Manager of Makom Teen Community
Temple Isaiah, a thriving Reform Jewish congregation in Lexington, Massachusetts, is seeking a full-time Manager of Makom Teen Community. With approximately 750 households from Lexington and nearby communities, Temple Isaiah is an innovative, relationship-centered congregation that offers a broad range of spiritual, educational, social, and social justice experiences to engage people of every age, stage, and background. We are a community of intellectually curious, justice-driven, and open-hearted seekers, coming together to grow, to learn, to connect, and to make our world a better place. This role plays a central part in helping teens feel supported, connected, and inspired during a formative stage of their Jewish journey.

This position primarily serves teens in Makom, our program for 8th-12th graders, and it also has a significant emphasis on engaging our 6th-7th graders. Our teen community serves approximately 70 students through a vibrant blend of learning, social action, leadership development, and community-building experiences. We are looking for a passionate, creative, and organized professional who is excited about connecting with teens, building meaningful relationships, and creating pathways for engagement in Jewish life. The ideal candidate brings warmth, curiosity, and a commitment to inclusive teen engagement.

This position is structured as a CLASP (Camp Leader and Synagogue Professional) Fellowship, a shared position between Temple Isaiah and a URJ camp (either URJ Eisner Camp or URJ Crane Lake Camp). The CLASP Fellow will work at Temple Isaiah during the academic year (August-May) and serve in a summer camp leadership role during the summer months (June-August). This structure provides robust professional development, mentorship from both congregational and camp supervisors, and opportunities to integrate the joy and creativity of Jewish camp culture into year round teen programming.

Primary Responsibilities
Teen Relationship-Building and Engagement
• Serve as primary point of connection and support for Temple Isaiah's teens (grades 8-12) and their families
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive environment for teens of many backgrounds and identities
• Conduct proactive outreach to teens and families with patterns of absence or disconnection
• Recruit for enrollment in temple programs, with focused efforts on students' transition from 7th to 8th grade
• Send weekly teen-focused email newsletter and manage teen-focused social media presence
Program Leadership and Coordination
• Lead Tichon weekly Tuesday evening learning experience with elective courses
• Collaborate with Director of Youth and Family Education to establish course offerings, hire and supervise teachers, and evaluate program effectiveness
• Coordinate weekly dinner setup with Religious School Administrative Assistant
• Lead LEFTY high school youth group
• Advise the LEFTY Board of teen leaders, supervising and supporting teen leadership development
• Plan calendar of events with teen leaders and recruit for regional NFTY programming
• Teach 7th grade classes weekly on Wednesday evenings
• Coordinate and lead 6th-7th grade social and community programming (3-4 events/year)
• Support additional Makom programs in collaboration with clergy and other educators: QUEERY youth group (for queer and questioning teens and their allies), Confirmation (10th grade+), Madrichim (teen teaching guides), Teen Leadership Retreat, and Social Justice Trip
• Coordinate teen-led congregational events in collaboration with clergy, including: Makom Rosh Hashanah Service, LEFTY Creative Shabbat Service, MAZON Philanthropy Dinner, Purim Carnival, and High School Graduation Shabbat
• Manage budget for teen programming in collaboration with Director of Youth and Family Education and handle logistics for programs, trips, and special events
• Collaborate with administrative staff to ensure smooth communication and scheduling
• Ensure coordination between Temple Isaiah and community calendars for youth and teen engagement
Camp Integration and Jewish Camp Promotion
• Foster and support the continued growth of "camp culture" at Temple Isaiah through worship experiences, holiday celebrations, and special programming (Camp Shabbat, camp send-offs, etc.)
• Serve as Jewish camp "concierge," connecting families to URJ summer camps and immersive programs, and actively recruit teens for Jewish summer camps, Israel travel programs, and young adult programs (3-4 touchpoints/year)
• Partner with congregational leadership to secure financial assistance for families, facilitate scholarship applications, and promote funding initiatives like One Happy Camper

CLASP Fellowship Responsibilities
• Academic Year: Participate in monthly mentoring calls with URJ camp supervisor, attend CLASP Fellowship Cohort meetings, staff three regional camp retreats, attend ARJE Annual Gathering, and complete required program reports
• Summer (June-August): Serve in designated summer camp leadership role at partner URJ camp while maintaining Temple Isaiah connections through weekly supervisor calls, connecting with congregational campers, and finalizing
High Holy Day programming

Supervision and Collaboration
• Be supervised by the Director of Youth and Family Education during the academic year and receive mentorship from URJ camp supervisor throughout the year
• Work collaboratively with Temple Isaiah's Education Team to create cohesive K-12 Jewish learning experiences
• Collaborate with clergy, educators, and staff on teen worship and holiday programming
• Support Temple Isaiah's strategic priorities around relationship-building and family engagement

Personal Characteristics and Professional Skills
• Experience connecting with and supporting teens at their developmental level
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple programs, projects, and deadlines
• Clear, effective communicator with teens, families, and colleagues (written and verbal)
• Creative, passionate, energetic approach to youth engagement
• Collaborative leader who builds trust while maintaining professional expectations
• Self-directed, accountable, and comfortable balancing independence with teamwork
• Enthusiasm for residential camp experience and ability to thrive in both congregational and camp settings
• Ability to navigate sensitive conversations with teens and families
• Commitment to Reform Jewish values and inclusive community

Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience
• 3+ years of youth work or teaching experience preferred
• Experience in camp and youth-group settings preferred; URJ camp experience strongly preferred
• Solid foundation in Jewish educational content including Torah, history, and traditions
• Willingness to complete teen mental health first-aid training
Schedule
This position operates on a split schedule between Temple Isaiah (academic year) and URJ camp (summer):
• Academic Year (August-May): Temple Isaiah office hours are 9:00-5:00 Monday-Thursday and 9:00-2:00 on Friday, with work schedule adjusted to accommodate evening and weekend responsibilities, including:
• Tuesday evenings (Tichon): 4:30-8:00 or 8:45 (depending on the week)
• Wednesday evenings (7th grade teaching): 5:30-7:30
• Friday and Saturday afternoons/evenings and Sundays as needed, for teen and other youth programming
• Weekend retreats (4-5/year, between congregational and CLASP responsibilities)
• Summer (June-August): Full-time residential camp staff position at partner URJ camp with limited remote work maintaining Temple Isaiah connections

Compensation and Benefits
• The salary range is $58,000-70,000 and will be commensurate with experience
o Salary reflects both congregational and camp responsibilities
• Our comprehensive benefit package includes medical and dental insurance, a 403(b) retirement plan, as well as vacation and paid sick time
• Funding for professional development available, including partial coverage for ARJE Annual Gathering and CLASP Fellowship cohort programming
• Temple Isaiah is closed for up to 11 federal holidays and 8 Jewish holidays
• Temple Isaiah is an equal opportunity employer
To Apply: Please send cover letter and resume to Rabbi Sam Pollak, Director of Youth and Family Education (spollak@templeisaiah.net).