Director of Teen Programming

Temple Shaaray Tefila is a vibrant, inclusive Reform congregation in Bedford, NY. We aspire to be a community where children and families think, do, and feel Jewish. At our core, we are committed to social responsibility and making the world a better place through good deeds and acts of kindness. Our programs offer a multitude of unique and engaging ways to celebrate, learn, pray and connect with Jewish traditions, teachings and with each other- both inside and outside our temple walls. www.shaarayteflia.org

Job Description:

Temple Shaaray Teflia seeks a dynamic, experiential educator who will shape and develop our informal teen programming. As our youth complete their B’nai Mitzvah experiences, they want new options of engagement and gathering. Our formal education in our Living Judaism Religious School provides one vibrant model. The Director of Teen Programming will develop an alternative and complementary set of options, so that Temple Shaaray Tefila establishes a robust offering, for the diverse group of teens and families of our immediate and broader community. This full-time position includes: teen engagement and relationship building, creative programming, social justice and Jewish values experiences. Reporting to the Director of Education, the Director will work closely with the Cantor, Rabbi and Executive Director and the volunteer committee of this initiative.

The ideal candidate is eager to work with teens, is passionate about social justice and service, and is excited by the opportunity to create a new “Teen Center” and take programs from idea to execution with excellence.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

● Develop the program and 3-year plan for the temple’s ‘Teen Center’, setting success metrics and key milestones. Working with professional and volunteer leadership, shape and vet the plan and present to the Board of Directors.

● Create a calendar of events, including such elements as ‘hang outs’, volunteer opportunities, trips, leadership experiences, speaker and learning series.

○ Design and implement weekly and monthly programming for distinct and overlapping groups of our youth.

○ Teens involved will cross among ToaSTY (youth group), our Teen Action Center, Rosh Chodesh/Shevet Achim and our Madrichim participants.

● Lead the B’nai Mitzvah group projects program as a key experience in participants’ community involvement, and as a step toward their engagement in the social action of the Teen Center.

● Cultivate leadership skills among the teens and work with staff and lay leadership of the temple, to ensure the teens have opportunities to lead, advocate and teach.

● Reach out to the teens and their parents within our temple community and our broader community, for program participation.

● Develop and lead trips for the teens to educate them first hand on key issues of the day.

● Conceptualize, develop and conduct weekly and monthly programming, dependent on the group.

● Mentor the Madrichim so they can be effective tutors and mentors and coordinate the program.

● Partner with the B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator so interests developed in the B’nai Mitzvah projects can carry through to further involvement and leadership opportunities post B’nai Mitzvah

● Engage with parents, so they can support their teens and learn from them. Explore the potential of the parents having their peer group and ways to be involved in the efforts led by the teens.

Qualifications:

● This position requires demonstrated experience designing and leading youth in a variety of programs and activities. Three years of Jewish informal, or progressive settings preferred.

● Life-long learner who sees the potential in every child and will help children see the potential in themselves

● Exceptional interpersonal skills, good judgment, and an ability to work both independently and in a highly collaborative environment

● A commitment to thinking outside of the box – dedication to creativity, innovation, and fun

● Strong program management skills and a sense of ownership over the programming that drives efficiency and excellence in all aspects of work

● Demonstrated passion for the mission, vision, and core values of Jewish engagement and education at Temple Shaaray Tefila

● Masters’ degree in Jewish Education or related fields preferred

● Detail-oriented and comfortable with technology

Compensation and Benefits

● Salary commensurate with experience

● Medical Insurance

● Paid Vacation time