About Hadar

Hadar empowers Jews to create and sustain vibrant, practicing communities of Torah, Avodah, and Hesed. We believe Jewish life is at its best when it is deeply rooted in Torah, fully egalitarian, and actively engaged with the world.

The Gap Year Yeshiva in Israel is an exciting new initiative launching in Fall 2027. The program will offer a serious Beit Midrash experience for graduating High School seniors in a warm community that fosters love of Torah and shemirat mitzvot, alongside meaningful engagement with Israel - the land and society. Guided by Hadar’s dedicated Rebbeim, students will join a community of peers passionate about learning, living, and growing together in the Jerusalem area.

About the Role

The Executive Director (ED) will be the senior professional leader executing Hadar’s Gap Year Yeshiva in Israel. This key operational role will bring the program from vision to reality: first by building its foundation prior to launch, and then by leading its daily life once students arrive.

Between now and Fall 2027, the ED will focus on designing the program’s structure, securing housing and logistics, building staff and faculty teams, and leading US based recruitment (including some travel to the US). Once the program launches, the ED will hold primary responsibility for student life, operations, staff supervision, and ensuring that all aspects of the program run smoothly and reflect Hadar’s values.

The ED will work in close partnership with the on-site Rosh Beit Midrash, who will guide the educational and curricular vision, and also with U.S.-based Hadar leadership, who will provide overarching vision and strategy, as well as support recruitment.

Core Responsibilities

Pre-Launch (Spring 2026-Summer 2027)

• Lead the design and development of the Gap Year Yeshiva in collaboration with Hadar leadership.
• Secure program logistics in Israel: housing, dining, security, and facilities.
• Build systems for recruitment, admissions, student life, budgeting, and operations.
• With Rosh Beit Midrash: hire, onboard, and support staff and faculty.
• Support the Rosh Beit Midrash, who will guide the educational vision and develop the content
• Represent the program to schools, families, and partners; contribute to recruitment and fundraising efforts. This will include travel to the US.

Program Leadership (from Fall 2027)

• Oversee the daily life of the program, ensuring that learning, travel, Shabbatot, and special programming run smoothly.
• Support student well-being, safety, and community standards.
• Supervise program staff (Operations Manager, Madrichim, mental health support, and others).
• Communicate regularly with parents and serve as the primary point of contact for families.
• Partner with the Rosh Beit Midrash to align logistics, community experience, and educational goals.
• Collaborate with U.S.-based leadership on recruitment and institutional relationships.

Qualifications

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has deep experience in Jewish education or immersive programming with teens and young adults.
• Is an exceptional project manager, able to juggle logistics and people with calm and clarity.
• Is an excellent communicator, comfortable speaking with students, parents, staff, and funders.
• Brings a strong connection to Jewish life and the ability to carry Hadar’s vision with integrity (without being the primary Torah educator).
• Can navigate unexpected challenges with sound judgment and care.
• Brings warmth, presence, and strong relational skills to every setting.
• Has fluent conversational/professional Hebrew and ability to navigate Israeli systems.

Bonus if you:

• Have lived and worked in Israel.
• Bring experience in recruitment, admissions, or development.
• Are familiar with Hadar’s approach to Torah and community.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $100,000-$120,000 (USD equivalent, paid in NIS, inclusive of benefits)
  
• Benefits: Health insurance, retirement contributions, vacation and sick leave, professional development support

Hadar Israel offers a competitive compensation package that includes all mandatory statutory benefits required by Israeli law, including pension contributions and national insurance. Employees may also become eligible for participation in a Keren Hishtalmut (study fund) — a tax-advantaged savings plan jointly funded by the employer and employee. Eligibility for this benefit is based on tenure; senior hires may request enrollment from the start of employment.

To Apply

Please upload a 60 second video, cover letter and resume to the form. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds who are excited about Hadar’s mission and eager to help shape this new chapter.