Director of Jewish Life and Learning - Jewishsac

Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School, located in Palo Alto, the heart of California’s Silicon Valley, has been providing an extraordinary education for elementary and middle school students for over thirty years. Joy abounds at Hausner, where children are challenged to think deeply and engage thoughtfully in a community that embodies Jewish values and celebrates Jewish life. Guided by their curiosity and a deeply committed faculty, Hausner students grow into courageous self-advocates, thoughtful collaborators, and creative leaders, prepared to achieve at the highest levels and enjoy a lifelong love of learning.

Hausner sits on a 4.5-acre campus. The campus features three buildings housed with an excellent library, Beit Tefillah, science laboratories, design lab and design studio, art studio, music studio, and a state-of-the-art gym.

Hausner students are encouraged to develop their own sense of Jewish identity and to engage with Judaism in ways that resonate with them. The school year includes the celebration of holidays, life cycle occasions, and cultural events, which bring the whole community together. Students grow to understand and appreciate Jewish tradition, culture and our connection to Israel through meaningful learning experiences in an inclusive environment.

By 7th grade, students proudly examine the Jewish history, traditions and values they have learned over the years and participate in “Avodah La’Olam,” (working for the benefit of the world), a unique program where students explore ethical questions, social action, and leadership. In addition to this signature program, Hausner students are actively engaged in community service activities in age-appropriate ways. These efforts encourage Hausner students to be active, caring contributors to the Jewish and wider community. In 8th grade, the Hausner experience culminates with an educational trip to Israel.

POSITION

Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School seeks a dynamic and inspiring educator and leader to serve as its Director of Jewish Life and Learning. As a member of the senior administrative team, the Director of Jewish Life and Learning works very closely with the Head of School and the academic leadership team in developing and implementing school-wide strategic initiatives.

The Director of Jewish Life and Learning oversees a talented Jewish studies faculty and promotes their ongoing professional development, especially through observing and providing timely, constructive feedback. The Director also oversees the development of curricula, school rituals, and holiday programming, ensuring a vibrant and joyful experience for students on campus. The Director is the point person for student and parents’ questions and concerns about Jewish life and learning and will serve as a representative of the school to the broader community.

A successful Director of Jewish Life and Learning will be an effective communicator and collaborator, a proactive manager, and a dedicated educator who demonstrates a genuine passion and appreciation for students and their well-being.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work in close partnership with faculty and the learning support team to guide, evaluate and improve upon the academic program to ensure that it meets the needs of all learners.
• Promote an educational vision and effectively manage day-to-day operations that puts student learning and the student experience as the focus of their work.
• Serve as a resource to Jewish Studies staff planning, leading and overseeing school rituals (kabbalat shabbat, tefilah, havdalah) and holiday programs.
• Teach at least two Jewish Studies courses in Lower and/or Upper School.
• Coordinate, lead or oversee all-school Jewish holiday celebrations.
• Serve as a liaison to congregations and as a representative of the school in the larger community.
• Ensure quality instruction by inspiring and collaborating with faculty to improve teaching and learning.
• Oversee the scope and sequence of Jewish Studies curriculum.
• Plan and orchestrate the annual 8th grade Israel trip.
• Order textbooks and supplies for Jewish Studies.
• Develop and implement Jewish adult education programs for parents.
• Represent the school in public forums and partner in community outreach and recruitment activity.
• Envision, plan and execute orientation for new teachers, professional development days, and faculty meetings in close collaboration with other administrators and the instructional leadership team.
• Provide timely and effective supervision and evaluation of faculty, ensuring that all faculty receive regular feedback on their teaching and overall performance.
• Make recommendations to the Head of School regarding the hiring, retention, and assignment of faculty.

LEADERSHIP SKILLS/QUALITIES

• Leadership, organization, and management skills along with outstanding interpersonal skills, and the proven ability to lead change and improvement initiatives.
• Deep passion and understanding of K-8 school culture, curricula and pedagogy through experience working in K-8 setting.
• Capacity to embody and engender joy, inspiration, and a love of learning among all constituents of the school.
• Ability to model and to lead others effectively in managing relationships, navigating conflict, and fostering a positive work environment.
• Collaborative leadership style, stellar team-builder, and a strong communicator.
• Reflective thinking with a willingness to examine and grow their own leadership practice.
• Creative problem-solving skills and the ability to envision new, compelling educational programs.
• Capacity to partner with the Head of School and other school leaders in recruitment, retention, community outreach and donor cultivation.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $150,000-$180,000. However, a job offer will typically fall in the range of 80%-120% of the established mid-point. An offer will take into consideration the experience of the final candidate and the equity of individuals working in a similar role.

Hausner also offers a robust benefits package that will be shared with qualified candidates.

This position description is based upon materials provided by Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School, an equal opportunity employer.