Director of Education
Beth El Temple Center is a congregation of approximately 350 families, affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism. Located in Belmont, Massachusetts, Beth El Temple Center serves many of the surrounding communities including Arlington, Cambridge, Watertown, Lexington, and Somerville. Beth El has a strong egalitarian tradition and welcomes Jews and their families who want to be a part of our Jewish community. We are committed to celebrating diversity and we strive to offer a place for learning and living Torah, for helping repair the world, for helping to create a supportive and loving community, and for nurturing the soul. The Greater Boston Jewish Community is strong, providing rich collegial networks and generative resources for congregants and staff.
As a member of the professional staff, the Director of Education will partner with the Rabbi, Rabbi-Educator, Cantor, and lay leaders to develop an educational vision and programming that supports lifelong learning for everyone in our community. In addition, our Director of Education will work with those partners to develop and implement a strategic vision for the BETC Religious School that addresses Jewish education and learning for students and families for the 21st century.
Beth El Temple Center is looking for a Jewish Educational Leader who is seeking an opportunity to work collaboratively with colleagues, parents, students, and faculty to build on the strengths of our current educational model, while reimagining and redesigning the program to create thriving and robust Jewish education opportunities for all learners.
The Director of Education works under the direct supervision of the Rabbi, alongside our Rabbi-Educator, and with the Religious School Committee for ongoing parent input and volunteer support.
The core responsibilities of the Director of Education include:
- Leadership
- In coordination with the other professional staff and lay partners, develop and implement a vision for Jewish education for our entire congregation, and in the Religious school that aligns with our mission and best educational practices
- Collaborate with the Chairperson of the Religious School Committee to set the agenda for the committee's work, helping to lead the meetings and partnering with the committee to articulate and implement a shared vision, educational policies and other recommendations.
- Participate in professional development opportunities that promote personal growth in Jewish knowledge, professional skills and spiritual depth
- Administration of the Religious School
- In collaboration with the Rabbi-Educator, oversee the operation of all aspects of the Religious School as well as family education and other programs; this includes creating the schedule for students and teachers, yearly calendar for the school, and a system for report card completion and distribution
- In collaboration with the Rabbi-Educator, recruit, hire, mentor, and supervise Religious School employees and student volunteers
- Collaborate with the Youth Committee to hire and supervise youth advisors in creating a vibrant youth community and also in implementing informal Jewish educational experiences
- Develop and oversee the Religious School budget
- Provide guidance, expertise, and personalized support to students/families with special educational needs and oversee the implementation of classroom modifications and accommodations for students, as needed
- Design and Supervision of Educational Programs
- Along with the Rabbi-Educator, support our educational lay leaders in the design and implementation of a robust program of adult Jewish learning for our congregation
- In collaboration with the Rabbi-Educator, design the Religious School curriculum, including Sunday School, Hebrew School, Confirmation/Post-Confirmation curricula, family education programs,school-wide holiday observances and informal education programs (e.g., retreats and field trips)
- Build a learning community with faculty and student assistants including ongoing professional development opportunities that match identified professional learning goals.
Salary + Benefits:
Competitive Salary based on Skills/Experience
A comprehensive benefits package is provided, including:
- paid vacation time
- paid sick time
- paid federal holidays and paid Jewish holidays when the temple is closed
- annual professional development allowance
- health and dental insurance
- pension program
- disability insurance
- Temple membership
An ideal candidate for this position possesses strong administrative and organizational skills, exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, and, of course, strong knowledge and love of Judaism. They should understand the worldview and values of Reform Judaism and be an enthusiastic advocate for both. Candidates should have experience developing and implementing creative curricula and special learning programs, evaluating educational programs, and supervising teachers and student aides. Ideally, candidates should have experience in synagogue life, in Jewish Educational Leadership, and in Instructional Leadership. This position will include weekend and evening hours. The particular duties of the Director of Education will be more fully discussed during the hiring process and are reevaluated regularly as part of our annual mutual review process.
Candidates for this position should have at least a BA/BS in a related field. Masters degree preferred.
Interested candidates can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Staff and School Assistant
Beth El Temple Center is seeking a Staff and School Assistant to support our vibrant and dynamic Jewish religious school and congregational community. This role is primarily responsible for assisting the smooth and efficient administrative function of the temple and religious school through collaboration with the Temple Administrator. The individual in this position provides day-to-day support to the religious school and congregation and serves as a key point person in the Beth El Temple Center office. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position.
