Jewish Experiential Educator, JCC Greater Boston

Company: JCCs of North America
Location: Newton
Posted on: June 4, 2021

Job Description:

Are you someone who loves working with children and colleagues in figuring out ways to joyfully integrate Jewish experiences into daily life? Are you welcoming, curious, creative and an effective planner, communicator and open-minded community builder? If so, JCC Greater Boston has a unique, impactful full-time opportunity for you.

The Jewish Experiential Educator will embrace the pluralistic lens of the JCC with a broad approach to Jewish education and engagement so that every child and every family feels comfortable in our community. This person will reflect the innovative, experimental and responsive ethos of our work both prior to and during COVID.

The Jewish Experiential Educator will be responsible for creating and implementing an interactive, vibrant curriculum for children in our Discovery Club After School that weaves Jewish values, holidays, culture and traditions into the daily life of the program. The result will be a fun, warm, creative culture and experiential learning environment that honors a spectrum of children and families whose connection to Jewish identity or to the JCC community may come in any form. This person will work hand in hand with the Discovery Club Program Director and her team. This is a grant funded position with the possibility of renewal.

This Educator also interacts with other programming departments by creating a consistent Jewish vision, by providing support and resources as well as by sharing ideas for implementation. He/she/they also create an action plan to physically and programmatically mark key dates in the Jewish calendar. Responsibilities may also include staff training and enrichment related to Jewish life. The JCC will work with the successful candidate to find a hybrid balance of in-person and remote work that facilitates teamwork and is in line with the responsibilities of this position.

JCC Greater Boston welcomes staff from diverse backgrounds. Our programs are guided by Jewish culture and values which resonate with many who do not identify as Jewish. Kindness, service, and joy are examples of the values by which we live. Our program participants also come from diverse backgrounds.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build a strong framework for Jewish learning that can be built upon and refined the following year. Support potential replication of the model at other sites.
• Develop and implement a Jewish values, culture and holiday based "experience plan" that is woven through the after school program utilizing a multi-dimensional approach, for example, with a variety of materials, media, special guests, indoor/outdoor options etc.
• Work closely across program areas including camping, Early Learning Centers, and Health & Wellness to integrate Jewish context, connections and core values to existing and future programming
• Advise and help manage the planning and implementation of community-wide holiday programs
• Act as a Jewish resource/consultant for staff across departments and locations
• Build strong relationships with students, families and colleagues to provide a warm, inviting, respectful environment where friendships and feelings of belonging and positive Jewish identity prevail
• Train Discovery Club staff so that there is comfort level for all in transmitting Jewish content and helping to implement the Jewish Experience Plan
• Provide a weekly summary to parents of the Jewish themes and experiences of the week as part of Discovery Club's ongoing communication with parents
• Participate actively in the department of Family Engagement and Jewish Life leadership team meetings
• Develop and train staff, as needed
• Staff occasional programs, as needed.
• Other duties, as assigned
• Participate in professional development opportunities
• Attend JCCGB all staff meetings. Represent JCCGB mission and goals internally and externally
• Purchase supplies, food, etc. as needed for experience plan

Minimum Qualifications:

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors and/or Masters in Jewish related degree or early childhood preferred
• Strong Jewish background and knowledge
• 2+ years in Jewish experiential/informal education, curriculum development, program development
• Experience teaching and creating curricula for elementary school-age children
• Strong organizational skills including teamwork, relationship building skills, the ability to multitask
• Able to take initiative, working well both independently and as part of a team; Ability to build positive and collaborative working relationships with colleagues
• Stellar interpersonal and active listening skills
• Able to staff occasional evening and weekend programs
• Able to work regularly on site in Newton, as required
• Driver's license and access to reliable transportation. (Work may involve occasional travel to other towns in Greater Boston.)

PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Open minded, inclusive, creative and innovative thinker
• Collaborator who facilitates team innovation, creativity, pride and recognition
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Flexibility
• Collaborative team player
• Enjoys being and working with children

COVID SAFETY

JCC Greater Boston takes the welfare and safety of staff and children very seriously. We have aligned all of our operating procedures with guidance from the CDC, DEEC (Department of Early Education and Care) and the local and state Departments of Public Health. Our practices include ensuring proper physical distancing, sanitation, hygiene, and use of face coverings to promote the health of our staff and program participants. COVID safety training is mandatory for all staff.

Although these requirements may change with evolving guidance from the CDC, government and regulatory agencies, these are the requirements at the time of posting. Staff are required to be masked in common areas of the building, when attending large meetings and when working with children or others who are unvaccinated. Unvaccinated staff are required to be masked at all times when in the building. Staff are required to stay home when sick and to adhere to the JCCGB staff Code of Conduct. Social distancing is required. Participants and staff are encouraged to hand wash often and sanitizer is readily available. Common materials and surfaces are disinfected throughout the day.

TO APPLY

JCC Greater Boston welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds who meet the requirements specified above. If you want to share your talents with wonderful families and a great team, co-creating a thriving, creative program, please send a cover letter and your resume to Midge Merlin, Dir. of Family Engagement & Jewish Life at alias family@jccgb.org No phone calls please.

Salary:

75,000 - 85,000

Agency Information:

AGENCY INFORMATION

The JCC Greater Boston values include: Belonging, Joyfulness, Collaboration and Transformation. The agency provides a variety of programs and services to children and adults in the Greater Boston Jewish community including: Early Learning Centers, summer camps, health and wellness programs, family engagement programs and cultural activities. The JCC is deeply committed to valuing and celebrating the uniqueness of each constituent. While being proudly Jewish, we strive in every way to provide an open and welcoming setting for all, irrespective of personal practices, beliefs or background.

Our vision is to create a vibrant and evolving Jewish community where everyone belongs. Our mission is to be at the heart of that community by:

• creating a thriving community that nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships,
• welcoming a growing and increasingly diverse set of individuals and families from all over Greater Boston,
• supporting the building of unique identities rooted in Jewish values and deeper connections to Jewish life,
• nourishing minds, bodies, and spirits through dynamic, innovative, and accessible experiences, and
• expanding engagement by partnering closely with other organizations to ensure the continuing vitality of our community as whole.

Keywords: JCCs of North America, Newton , Jewish Experiential Educator, JCC Greater Boston, Other , Newton, Massachusetts