Role Summary
The Director of Youth and Family Engagement serves as a valued full-time employee of Synagogue Emanu-El’s community and role model for our children fostering the religious and social growth of our younger members. The Director of Youth and Family Engagement designs and implements age-appropriate programs for children, teens and families that address social needs and a commitment to chesed (loving kindness) and the community.
Responsibilities
Youth Social Programming
1. Organize and implement programming for Synagogue Emanu-El youth in grades 3 – 12.
2. Create and implement chesed events/activities.
3. Mentor and coach students to plan and execute programs while improving leadership skills of these students.
Youth Religious Programming
1. Design and implement Shabbat and High Holiday morning youth services, ensuring they are age-appropriate for defined age bands.
2. Manage weekly Shabbat babysitting for PK families.
Family Programming
1. Develop opportunities for parents to gather and learn together through sessions giving parents the opportunity to learn in parallel with their children.
2. Design and implement holiday themed programming and events for families and youth.
3. Collaborates as needed to strengthen the relationship of the Youth and Young Families with our Shabbat program, including Kabbalat Shabbat, FNL Dinners and Shabbat morning.
Leadership
1. This position collaborates with the Rabbi for programmatic and religious guidance and works with the Administrative Director on operational and budgetary matters, as well as confers with the Religious School Principal.
2. Reach out to and engage families of Emanu-El members
3. Recruit, train, and manage youth leaders, babysitters, additional programming staff and volunteers to ensure effective program delivery.
4. Report to the Emanu-El board on a regular basis and attend Youth Committee meetings.
5. Track participation and report successes and challenges.
6. Prepare and submit grants based on proposed programming.
7. Work with community youth leaders from other congregations to develop and coordinate inter-shul activities.
Administrative
1. Manage the youth budget while working within the Synagogue’s structure and Youth Committee.
2. Coordinate with parent volunteers, the Rabbi and synagogue administrator to plan and implement events and determine costs
3. Create a dynamic and responsive communication system that keeps families informed and engaged.
4. Maintain regular communication with all constituents around upcoming events including a monthly Scroll article and monthly email outlining programming for upcoming events.
5. Develop and maintain an annual calendar of events in conjunction with the synagogue and community calendar.
6. Attend Board meetings and staff meetings as requested.
7. Coordinate with the Rabbi and Religious School to create a well-rounded and enriching experience for our youth.
8. Prepare and distribute marketing materials and maintain Social Media accounts for youth events.
Performance and Competency Expectations
1. Detail oriented and organized.
2. Self-motivated with strong vision for student participation, engagement, and growth.
3. Able to plan and execute the synagogue’s youth mission and programming.
4. Collaborates well with others.
5. This position requires evening and weekend availability, including regular Shabbat and holiday programming.
6. Bachelor's degree, preferably in Education, Jewish Studies, or a related field.
Proven experience in education or youth programming with various age groups.
Additional Benefits:
1. Paid time off (PTO)
2. Synagogue membership and tuition benefits religious school programs (if applicable)
3. Professional development allowance
4. Health Insurance stipend
5. Salary range: $55,000 - $65,000, based on experience and education