Jewish Life and Learning Specialist

JCC Greater Boston•Newton Centre, MA

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the Senior Director of Early Learning Centers, the Jewish Life & Learning Specialist is responsible for cultivating meaningful, developmentally appropriate Jewish learning experiences across the JCC Greater Boston Early Learning Centers. This role serves as a pedagogical leader and partner to educators, supporting the integration of Jewish values and traditions into daily classroom experiences. Grounded in the Sheva framework and aligned with each center’s emergent, inquiry-based approach, the Specialist works collaboratively with site leadership and teaching teams to ensure a cohesive and high-quality vision of Jewish life and learning across all locations while honoring the unique culture of each school. The Jewish Life & Learning Specialist is a visible and relationship-driven presence across sites, strengthening Jewish identity for children and families while coaching educators to embed Jewish learning authentically and meaningfully into their practice. JCC Greater Boston is deeply committed to valuing and celebrating the uniqueness of each constituent. We welcome staff and participants from diverse backgrounds. While being proudly Jewish, we strive in every way to provide an open and welcoming setting for all, irrespective of personal practices, beliefs, or background. We are guided by JCC Greater Boston’s core values - Belonging, Joyfulness, Collaboration, and Transformation - which resonate with many who do not identify as Jewish.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Jewish Education, or related field required
2-5 years experience in early childhood education or Jewish educational settings
At least 1 year experience developing curriculum is required.
Must have a valid driver’s license and be able drive a motor vehicle and to pass a MRV review.
Strong knowledge of Jewish traditions, culture, and values
Demonstrated ability to design engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences
Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to build relationships across multiple stakeholders
Ability to coach and support educators in a reflective, growth-oriented way
Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to work across multiple sites
Flexible, proactive, and relationship-driven work style
Must have strong computer skills: social media literacy, proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel.
Must have a record of successfully working well independently and with others, building/sustaining collaborative working relationships.
Must be a self-starter who takes the initiative.

Nice To Haves

Experience in Jewish communal settings (e.g., JCC, synagogue, camp) preferred.
Familiarity with Israeli culture and/or experience living, studying, or working in Israel
Proficiency or comfort with Hebrew language (spoken and/or written)
Experience with Reggio-inspired or emergent curriculum approaches
Displays a record of success designing programs that integrate Jewish values to create compelling and joyful experiences
Displays outstanding project management skills from design to implementation, managing deadlines with great attention to detail and maintaining high quality standards.
Demonstrates excellent organizational and time management skills
Demonstrates the ability to multitask and manage situations effectively and diplomatically; ability to adapt to evolving needs and circumstances.
Demonstrates a history of superb interpersonal and active listening skills
Demonstrates a commitment to building strong relationships with a variety of stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Design and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate Jewish learning experiences aligned with the Sheva framework
Partner with Child Development Specialist, Curriculum Coordinator and educators to integrate Jewish values, traditions, and holidays into classroom learning in authentic and meaningful ways
Develop materials, resources, and provocations that reflect Jewish life and support inquiry-based learning
Support classrooms in embedding Jewish learning into emergent curriculum and daily routines
Build strong, trusting relationships with educators to support reflective practice and continuous growth
Introduce and support the use of Hebrew language through music, movement, routines, and daily interactions
Integrate Israeli culture, traditions, and contemporary life into classroom experiences
Support educators in building confidence and consistency in incorporating Hebrew language naturally throughout the day
Provide ongoing coaching, guidance, and support to educators in Jewish learning and cultural integration
Lead professional development opportunities connected to Jewish identity, Israel, and the Sheva framework
Serve as a pedagogical resource to educators, fostering curiosity, confidence, and skill-building
Partner with site leadership to ensure consistency, alignment, and high-quality practice across centers
Partner with site leadership to design and enhance Jewish holiday celebrations and community events
Create meaningful opportunities for families to connect to Jewish life within and beyond the classroom
Serve as a resource for families around Jewish traditions, culture, and practices
Support family engagement as a gateway to deeper connection with Jewish community and identity
Ensure continuity and coherence of Jewish life and learning across Godine, Gilson, and Hingham Early Learning Centers
Collaborate with each site’s leadership team to adapt programming to reflect each community while maintaining a shared vision
Contribute to the ongoing development and evolution of Jewish life and learning across the Early Learning Centers
Actively create a welcoming dynamic that contributes to an environment where each individual is valued, seen, and respected
Support JCC Greater Boston’s mission, vision, and values including through active role modeling
Attend JCCGB meetings and trainings as assigned, and actively participate in and support the goals and initiatives of JCCGB and the department
Lead with integrity, positivity, and accountability, building trust and modeling the behaviors that strengthen organizational culture.
Maintain a safety-first, solution-oriented mindset that prioritizes inclusion, risk awareness, and high standards of service and accountability.
Set and communicate a clear vision aligned with organizational priorities and lead change with clarity, empathy, and resilience.
Build collaborative partnerships across teams, volunteers, vendors, and community stakeholders while representing the organization with professionalism.
Drive operational excellence through sound judgment, data-informed decision-making, and responsible financial stewardship.
Provide calm, decisive leadership in complex or high-pressure situations while promoting continuous improvement and professional growth.
Perform other duties as required to support departmental and organizational success.

Benefits

Competitive cost-sharing Health and Dental Insurance
JCC Sponsored/Paid Health Reimbursement Account
JCC Sponsored/Paid Group Life Insurance/LTD Coverage
Generous paid time off supporting a quality work-life balance
Tax-deferred 403(b) retirement savings plan
Voluntary Supplemental Vision Insurance
Additional Voluntary Supplemental Life/ADD coverage for you and your family
AbilityAssist Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Norton Cyber Security Program
LegalEase Insurance program
JCCGB Perks!
Free individual membership to JCC Greater Boston's top class fitness, recreation and wellness facility in Newton – offering virtual and in-person programs including indoor swimming, many fitness classes, and workout facilities, as well as discounts to many JCCGB events, classes, outdoor pool, and more!
Complimentary individual membership includes: Use of the Fitness Center at Leventhal-Sidman
Access to group fit classes, Arts & Culture adult programming at member rates
Discounts on a variety JCCGB's fitness/wellness programs and services
Free wellness events!
Discounted child care at JCCGB Early Learning Centers and after-school program
Discounted JCCGB camp tuition