Employment Opportunities
Agudas Achim Congregation is seeking a warm, dynamic, and innovative Education and Youth Director who excels in engaging with young people and their families, is eager to cultivate Jewish values and identity, and is ready to contribute to a thriving Jewish community.
The Education and Youth Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Religious School, oversees youth and teen programming as well as Shabbat and holiday services for K-7th grade, and contributes to the B’Mitzvah program. The Director works closely with the clergy and other Senior Staff, as well as with lay leadership.
Agudas Achim is a vibrant Conservative synagogue serving over 550 families, including about 110 students in the religious school, and is an active part of the northern Virginia community, located just outside Washington, DC.
**For a DETAILED LIST OF ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES, please scroll to the end of this page
Description of Agudas Achim Congregation: Agudas Achim Congregation of Northern Virginia is a progressive Conservative synagogue of over 550 households built on covenantal relationships. Our community places a priority on the Jewish and religious education of our children. Currently, there are 112 students in our Religious School, about 15 B'mitzvah children this year, and numerous teens engaged Jewishly in our madrich and other programs. We celebrate many holidays collectively, often incorporating our connections to Israel into our community.
The religious school covers grades K-7, with around 26 weeks of classes per year involving Judaics, Hebrew learning, and t’filah. All students meet Sundays between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. Grades 3-6 also meet for a two-hour mid-week session involving Judaics and small-group Hebrew chevrutah instruction that students attend either in person on Tuesdays or virtually on Wednesdays. Additionally, programming for Shabbat, high holy days, and other events are planned in coordination with the clergy and other staff members.
We are seeking a Jewish educator who:
• Brings creativity, vision, and enthusiasm to the classroom and informal programming, inspiring a love for learning and Judaism.
• Possesses the Jewish education, administrative, managerial, and executive skills needed to manage a Religious School.
• Builds meaningful, supportive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
• Has strong leadership capabilities with a proven track record in staff management and development.
• Exhibits outstanding communication and active listening skills, ensuring clear and effective dialogue.
• Is dedicated to supporting and educating neurodiverse students, promoting inclusivity and individualized learning.
Job duties and responsibilities include:
• Adapting Jewish curricula, designing engaging lesson plans, and training teachers in implementation.
• Hiring, training, evaluating, and managing instructors, including developing professional growth programs and providing regular teacher supervision and feedback.
• Collaborating with clergy and staff to integrate youth and Religious School students and teens into synagogue activities.
• In collaboration with other senior staff, administering the B’Mitzvah program.
• Overseeing youth programming for Shabbat, High Holidays, and festivals, in collaboration with clergy.
• Overseeing a teen madrich program for the Religious School.
• Overseeing informal and social programming to engage K-7th grade, and possibly expanding programming for teens.
Qualifications and Skills:
• Master’s degree in one of the following: Jewish education, education, or a related field; or Rabbinical/Cantorial Ordination.
• Proficient in Prayerbook Hebrew and t’fillah, with the experience and ability to lead youth services.
• Demonstrated proficiency in administration and management, emphasizing strong organizational skills.
• Familiarity with the Jewish teachings, values and principles of Conservative Judaism.
• Preferred: 5+ years administrative and management experience in a Religious School or other setting.
Salary Range and Benefits:
• Full-time, on-site, salaried position offering $70,000-$90,000 annually, depending uponskills and experience.
• Optional employer-paid health insurance, optional dental and vision insurance.
• Paid time off, family leave, congregation membership, early childhood school and religious school tuition benefits, if applicable.
• Professional membership dues and related conference expense reimbursement for professional development.
How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their
qualifications and interest in the Education and Youth Director role to: resume@agudasachim-
va.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Deadline for applications is February 28,
2025.
**DETAILED LIST OF ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (Note that the below is a comprehensive list that is likely to be adjusted based on the candidate’s skills and experience)
Education Responsibilities:
- Oversee and update the curricula (K-12), emphasizing Jewish literacy, synagogue skills, Hebrew, and tikkun olam, ensuring engaging implementation.
- Hire, train, evaluate, and manage instructors, including developing professional growth programs and providing regular feedback.
- Develop and maintain an academic calendar aligned with the program’s mission, vision, and budget.
- Foster an inclusive, ethical, and creative learning environment rooted in derech eretz.
- Ensure timely preparation and distribution of student progress reports.
- Collaborate with clergy, staff, and Vice President for Youth Programs to integrate youth and Religious School programs into synagogue activities.
- Administer the B’Mitzvah program, including budget management, updating materials, preparing learning sessions, and guiding students on their D’var Torah.
- Communicate regularly with parents, providing information on policies, programs, and schedules, and creating/updating handbooks and materials.
Youth and Programming Responsibilities:
- Oversee and sometimes participate in youth programming for Shabbat, High Holidays, and Festivals in collaboration with clergy.
- Hire, manage, and supervise staff and volunteers for youth activities and babysitting services.
- Support the Youth and Religious School Committee (YRSC) by preparing reports, attending meetings, and developing volunteer engagement.
- Expand informal education and social programming to engage post-B'Mitzvah teens.
- Collaborate with community youth groups (e.g., BBYO, USY) to create welcoming engagement opportunities.
Finance Responsibilities:
- Develop and manage the Religious School and Youth program budgets, ensuring spending meets budgetary priorities.
- Coordinate with staff on building use, fund routing, and equipment needs.
Senior Staff Responsibilities:
- Maintain strong relationships with Senior Staff and participate in weekly meetings.
- Collaborate on security measures, calendar planning, scholarships, and B’Mitzvah program administration.
- Attend Board of Directors or other community meetings as needed and provide summary monthly reports.
Other Responsibilities:
- Supervise the Religious School Administrative Assistant.
- Represent the congregation at professional meetings and conferences.
- Pursue professional development opportunities in coordination with Senior Staff and lay leadership.
Thu, January 23 2025 23 Tevet 5785