Southern Central New Jersey JSU Director

Position Summary:

A thriving and growing youth organization, in partnership with an expanding congregation, is seeking a full-time professional to serve as the Southern Central New Jersey JSU Director and Director of Youth & Family Engagement at Congregation B’nai Israel. This joint position focuses on teen recruitment, programming, mentorship, and community development, helping grow JSU’s regional presence while strengthening youth and family engagement within the synagogue.

Qualified candidates will have strong organizational and interpersonal skills, experience in teen engagement, developing creative programming, and successfully implementing it within the broader Jewish community. Salary and benefits are commensurate with experience. The successful candidate will reside in Manalapan and become an active presence within both the synagogue and the regional Jewish teen community.

Responsibilities:

Clubs & School Engagement

Launch and/or lead JSU clubs across multiple public and secular high schools
Deliver relevant, thought-provoking Jewish content that sparks curiosity and conversation
Build and maintain strong relationships with school staff to ensure long-term access and impact
Partner with regional and national teams to identify and pursue strategic expansion opportunities
Create and lead JSU clubs and out-of-school programming for teens across 6–10 public schools
Further levels of teen involvement among JSUers and prospects through regular correspondence and contact in person, by phone, or social media, independently and in conjunction with regional and advisory staff

Teen Engagement & Relationship-Building

Build safe, healthy, trusting, ongoing relationships with Jewish teens from diverse backgrounds
Serve as a role model through authentic, Torah-driven mentorship
Facilitate Jewish learning that sparks identity exploration and personal growth
Facilitate and engage teens through existing JSU programs including FNLs, Latte and Learning, Ice Cream Chills, Israel advocacy and social action programming, Shabbat meals and Onegs, Teen Shiurim, and other community-wide social events
Coordinate Shabbat and Yom Tov hospitality in Manalapan, creating opportunities for teens to engage in meaningful Jewish experiences
Work with the JSU team and local community to create an annual programming plan for unaffiliated teens in the Manalapan area
Actively participate in planning and programming aspects of regional Shabbatonim and events
Manage all aspects of teen relationships, including cultivation, social engagement, mentoring, and stewarding growth
Cultivate relationships with parents of participating teens
Cultivate partnerships and coordinate programs with local shuls, schools, Jewish Federation, and other Jewish organizations
Work closely with local and regional staff to implement programming and contribute to a positive working environment
Engage and oversee volunteer advisors and student mentors

Leadership Development & Recruitment

Coach student leaders and empower them to run impactful JSU clubs
Recruit and participate in immersive experiences such as Shabbatons, NCSY and JSU summer programs (especially TJJ), JSU trips, and gap-year opportunities in Israel
Participate in weekly meetings and assist in planning and coordinating regional programming and events as a member of the NJ JSU team
Actively participate in staff training and professional development
Manage program budgets and engagement data

Presence in Shul

Serve as a welcoming presence in shul on Shabbat, Yom Tov, and weekends
Build relationships with a diverse congregation
Offer occasional Divrei Torah to the congregation
Promote ruach and engagement in shul life
Support the success of our minyanim

Religious Services

Help create a meaningful and inspiring davening experience for a diverse congregation
Collaborate on planning and coordinating services
Lead and support various aspects of synagogue services

Youth Director / Family Educator

Lead programs for families with children on Shabbat and Chagim
Lead youth programs at shul events
Organize youth and family programming during the High Holidays
Engage and recruit participants

Community Development

Demonstrate passion for our mission of building community
Serve as a positive example of a Torah-observant individual or family
Host Shabbat meals and welcome guests
Teach Torah in small groups, classes, or informal settings
Act as an ambassador for our community