Job Title:
Head of School
Organization Name:
The Talmud Torah of Minneapolis
Job Type:
Full-time
Deadline:
Open until filled
Job Summary/Description:
MISSION
The Talmud Torah of Minneapolis, the school of Adath Jeshurun and Beth El congregations, engages students of all backgrounds in educational experiences that provide a foundation and the lifelong tools for living an intentionally Jewish life.
VISION
To be a thriving school that offers a curriculum relevant to our students and their families, that inspires a commitment to Torah and Jewish living, and that builds a deep connection with the land of Israel and all Jewish people.
JOB SUMMARY
The Head of School of Talmud Torah of Minneapolis, a Conservative supplementary Jewish school for grades 2-8, will be responsible for:
developing an innovative educational model and curriculum that serves contemporary Jewish students;
strategic recruiting and management of faculty and staff;
building community among students and deeper connections and engagement with our families and two synagogue communities;
communicating a meaningful, relevant value proposition for our educational program; and
overseeing the school’s administration and finances.
The Head of School reports to the Talmud Torah Board of Directors.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
AREAS OF FOCUS
Curriculum Development and Programming: Implements, maintains, and continually evaluates an innovative curriculum that reflects the values of partner synagogues and the contemporary needs of students and their families.
-Embraces creativity and flexibility in delivery models and teaching styles.
-Continually adapts and improves the educational model and its delivery.
-Displays collaborative style, original thinking and creativity to generate suggestions for improving efficiency and effectiveness. Seeks external expertise as appropriate.
-Works with synagogue partners and faculty to develop long-range educational goals for the school.
-Develops, implements, communicates, monitors, and adapts benchmarks to measure student achievements.
-Provides opportunities for a variety of learning experiences that extend the educational experience beyond the classroom.
-Supervises and coordinates special programs and events to fulfill the educational goals of the school.
Jewish Education and Practice
Fosters a passion for Jewish learning and practice that is integrated with the partner synagogues and that supports the Mission and Vision.
-Actively engages in partner synagogue activities.
-Serves as a dugma for students, parents and staff.
Strategic Staff Management
Recruits, manages and develops highly qualified teachers and staff. Creates an environment that motivates superior performance. Retains top talent who will carry out the Mission and Vision of Talmud Torah.
-Actively communicates compelling and inspiring goals for the school; rallies others behind the Mission and Vision.
-Mentors and develops employees by setting challenging goals and creating development plans that enhance employees’ skills and encourage growth.
-Communicates effectively by building commitment and overcoming resistance.
-Provides regular and timely performance feedback to employees.
-Creates a climate of cooperation, recognition and stability.
Relationship Management and Community Building
Develops strong internal and external relationships while promoting a vibrant, engaged and collaborative environment.
-Champions change; treats change as an opportunity for learning; focuses on the beneficial aspects of change.
-Builds positive relationships with faculty, students and families to help create an intentional and engaged community.
-Cultivates positive relationships with donors, campus partners and other community organizations and leaders.
-Works with Board of Directors, parents and partner synagogues to develop programs that build a community of families between the partner congregations.
-Fosters teamwork and instills passion among team members for our Mission and Vision. Works to bring out the best in everyone. Provides useful, caring feedback for growth of the team.
-Promotes inclusion activities, programs and policies. Actively encourages, welcomes and supports students of all learning needs, as well as families of all configurations and backgrounds.
-Communicates effectively with diverse audiences, using traditional channels and social media.
-Operates as an extension of the partner synagogues by participating in staff meetings as requested and promoting synagogue activities.
Administrative and Financial Management
Implements and manages administrative procedures that allow the school to run efficiently. Operates the school within the annual budget approved by the Board of Directors.
-Participates in preparation and management of school’s annual budget.
-Maintains teacher and parent-student handbooks and ensures that they comply with applicable laws and regulations. Ensures that staff complies with handbooks and with all school policies and procedures.
-Implements and enforces the Talmud Torah of Minneapolis Behavior Code and addresses student discipline.
-Supervises all administrative activities of the school, including:
o Back-office operations
o Parent communications and relationships
o Marketing/communications to the community
o Student enrollment, class assignments, grading
o Faculty and staff scheduling and assignments
o Administration of all employee benefits
-Works with the Board of Directors and synagogue partners to implement fundraising and development activities.
-Supports and implements decisions of the Board of Directors.
Experience and Qualification Requirements:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
-Clear understanding of and commitment to the cognitive and developmental needs of students in grades 2-8.
-Knowledgeable in Jewish and Hebrew studies. Passion for Jewish learning and teaching.
-Demonstrated ability to lead and adapt to change in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high employee and student satisfaction and retention.
-Knowledge, understanding and experience with best practices in curriculum development and delivery, and knowledge and understanding of progressive and alternative curriculum delivery models.
-Demonstrated ability to build trust and rapport with diverse populations, including faculty, students, community leaders, members and donors.
-Effective communicator in a variety of settings: one-on-one, small and large groups, and with all types of audiences. Responsive communicator in written and oral communication.
-Active participant in fundraising efforts led by Board of Directors and/or synagogues.
-Ability to effectively lead formal and informal teams and build a collaborative environment in the pursuit of shared goals.
-Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion in handling sensitive issues in accordance with school policies and applicable laws.
-Computer competence, including Microsoft Office, email, and social media and classroom-based technologies such as the Smartboard.
QUALIFICATIONS
-Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field required. Advanced degree in Education or related field preferred.
-3 years of classroom teaching experience in Jewish/Hebrew education required.
-5 years of school administration experience strongly preferred, including experience with faculty recruitment, mentoring and management, curriculum and programming oversight and budget development. 3+ years of school administration experience considered.
-2 years of experience in planning and implementing fundraising activities and programs preferred.
-Proven experience working in supplementary Conservative Jewish educational programs preferred.
-Experience developing marketing and outreach plans to drive development, student retention, and recruitment efforts preferred.
Additional Information:
WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS
-General office environment: work generally at a desk or school setting in a well-lighted, climate-controlled area with moderate noise levels.
-Periods of high stress may occur.
-Non-traditional work schedule, including evenings and weekend work on-site, regularly required.
How To Apply:
Qualified candidates should send a cover letter and resume to [email protected]
