Director of Jewish Studies

Position Summary

Jean and Samuel Frankel Jewish Academy of Metropolitan Detroit (FJA) seeks a Director of Jewish Studies (DJS) to develop and implement innovative, and impactful models of Jewish education.                    

We are seeking candidates with school administrative experience as well as expertise in experiential Jewish learning and Jewish identity building. Jewish camp experience and programming is desired. The candidate will be a creative, energetic, dynamic, organized, and driven individual who will be responsible for overseeing and implementing all Jewish life and learning programming at FJA.                                         

The DJS will foster an intellectually open environment that is meaningful, appealing, and welcoming to a wide-range of Jewish families from diverse religious, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The DJS will work to create an atmosphere of Jewish celebration in FJA and form meaningful connections with students.                                    

The DJS will serve as a role model for students and others in Jewish knowledge, practice and behavior. He or she will seek to develop collaborative partnerships, meaningful relationships and passionate commitment to the school’s mission and philosophy. The DJS will help articulate and implement a vision for Jewish Studies that is student centered, experiential, and engaging.     

Annual salary is $95,000 - $100,000 depending on experience.                                             

Jewish Studies Curriculum                  

The DJS will create an educational vision for Jewish Studies in consultation with the Head of School, the General Studies Principal and in collaboration with the Jewish Studies Department. DJS is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the implementation of the Jewish Studies program. This includes a curriculum for Jewish Studies that is responsive to the educational needs of the FJA community and that is in keeping with the FJA Mission and Philosophy. The DJS will be responsible for reviewing and revising the existing Jewish Studies curriculum as well as creating and implementing new courses, strengthening the religious and character development of our students through various curricular, co-curricular or extra-curricular initiatives, and helping grow the school by creating pathways and programs for easy entry into the school by students with little, moderate, or advanced Jewish background.

Co-Curricular and Extra-Curricular Judaic Activities         

The DJS will see to the planning and implementation of creative and innovative programming to further the religious mission of FJA outside of the classroom. This includes planning and implementing Shabbatonim, holiday programming, day and extended field studies and service-learning trips, and collaborating to develop cross-curricular Jewish content for trips. The DJS will, when necessary, act as an advisor to these programs (e.g., Moot Bet Din). The DJS will act as a liaison with the Detroit Jewish community and Federation to facilitate the implementation of community Judaic programming at FJA, and to further FJA’s exposure in the Detroit Jewish Community in the areas of Judaic and Zionist programming.                                

 General Administrative Responsibilities

The DJS will be a member of FJA’s administrative team. The DJS will provide leadership, oversight, and direction for the Jewish Studies programmatic and academic curricula. The DJS will be responsible for annual scheduling of Jewish Studies classes in collaboration with the General Studies Principal. These responsibilities include student evaluation and placement as well as interviewing candidates for admission to FJA. The DJS will oversee ordering books and other curricular materials, as well as manage inventorying and storage of textbooks and resource materials.

Z’man Kodesh             

The DJS will be responsible for coordinating all religious services at FJA including the curricular Tefillah program and all co-curricular and extra-curricular religious services. The DJS is responsible for the review, design and implementation of the curricular Tefillah program. This includes the design of a 4-year curricular structure for daily prayer that will teach students practical liturgical skills and address diverse spiritual needs. The DJS will supervise all Tefillah classes including the Mechitza and Egalitarian Minyan. The DJS will ensure that all religious services at Shabbatonim and other school retreats are properly staffed, and that students are properly equipped to perform or lead services.                                   

Israel and Zionism

The DJS will work with the Jewish Studies Department and the Coordinator of Student Life to ensure that the message of Zionism is disseminated in the FJA community. The DJS will ensure the functioning of Israel related clubs and the school’s Israel trip. The DJS will coordinate and staff the school’s Israel trip. The DJS will work with the College Counseling office to promote and advise students about Gap-Year programs in Israel including Yeshiva and Seminary studies. The DJS will assist the College Counseling office in running Gap-Year fairs and/or other promotional activities, and will assist the College Counseling office in arranging visits from Yeshivot, Seminaries, and other study programs.                                                  

 Teaching Responsibilities

DJS duties may include part-time teaching responsibilities in Jewish Studies. In the case of a prolonged absence of a teacher, the DJS may be called upon to fill in for a given teacher in a particular class. The DJS is expected to have a continuous knowledge of the curriculum and class expectations of all Jewish Studies courses.

 Supervisory Responsibilities

The DJS will be responsible for managing, supervising, and evaluating Jewish Studies curricula and its implementation. The DJS will also be responsible for managing, supervising, and evaluating the following staff members:

• Z’man Kodesh teachers
• Coordinator of Student Life
• Jewish Studies and Hebrew Department Chairs

 The DJS will be expected to continually recruit new Judaic faculty by developing relationships with teacher education programs and career referral services. In the absence of a Department Chair (e.g., Bible Department chair) in Judaics, the DJS will be expected to fulfill the requisite managerial duties.

 Qualities and qualifications:

• Holds a Master's level or other advanced degree in education, Jewish education, or related field.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of current instructional and learning practices.
• Possesses knowledge of Hebrew and broad and deep familiarity with Jewish texts and scholarship.
• Refers to the mission, vision and philosophy in all decision making.
• Demonstrates leadership and supervision that is collaborative.
• Works well as a member of a team and seeks feedback from colleagues and constituents.
• Uses effective management techniques to support and guide effective goal setting and evaluation.
• Envisions clear, innovative and aspirational goals for teaching and learning, and is able to share those goals to motivate all constituents.
• Utilizes strong communication skills both written and verbally.
• Has the ability to be an active and attentive listener.
• Is highly organized and pays attention to detail.

Responsibilities in the Detroit Jewish Community                  

The DJS will be called on to serve as an ambassador for FJA at recruitment events including actively recruiting students from local synagogues, day schools, camps, and youth groups.

 General Requirements

•         A criminal history background check is required of all employees.
•         Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
•         References will be required; transcripts may be required.

FJA is a coeducational, independent high school that functions as both an academic and a religious institution, offering a dual curriculum of college-preparatory general studies and classical text-based Jewish studies. The school, which operates within a framework of Jewish law, draws its student body from diverse backgrounds to learn together in an open and tolerant religious environment.

FJA offers a warm and supportive working environment with a competitive salary, generous holiday schedules & time off, and excellent benefit package.  If you are interested in applying for this position, please email your resume, cover letter and references to employment@frankelja.org. In the subject title, please write, “Director of Jewish Studies.” You may also fax these forms to 248.592.0022.

Frankel Jewish Academy is a non-profit private secondary academy. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to the belief that each individual is entitled to equal employment opportunity.  Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation or pregnancy), disability, religion, national origin or genetic information.

 To find out more about Frankel Jewish Academy, visit our website at www.frankelja.org.

Salary : $95,000 - $100,000