Open Positions

Youth Director

Role Summary

Congregation Or Torah, of Skokie, IL, seeks a dynamic and passionate Youth Director. The Youth Director is responsible for the overall management, development and delivery of youth programming for the shul. The ultimate goal of the Youth Director is to foster among our youth a greater connection to Jewish community, our shul, and Torah observance. This position is accountable for developing and leading a successful Youth Program, comprising diverse activities for various age groups and levels of observance while working closely with the Executive Director, Rabbi, and volunteers, including the shul’s Youth Committee. The Youth Director is a role model for Jewish values and the promotion of Jewish identity.

Job Responsibilities

Program Development & Management

• Create and manage the annual Youth Program calendar, ensuring a balance of educational, social, and religious activities.
• Develop, implement, and oversee these activities, including:
  • Weekly Shabbat Groups, ranging from 6 months through 6th grade
  • Weekly Shabbat Jr. Congregation (5th-6th Graders)
  • Monthly youth events, including special programming for every Chag (Rosh Hashanah, Succot, Simchat Torah, Chanukah, Purim, Pesach, Shavuot, and Yom Ha’atzmeut)
  • Parent-children Torah learning opportunities
  • Occasional high-profile special programs for youth, parents, and the community
  • Provide a fun environment, where youth want to come to shul
• Attract and retain increased numbers of youth to shul programs
• Collaborate with the Executive Director, Rabbi, and Youth Committee to align youth programming with the shul’s broader mission

Leadership

• Recruit, develop, and supervise a team of Madrichim (youth group leaders)
• Provide leadership training and opportunities for Madrichim
• Serve as a positive and accessible mentor and role model for our youth as a visibly observant Jew

Engagement & Outreach

• Actively engage with youth and their families to encourage participation and build a sense of community
• Promote youth events effectively, to parents and their youth, through a range of mediums, including in-person conversations, social media, email, and synagogue newsletters
• Occasionally liaise with other local Jewish community youth leaders to deliver joint programs
• Maintain regular communication with synagogue staff and supervisor

Management and Administration

• Manage the Youth Program budget, including tracking expenses and ensuring cost-effective programming
• Submit monthly payroll/budgets to the Executive Director on the 1st of each month
• Ensure adequate youth supplies (e.g. snacks, games) to support youth program
• Staff programs and events with Madrichim and/or adult volunteers
• Develop a handbook for Youth activities to allow for improved organization and efficiency
• Together with the Executive Director, Rabbi, and Youth Committee, evaluate programming on an ongoing basis to ensure that the Youth program is meeting its goals

Qualifications & Skills

• Minimum of two years proven success leading a youth program in a synagogue or similar experience, including accountability for developing and delivering programs on your own initiative
• Torah knowledge sufficient to deliver youth programs within an Orthodox synagogue
• Exceptional interpersonal and English communication skills, with the ability to connect with a wide range of people and age groups
• Capacity to act as a role model by engaging with youth in a manner that is professional and consistent with Jewish values
• Strong leadership skills, dynamism, enthusiasm, and charisma
• Computer literacy, including Google Workspace, email, and social networking
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and Jewish holidays
• Bachelor’s degree preferred (or similar requisite experience)

For more information or to apply, email your resume and cover letter to youth-director-job@ortorah.org.

To view this Job Description as a PDF, please click here.