Opportunity Statement:

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.

Job Overview:

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.
Program Summary:

OTT@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.

Tuesday B’nei Mitzvah Club
● 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 (a) experiential learning appropriate for this age and stage of life; (b) “Shul School” - 30 minutes of synagogue/prayer skills in our sanctuary, led by our Cantor; and (c) 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.

JTeen (KBI’s Jewish Teen Leadership Program)
● 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 study have included Israel, “Hot Topics,” and Judaism’s Relationship to Intersectionality and Diverse Communities.

YOUTH
● KBI’s USY chapter, JACCUSY: Jews Around Canada’s Capital United Synagogue Youth, affiliated with the ECRUSY (Eastern Canada) Region
○ USY (grades 9-12)
○ Gesher (grades 6-8)
○ Chaverim (grades 3-5)
○ Ketanim (grades 1-2)
● Youth activities are scheduled approximately one per month for each group in addition to twice monthly Shabbat programming.

YOUNG FAMILIES
● Twice monthly Tot Shabbat, babysitting, and Monthly Family Services are offered for families with children ages - 5

SHABBAT AND HOLIDAYS
● KBI offers unique programming for all ages on the High Holy Days
● Regular child-focused programs on Jewish holidays
● Larger endeavours tied to Jewish holidays such as Chanukah, Purim and Passover
Full Job Description

The DYEP is a full-time employee of Kehillat Beth Israel, reports to the Senior Rabbi (or a Board designee) and works in collaboration with other KBI staff and volunteers. The DYEP’s engagement in all aspects are outlined in the descriptive bullets listed below. The DYEP will:

● Build relationships with children and parents to support their interests and encourage their participation in and growth throughout congregational life.
● Recruit, administrate, coordinate, and schedule faculty and team meetings
● Review and approve all lesson plans
● Facilitate all communications with parents for both OTT@KBI and JTeen
● Plan, calendar, market, and organize youth group events with group members, giving them agency in their Jewish journeys
○ Reflect social interests of the youth participants, as well as the religious goals of the synagogue’s vision of experiential education.
○ Strive to expand the participation of our youth groups with more involvement and active engagement in chapter, regional, and international programs.
● Oversee the implementation of our young family programming both on Shabbat/Holidays as well as other regular activities throughout the year.
● Coordinate our children’s holiday programming both on the High Holy Days as well as around other holiday observances.
● Select, train and oversee parent volunteers serving as advisors.
○ These parental volunteers will serve as liaisons for each youth group.
○ However, the DYEP is expected to be present and the primary contact person at youth programs and events, including USY and Gesher conventions
● Manage all youth group related paperwork and serve as liaison to international USY.
○ Serve as the lead communicator for all youth initiatives, building strong relationships with families through clear and timely updates. The Youth Director will ensure a safe, inclusive environment by guiding participants and parents in the alignment of USY and synagogue standards
● Serve as a liaison to our alumni, helping KBI stay in contact with recent high school graduates so that we can still be connected to them while in college (university).
● Coordinate with the Executive Director on administrative functions and budgets:
○ Develop and manage the annual youth education and programming budget in collaboration with the Executive Director and the Board.
○ Oversee program expenditures, ensure cost-effective use of resources and align spending with strategic priorities
○ Track and reconcile expenses, process reimbursements, and support fundraising or grant opportunities related to youth initiatives
● Coordinate with the Executive Director on safety, security, and crisis preparedness for all students and staff during OTT@KBI school, all youth programs and events.
○ Recognize and mitigate risks related to child and youth safety, including physical, emotional, and digital safety.
○ Ensure adherence to synagogue security protocols, including check-in/check-out procedures, secure access to classrooms, and safe supervision ratios for children and teens.
○ Coordinate with synagogue leadership and security personnel during on-site programming, especially for larger events or off-site outings.
○ Maintain up-to-date first aid/CPR certification and ensure youth staff and volunteers are trained in basic safety and emergency protocols.
○ Develop and enforce child protection and reporting policies, including screening of staff and volunteers, vulnerable sector checks, and mandatory reporting of suspected abuse or neglect.
○ Conduct safety drills or briefings with faculty and youth leaders before school sessions, field trips, or retreats.
○ Confidentially document and report incidents in a timely and appropriate manner.
○ Engage in ongoing education related to safeguarding, anti-bullying, and youth mental health to respond appropriately to student behavior or distress.
● Partner with clergy and others in the synagogue to ensure integration of youth and family programming into the broader synagogue life.

Why Ottawa?

Ottawa offers the perfect balance: the resources of a larger city with the affordability and heimishness of a smaller one. Ottawa features excellent Jewish preschools and Day Schools, along with congregational schools. A wonderfully family-friendly city, Ottawa has more green space and outdoor leisure facilities than most cities and, as the nation’s capital, features the National Arts Centre and more than a half dozen museums for children and adults of all ages. No matter one’s interest, activities are readily available within 45 minutes of the city, including the world’s largest outdoor skating rink (the Rideau Canal), and several ski hills Ottawa offers the opportunities of a big city, but with the low-key and accessible vibe of one much smaller.

Qualifications:

● MA in Jewish education or similar field preferred but not required
● Background in Jewish educational leadership in synagogue, school or camp programming with children
● Strong knowledge of Jewish values, traditions and customs
● Experience working as part of a team, supervising staff and/or volunteers
● A collegial and adaptable leader with strong emotional intelligence, creativity, and innovative spirit
● Strong interpersonal skills to build trusted relationships with children, families, and colleagues

Compensation Includes:

$85,000 or commensurate with experience
Supplemental health insurance
Paid Time Off
Professional Dues
Professional Development
Synagogue Membership
Relocation Expenses

Interviews will commence in January for a July 1, 2026 start date. All interested candidates must email a CV to our Executive Director, Yaron Starosta ([email protected]), along with a cover letter detailing relevant skills and experiences, and why this position is of interest.