Assistant Director of Educational Initiatives and Engagement

Position: Assistant Director of Educational Initiatives and Engagement

Exempt / Union Grade 16

Department: Community Engagement

Union Grade 16 Range: $80,763 to $113,688

Summary Description of Position

Reporting to and under the direction of the VP of Education & Advocacy, the Assistant Director of Educational Initiatives and Engagement will develop, lead, and help reimagine Israel education initiatives for public and independent school educators, schools, and community partners in a rapidly evolving post–October 7 landscape. This position will play a central role in shaping innovative approaches to Israel education, educator engagement, and relationship-building. The Assistant Director will design and lead programs that deepen understanding of Israel, Jewish identity and experience, and democratic values through immersive learning experiences, educator trainings, curriculum development, strategic partnerships, and community engagement.

The Assistant Director will oversee the Holy Land Democracy Project (HLDP), lead educator recruitment and engagement efforts, develop educational resources and professional learning opportunities, and contribute broadly to the Federation’s Israel education and advocacy strategy.

Principal Duties

• Help envision and advance Israel education and engagement strategy in a post-October 7 reality, including the development of enhancements to traditional Israel travel experiences.
• Lead the planning, implementation, and evolution of the Holy Land Democracy Project annual trip to Israel and related educator engagement initiatives.
• Develop alternative models for immersive Israel engagement when travel is not possible, including virtual exchanges, local learning experiences, partnerships, and other innovative educational approaches.
• Plan, coordinate and facilitate the logistics and educational content of training for all educators participating in the HLDP Israel trip
  •Assist in coordinating, updating, and expanding curricular resources and classroom materials related to Israel, Jewish identity, Jewish inclusion, Jewish history, antisemitism, democracy, and pluralism.
• Recruit additional school districts, educational institutions, and educator cohorts to participate in HLDP and related Israel education programs.
• Cultivate and maintain engagement with HLDP alumni through ongoing programming, relationship-building, and follow-up opportunities.
• Travel internationally to help facilitate the immersive educational experiences.
• Consult with educators and schools on classroom implementation and culturally responsive approaches to teaching complex topics related to Israel and Jewish experience.
• Assist with program evaluation, data collection, assessment tools, and impact measurement aligned with strategic program goals..
• Engage with educators for deeper impact including but not limited to student projects, professional development workshops, and follow-up trainings.

• Work with the Vice President of Education & Advocacy to create, plan, and lead additional professional development training seminars, courses, and presentations for for public, independent, and faith-based school educators.
• Coordinate and manage the collection and distribution of lesson plans and curricula on Israel, Israeli History, Jewish American narratives, Antisemitism, and Ethnic Studies.
• Work with partners to create and organize new lesson plans and curricula on related topics
• Arrange program logistics, serve as a liaison to partner organizations and synagogues, and coordinate marketing and outreach efforts for educator training programs.
• Create and implement evaluations, data collection systems, and assessment tools aligned with strategic goals for educational outreach, teacher trainings and resource development, and program impact.
• Monitor emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in education, Israel engagement, and antisemitism to help inform program development and organizational strategy.
• Support and help execute community-wide events that include celebration, education, or significant anniversaries related to Israel.

Additional Duties

Functions as part of the Education and Advocacy team and broader Community Engagement team. Provides leadership and support for additional Israel education initiatives, interfaith engagement, community relations work, education policy initiatives, convenings, advocacy efforts, and special events. Other duties may be assigned as needed, including support for Federation-wide initiatives and Campaign activities. .

Education & Experience Required For Position

• BA degree required; advanced degree in Education, Jewish Studies, Israel Studies, Public Policy, or related field preferred. Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in education, curriculum development, community engagement, nonprofit leadership, or related field.
  • Strong knowledge of Israel, Judaism, antisemitism, Jewish communal life, and contemporary educational issues.
  • Experience developing and facilitating educational programming in formal and/or informal educational settings required.
  • Experience designing curriculum, trainings, workshops, or educational resources required.
  • Strong public speaking, facilitation, and relationship-building skills.
• Must be able to travel in U.S. and overseas.
• Must be able to work with all levels of lay leadership and professional colleagues; computer skills (MS Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and related digital communication tools).
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.