Kehillat Beth Israel (KBI) - Ottawa’s largest Conservative synagogue - seeks a visionary leader to guide, strengthen, and grow our 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 part-time Youth and Family and Programming Director will help build the foundation for family and youth programming in our community by:
• 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.
• Creating family-based programs
Job Overview:
The Youth and Family Programming Director (“the director”) serves as the lead programmer and administrator for all programming and engagement for young families, children and youth. Reporting to the Executive Director and Rabbi (or their designee), the director collaborates closely with clergy, staff, lay leaders, children, youth, and families to deliver a wide range of dynamic programs to build strong and lasting Jewish identities.
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. This includes 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 director will be an integral member of a larger team of staff and clergy. The director will be a collaborative partner with the synagogue’s Executive Director, clergy, and Director of OTT@KBI. The director will serve as the lead staff for the synagogue’s Youth Committee. This individual will serve as a dugmah, an example and role model, to the children of KBI.
Program Summary:
• KBI’s USY chapter, JACCUSY: Jews Around Canada’s Capital United Synagogue Youth, affiliated with the ECRUSY (Eastern Canada) Region
o USY (grades 9-12)
o Gesher (grades 6-8)
o Chaverim (grades 3-5)
o Ketanim (grades 1-2)
• Youth activities are scheduled approximately once 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 0-5
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 director is a part-time employee of Kehillat Beth Israel, reports to the Rabbi and Executive Director and works in collaboration with other KBI staff and volunteers. The director’s engagement in all aspects are outlined in the descriptive bullets listed below. The director will:
• Build relationships with children and parents to support their interests and encourage their participation in and growth throughout congregational life.
• Plan, calendar, market, and organize youth group events with group members, giving them agency in their Jewish journeys
o Reflect social interests of the youth participants, as well as the religious goals of the synagogue’s vision of experiential education.
o 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.
o These parental volunteers will serve as liaisons for each youth group;
o however, the director 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.
• Ensure an 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:
o Develop and manage the annual youth education and programming budget in collaboration with the Executive Director and the Board.
o Oversee program expenditures, ensure cost-effective use of resources and align spending with strategic priorities
o 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 participants during youth programs and events.
o Recognize and mitigate risks related to child and youth safety, including physical, emotional, and digital safety.
o Ensure adherence to synagogue security protocols, including check-in/check-out procedures, secure access to meeting spaces, and safe supervision ratios for children and teens.
o Coordinate with synagogue leadership and security personnel during on-site programming, especially for larger events or off-site outings.
o Maintain up-to-date first aid/CPR certification and ensure youth staff and volunteers are trained in basic safety and emergency protocols.
o 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.
o Conduct safety drills or briefings with faculty and youth leaders before programs, field trips, or retreats.
o Confidentially document and report incidents in a timely and appropriate manner.
o Engage in ongoing education related to safeguarding, anti-bullying, and youth mental health to respond appropriately to child/youth 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:
Functional Experience
• Jewish leadership in a synagogue, school, or camp setting
• Experience planning and implementing age-appropriate programming
• Strong knowledge of conservative Jewish values, traditions, and customs
• Hebrew proficiency an asset
Career Experience
• Minimum 1-3 years in Jewish community work
• Experience collaborating with staff and/or volunteers
• Strong interpersonal skills to build trusted relationships with children, families, and colleagues
• A collegial and adaptable leader with emotional intelligence and creativity
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Compensation Includes:
$30-$35 / hour commensurate with experience
Aproximately 15-23 hours per week.
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.