey, and providing compassionate pastoral care to congregants across all stages of life. The Director of Education may also support the leadership and facilitation of Shabbat and Holiday services, helping to cultivate a vibrant, inclusive, and spiritually enriching worship environment. In addition, the Director of Education will represent the congregation in broader community settings, fostering meaningful relationships and engagement beyond the synagogue walls. 

QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE: 

Bachelor’s Degree in Jewish Studies, education or related field; Master’s Degree preferred and/or clergy ordination (or candidates on that path) for a role that includes clergy responsibilities.

Proven experience as a Jewish educator, either in the classroom or informal settings

A track record of effective teaching and programming, demonstrating a student-centered and progressive approach to educating young people

Supervisory experience in an educational setting, 2+ years preferred 

Minimum 3 years teaching experience, religious school teacher experience preferred

Proficient computer skills

Excellent communication and organizational skills, including social media 

COMPENSATION 

• Compensation will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience and qualifications, with an expected salary between $90,000-110,000.

• Generous benefit package available.

• To apply for the position, please send a cover letter and résumé by email to cbiexecvp@cbisp.org.