Judaic Studies Director (1-8 Grade)

Background:

Founded in 1961, Hillel Torah continues to be a leader in progressive Modern Orthodox education, serving the greater Chicagoland Jewish community. They provide an excellent and equally rigorous general and Judaic education with a child-centered approach where children are engaged in learning, exploration, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.

Their Judaic Studies program is anchored in a nationally recognized Ivrit b’Ivrit (Hebrew language immersion) program taught by a staff of Israeli morim shlichim and bnot sherut who bring an authentic taste of Torat Yisrael, Hebrew language and culture to all students and families.

To learn more about the school, please visit: https://hilleltorah.org/about-us/

Position:

Hillel Torah seeks a Judaic Studies Director. The Director is part of the senior educational leadership team and reports directly to the principal. The Director oversees all Judaic Studies teachers and curriculum for grades 1 – 8. Responsibilities include supporting and supervising teachers, curriculum oversight, monitoring student learning, and promoting the values of Torah, Tzionut, and Middot throughout the school. This is a rare opportunity to join a dynamic, growing Jewish day school and make a lasting impact on hundreds of students, families and faculty. Start date: July 1, 2025

The Director will demonstrate strong leadership and management skills, fostering a positive and productive department culture. The Director will provide clear guidance and mentorship to Judaic studies staff, empowering teachers to excel in their roles. With a focus on collaboration and accountability, the Director will effectively manage and support the professional growth of the team, ensuring alignment with the school’s educational goals and vision. The Director will also supervise the MS Dean of Student Life in their role of managing all aspects of MS student life, well-being and behavior. The Director will foster the religious and spiritual development of students by collaborating with staff to design and implement best practices for nurturing a strong Jewish identity.
Candidate Profile:

The ideal candidate will hold an advanced degree in education, educational leadership, or a related field, have prior leadership and supervisory experience and a minimum of five years classroom experience. They should have a strong knowledge of Judaic texts and Hebrew language, be well-versed in educational research, and have experience applying it in practice. The candidate should also demonstrate success in building strong, mutually respectful relationships. Additionally strong organizational skills are essential for success in this role.

Essential responsibilities include:

Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Progress

The Director is responsible to ensure the effective delivery, assessment and continuous improvement of the Judaic Studies curriculum.

● Oversee Limudei Kodesh curriculum, including Tanach (Lehavin Ul’Haskil, TalAm),Torah Sh’be’al Peh, Lifnai v’lifnim, Dinim and Tefillah.
● Oversee Hebrew language curriculum (Tal Am, Bishvil HaIvrit) in collaboration with the Ivrit Coordinator.

Teacher Recruitment, Development, Support and Supervision

● Recruit, supervise and retain qualified JS faculty.
● Monitor teacher’s classroom management, teaching strategies and assessment practices through regular informal and formal observations and feedback.
● Coach teachers to reflect on their practices, set annual goals, and implement them.
● Create remediation and improvement plans for teachers who require additional support.

Programming

The Director will oversee the planning and implementation of school-wide and grade-level Judaic programs (with teachers, programming staff.)

Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

● Build strong, trusting relationships with students and parents and maintain ongoing communication to proactively address concerns and support student growth.
● Support and guide teachers in communicating effectively with parents and colleagues.
● Support Israeli teachers in communicating with parents (both orally and in writing).

School Improvement and Strategic Development

In collaboration with the Senior Administrative Team, the Judaic Studies Director will:

● Develop and implement strategic goals aligned with the school’s vision.
● Create and uphold school-wide policies, systems, and professional development.

Administrative Responsibilities

● Assign teaching assignments in Spring/Summer.
● Create class schedules and class rosters (in collaboration with teachers and Dean of Student Life).

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Interested candidates should contact Yael Harari, at yael@scottgoldbergconsulting.com to confidentially discuss the opportunity and the process.

Candidates who are ready to apply should submit a current resume as a PDF, via email to: search@scottgoldbergconsulting.com