Director Of Youth Education And Programming (“Dyep

Kehillat Beth Israel - Ottawa’s largest Conservative synagogue - seeks a visionary leader to guide our supplemental school, the Ottawa Talmud Torah (OTT@KBI) and the expansion of our other youth programming. Serving over 500 families, and over 150 young people (early childhood through grade 12), KBI is poised for excitement and success in the years to come.

A full-time Director of Youth Education and Programming (“DYEP”) will help build the foundation for youth programming and education in our community by:

• Growing OTT@KBI into the preeminent congregational school in Ottawa.
• Creating innovative and engaging programs for Ketanim (Grades 1-2) Chaverim (Grades 3-5), Gesher (Grades 6-8) and USY (Grades 9-12).
• Enriching Shabbat and Holiday programs for children up to grade 6, making shul not only a meaningful but also enticing place to pray and play.
• Relaunching our Teen learning program (JTeen) to provide the opportunity for deep exploration of Jewish ideas for students in Grades 7-12.

The Director of Youth Education and Programming (“DYEP”) at Kehillat Beth Israel (“KBI”) serves as the lead educator, programmer and administrator for youth (ages 0-18). This includes taking an active role in Shabbat and holiday youth programming, working with clergy, staff, and volunteers to offer a regular and diverse spectrum of dynamic programming.

A qualified candidate will have the ability to work with minimal supervision, possess creative problem solving skills, work well as a team player, and have strong organizational skills including planning, scheduling, marketing and meeting deadlines. The goal of this role is to offer new and exciting initiatives that maximize the participation of our youth in formal and informal programs, inside and outside the shul and classroom settings.

This includes expanding KBI’s Congregational School, OTT@KBI, and youth groups (Ketanim, Chaverim, Gesher, and USY). This individual will also oversee our young family programming, engaging the youngest members of our community. Strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills with youth, teens, and parents are essential.

The DYEP will be an integral member of a larger team of staff and clergy. The DYEP will work directly with and report to the Senior Rabbi (or a Board designee). In addition, the DYEP will be a collaborative partner with the synagogue’s Executive Director and Cantor. The DYEP will serve as the lead staff for the OTT@KBI Committee and the synagogue’s Youth Committee.

The DYEP will hire and supervise all staff both within the schools (OTT & JTeen) and for other programs. This individual will serve as a dugmah, an example and role model, to the children of KBI.

• The Ottawa Talmud Torah at Kehillat Beth Israel is a K‑7 congregational school that has approximately 36 students and meets once a week – Sundays 3‑6pm.
• There are approximately 5 part‑time teachers serving on faculty.
• OTT is a 100‑year‑old program in Ottawa, but under KBI’s auspices for 4 years.

• An optional educational program for participants of KBI’s B’nei Mitzvah Program for an annual fee to participate.
• Students, 12 to 24 months before their b’nei mitzvah, meet once a week (Tuesdays, 4:15‑6:00pm) for experiential learning appropriate for this age and stage of life; “Shul School” – 30 minutes of synagogue/prayer skills in our sanctuary, led by our Cantor; and private tutoring with the Cantor or our tutors for those within a year of their simchah.
• Experiential learning typically runs on a monthly cycle: week 1 is Jewish education based on the Moving Traditions curriculum; week 2 is holiday themed cooking in our kosher kitchens; week 3 is a mitzvah or tikkun olam project or trip; and week 4 is a guest speaker or panel. The DYEP plans and runs this segment of the B’nei Mitzvah Club.

• Students in grades 9‑12 meet twice monthly on Sunday evenings.
• Teen‑led exploration of identity and Judaism.
• Learn about advocacy, activism, and allyship.
• Learn with leaders from across diverse communities.
• Take action with like‑minded teens.
• Areas of…