Executive Director

Organization: Folkshul is a Secular Humanistic Jewish school and community – a joyful hub of family programs and community activities. As a member-run cooperative with a professional staff, Folkshul provides a culturally enriching and meaningful experience. 

We adhere to the tenets of the Secular Humanistic branch of Judaism. Our K-9 students learn Jewish history, values, mythology, and holiday observances. Students participate in music, dance, art, and social action projects. Special attention is given to relating the “Jewish experience” to modern-day events and issues. Folkshul is also a family experience with holidays and rites of passage celebrated by the entire community. Adult members play a critical role in setting policy, developing educational direction, designing social action projects, educating ourselves, and working with staff to develop and strengthen our Folkshul (People's School).

Faculty:

The Executive Director hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates the classroom and music teachers, Sunday Funday teachers, teaching assistants, and all other staff. In addition, the Executive Director provides classroom teachers and administrative staff with professional development opportunities and assists with classroom management issues. The Executive Director, in coordination with the teachers, is responsible for developing and implementing the curriculum as well as planning holiday programming. The Executive Director works closely with the Program Director, who oversees logistics and the day-to-day operations of Folkshul.

Community Interaction:

The Executive Director welcomes new families and is the point of contact for parents and adult members who have questions or concerns. The Executive Director also  communicates Folkshul’s goals, including developing and conveying an annual theme of learning for the Folkshul community. An important focus of the position is growing the community and recruiting new families.

Adult Programming:

The Executive Director is responsible for developing and implementing adult programming, including developing programs, finding speakers/instructors, tracking participation, and supporting events.

Administration:

The Executive Director supervises and evaluates the performance of all other administrative staff employed by Folkshul. The Executive Director is also responsible for developing the budget, presenting it to the Board, and – with assistance from the Program Director – monitoring the budget. Folkshul rents meeting space, and the Executive Director maintains a good working relationship with the leasing facility and oversees safety in the facility. Together with the Program Manager, the Executive Director develops the annual calendar of events and classes, and produces the weekly newsletter and other community messaging.

Representing Folkshul:

The Executive Director is the public face of the organization. It is expected, and a priority, that the Executive Director will serve as an effective liaison with other Jewish, local, and national organizations. Communication skills via written language and public speaking are required.

Fundraising:

Financial stability is vital to Folkshul’s continuance. The Executive Director works with the Folkshul Board to plan and carry out fundraising activities. In addition, the Executive Director tracks membership census and applies for grants. 

Salary

Range from $30,000-$41,000. Salary will be based on experience and the structure in which administrative duties are distributed among staff.

Expected work requirements are, on average:

20 hours/week from mid-August to May, including 31 in-person Sundays from 9AM-1PM 

8-10 hours/week from June to mid-August

Qualifications, skills, competencies:

BA or BS from an accredited college or university

A solid understanding of Jewish history, culture, and religion  

A thorough understanding of the tenets of the Secular Humanist branch of Judaism, and the ability to communicate these tenets orally and in writing to the Folkshul community and the outside world 

Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with the Folkshul Board, teachers, parents, and students