Director of Education and Youth Programming

Permanent position

Full time (negotiable based on availability, interest, and skillset)

Required hours: Monday-Thursday 3-6pm, occasional evenings and weekends; other hours flexible

Start Date: July 2, 2024 (flexible)

Location: Toronto, ON

Organization Overview

Makom: Creative Downtown Judaism is an inclusive community fusing Jewish tradition and progressive values through spirituality, learning and culture. Makom inspires diverse participants to explore together how Judaism can meaningfully enrich our lives.

Makom Afterschool provides high-quality, pluralistic Jewish and Hebrew-language education in three neighbourhood public schools to students in Junior Kindergarten through Grade 5. Children from the diversity of downtown Jewish families find their place in our warm and welcoming community.

In Makom ATID, Jewish pre-teens and teens discover the wisdom Judaism holds for their maturing minds and bodies in today’s world.  Students in Grades 6-8 gather twice a week for nuanced, pluralistic Jewish learning; Hebrew conversation and literacy; and hanging out with their peers.

Position Responsibilities

The Director of Education and Youth Programming will advance Makom’s mission of connecting diverse downtown Jewish children, teens, and families with high-quality Jewish education, meaningful Jewish experiences, and vibrant Jewish community.  Reporting to Makom’s Rabbi and working closely with him and the Managing Director, the Director of Education and Youth Programming will strengthen Hebrew and Jewish learning, grow Makom Afterschool’s and Makom ATID’s student bodies, and expand the reach and deepen the impact of Makom Families, pre-teens, and Downtown Jewish Teens programming.

This position may be full time or part time, depending on the successful candidate’s availability, interest, and ability to perform the roles outlined below.

As the Director of Education (80% of full time), the successful candidate will:

• Oversee all pedagogic aspects of Makom Afterschool and Makom ATID;
• Formulate strategic plans to implement the visions for Makom Afterschool and Makom ATID in collaboration with lay leaders and the Rabbi;
• Form positive relationships with students and parents and help them connect with Jewish life and Makom;
• Recruit and retain students and families in Makom Afterschool and Makom ATID;
• Hire, support, and supervise teachers and teaching assistants (e.g., assist with lesson planning, observe classes, provide guidance, and conduct regular staff meetings);
• Supervise the curriculum writer;
• Communicate with current and prospective students’ parents;
• Plan field trips and special activities;
• Design and oversee implementation of student learning assessments;
• Evaluate programs;
• Meet with lay leaders on Makom Afterschool/ATID Leadership Council; and
• Liaise with host-schools’ principals;

Additionally, as the Director of Youth Programming (20% of fulltime), the successful candidate will:

• Form warm relationships with families, pre-teens, and teens and help them connect with Jewish life and Makom;
• Develop and run monthly programming for Makom Families, pre-teens, and Downtown Jewish Teens;
• Plan and lead Family Services for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and occasional Shabbatot;
• Recruit participants; and
• Maintain and expand existing community partnerships.

Qualifications

• Passion for Jewish learning, Hebrew language, and helping diverse Jews of all ages connect with Judaism and Jewish community
• Ability to foster a pluralistic approach to Jewish education for diverse students, teens, and families
• Experience running educational programming
• Experience hiring, managing, and supervising teaching staff
• Success in student recruitment and retention
• BA or diploma in Education, Early Childhood Education, or related field
• Two or more years of elementary teaching experience
• Excellent relational skills – ability to form collaborative bonds and communicate well with children and youth, parents, teachers, TDSB teachers and principals, lay leaders, and colleagues
• Strong professional skills – ability to work quickly, independently, and with accountability
• Strong leadership skills
• Creativity and enthusiasm to try new approaches
• Attention to detail and ability to produce high-quality written and media materials
• Fluency in English; strong knowledge of Hebrew and Judaism
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Compensation

Equivalent to $60,000-$70,000 for full-time employment, commensurate with experience.

Benefits package includes professional development opportunities; extended health insurance; life insurance; disability; and paid vacation days, sick days, and statutory holidays. 

To Apply

Please send your resume and cover letter to adina@makomTO.org by May 15, 2024