Beth El Temple Center is a 350-member Reform congregation, affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism. Beth El is located in Belmont, MA and serves many surrounding communities, including Cambridge, Watertown, Waltham, Lexington, Arlington, and Somerville. We have a strong egalitarian tradition and welcome Jews and their families who want to be a part of our Jewish community. Beth El Temple Center offers a place for learning and living Torah, a place to help repair the world, and a place to nurture your soul. We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds.
It is important for the Staff and School Assistant to reflect, in both disposition and work ethic, the Jewish value of Kavod (respect for all), support a well-run and organized institution, welcoming all members and visitors in a friendly and professional manner.
More specific responsibilities include the following:
Religious School
- Ensure smooth operations of the religious school by preparing materials, managing supplies and providing general classroom support
- Support the Director of Education and the school staff in planning events and projects
- Track school registrations and facilitate invoicing communications for tuition
Operations
- Support effective office administration through such tasks as answering calls, greeting scheduled visitors, distributing mail, filing paperwork, and ordering supplies
- Provide support to the Rabbi, Rabbi Educator, and Cantor such as calendar management, material preparation, and drafting correspondence
- Effectively communicate building needs to security and facilities stakeholders
- Coordinate fiscal activities with Temple bookkeeper
Congregational
- Represent the Temple through positive, welcoming interactions with members, prospective members, and visitors as the first point of contact in the main office
- Write and distribute selected congregational communications
- Assist in the coordination of the work of office volunteers
- Assist with Temple event preparation as needed
Required Qualifications:
- 3+ years of experience working in an administrative capacity, preferably in a religious or similar nonprofit environment
- Advanced facility with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
- US Work authorization
- Willingness to undergo federal background check, per applicable laws/regulations
Desirable Qualifications:
- Knowledge of Jewish lifecycle events and holidays is a plus; eager willingness to learn is required
- Experience with Access, ChaverWare, ShulCloud, or other databases
Skills required for success:
Productivity skills
- Able to work effectively in a busy, dynamic and sometimes noisy environment involving multiple tasks and priorities
- Highly organized and process oriented
- Able to work effectively with a diverse group of children, families, educators, and colleagues
- Strength in both teamwork and individual problem solving
- Able to work independently and set priorities
- Proactive and resourceful approach to learning and mastering new skills
Community-building skills
- Excellent communicator (listening, written and verbal skills)
- Commitment to providing quality customer service
- Ability to exercise discretion with confidential information
- Experience working with volunteers
Schedule:
- Monday, Tuesday: 9:00-5:00
- Wednesday: 9:00-6:30
- Thursday: 12:00- 8:30
- Friday, Saturday: off
- Sunday: 7:30-2:00
(Summer schedule is M-F, 9-5; flexibility in academic year schedule may be considered)
Please send your resume and a cover letter to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Part-Time Experienced Full-Charge Bookkeeper/Accounting Professional - Belmont, MA
Beth El Temple Center is looking for a part-time, experienced Full-Charge Bookkeeper/Accounting Professional for approx. 25 +hrs. /wk.
We are a small team, passionate about our mission, and committed to our community. We are seeking a flexible team player who can work closely with office staff¸ Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer. The successful incumbent will reflect, in both disposition and work ethic, the Jewish value of Kavod (respect for all) and support a well-run and organized institution through accurate and timely execution of duties.
Beth El Temple Center is a 400-member Reform congregation, affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism. Beth El Temple Center is located in Belmont, MA and serves many surrounding communities, including Cambridge, Watertown, Waltham, Lexington, Arlington, and Somerville. Beth El has a strong egalitarian tradition and welcomes Jews and their families who want to be a part of our Jewish community. Beth El Temple Center offers a place for learning and living Torah, a place to help repair the world, and a place to nurture your soul.
Responsibilities include: Payroll, Cash Receipts & Disbursements, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, General Ledger adjustments, Budgeting, and Financial Reporting.
Skills required: proficiency in QuickBooks Pro, database software, Excel and MS Office.
Experience required: 5+ years in accounting, Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
Work environment: This role can be fulfilled fully on-site or in a hybrid arrangement with work days and hours to be determined (negotiable). Paid time off provided.
Please email your resume and cover letter to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.