Head of Informal Education
Jewish National Fund
General overview
Alexander Muss High School in Israel (AMHSI-JNF) is a pluralistic, academic, study abroad program that strengthens our students' Jewish identity, inspiring them to explore their connection to Israel through formal and experiential educational opportunities. By transforming Israel into a living classroom and offering a robust, integrated curriculum, we aim to develop and foster within our teens a passion for lifelong learning and leadership, giving them the tools and the confidence to impact their communities worldwide.
Position Summary:
The Head of informal education plays a key role in the holistic educational experience at AMHSI by developing, overseeing, and executing all non-academic student programming. You will play a vital role in shaping the student experience and fostering a supportive environment within our community. The manager works closely with educators, counselors (madrichim), and administrators to ensure that co-curricular experiences complement academic goals and enhance students' personal growth, sense of belonging, and connection to Israel.
Key Responsibilities:
· Educational Vision & Program Design
- Design and implement engaging comprehensive informal education plan aligned with AMHSI's mission and educational values.
- Plan and manage evening/weekend activities, holiday celebrations, community service, and leadership opportunities.
- Integrate informal learning with the formal curriculum
- Create and manage work plans for madrichim, including scheduling vacation days, assigning replacements, and addressing any program-related needs.
- Team Collaboration:
- Recruit, train and work closely with the madrichim team to deliver programs and ensure consistent quality.
- Supervise and mentor staff (madrichim) on a day-to-day basis and identify high-performing madrichim with potential to contribute to multiple programs and recommend their continued engagement with the school.
- Coordinate with teachers, program managers, and the education department to ensure integration between academic and co-curricular elements.
- Logistics & Administration:
- Manage the co-curricular program budget, supplies, and vendor relationships.
- Track program effectiveness and gather student feedback for continuous improvement.
- Guide and oversee madrichim in working with internal departments to guarantee that all logistical needs, equipment, and program preparations are handled in advance.
- Provide support and guidance to madrichim in their management of disciplinary issues and student concerns.
- Offer assistance and guidance during emergency situations and provide support to madrichim in handling challenging scenarios.
- Conduct comprehensive program summaries at the conclusion of each program, managing equipment and funds belonging to the school.
Qualifications:
· Bachelor's degree in education, informal education, program management, or related field; master's degree preferred.
· 3+ years of experience in youth programming, informal education, or student life, preferably in a residential or immersive setting.
· Demonstrated leadership, creativity, and organizational skills.
· Strong interpersonal and communication abilities.
· Deep familiarity with Jewish culture, Israeli society, and experiential education.
· Fluent in Hebrew and English.
· Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
· Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.