Job Posting: Director, Jewish Journey Project

Well, here's a job description you've never seen before: To direct a new initiative that will attempt to replace individual synagogue schools (in Manhattan) with an elective-driven communal coalition:

"Applications are now being accepted for a Jewish educator with an ability to think outside the box to lead a cutting-edge complementary Jewish education program based in Manhattan for children in grades 3-7.

"The Jewish Journey Project (JJP) seeks to revolutionize supplementary Jewish education for children. JJP catalyzes collaborations between congregations and JCC’s to create customized learning journeys for every student based on their interests and passions. JJP’s educational design is experiential and oriented to address the whole child, applying the wisdom of the Jewish heritage to the social, emotional and intellectual growth of each and every student. Families are deeply involved in the JJP process as they help to customize their children’s learning journey in consultation with advisors who serve as the liaison between families and member institutions. Most importantly, in JJP the entire community becomes a living classroom and, as a result, a breeding ground for lifelong Jewish engagement.

"The Jewish Journey Project was launched in the winter of 2010 based a concept paper written by Rabbi Joy Levitt, the executive director of the JCC in Manhattan. Currently, six synagogues spanning the denominational spectrum and two JCCs are participating in a year-long planning process to develop this new model for elementary Jewish education. The program will launch as a consortium in the fall of 2012. The position is available commencing March 2012 with the immediate tasks being the hiring of a faculty, the marketing of a new program and working closely with our partner institutions to meet their respective needs.

"Candidates should have at least an MA in the field of Jewish education or the equivalent. They should have experience in both formal and informal Jewish educational settings. The position will require strong management skills (e.g., budgeting, putting new systems in place, communications strategy, hiring and supervising personnel, scheduling,) as well as leadership savvy (e.g. inspiring faculty, raising the bar of what is currently acceptable in the realm of Jewish education, working with funders, Jewish communal professionals, parents and their children). Previous experience in running a school would be most valued though we will consider candidates with a less conventional background.

"Interested candidates should send in a resume, a letter explaining their interest in and suitability for the position and their salary expectations to Rabbi Sid Schwarz, project director for the Jewish Journey Project at dokrent@jccmanhattan.org."

If this is the first time you're hearing of the Jewish Journey Project, you might want to read Joy Levitt's editorial or Julie Weiner's article in Jewish Week.

We at Emanu-El have been involved in the planning process for over a year, so feel free to be in touch with me directly if you are curious about this initiative or my thoughts on the position.