Overview
The President/Rosh Yeshiva is the spiritual and academic leader of Hebrew Seminary, responsible for ongoing curriculum development, ensuring all classes and programs meet its educational criteria, appointing and overseeing faculty, and, in consultation with the Board of Directors and Executive Director, setting and implementing strategic priorities. The President/Rosh Yeshiva will lead student recruitment efforts in coordination with Seminary staff, help lead fundraising efforts, and work closely with the Executive Director and Board to develop and meet budgets. Qualified candidates will have excellent academic and teaching credentials and a strong record of Jewish leadership.
Responsibilities
I. SPIRITUAL & OVERALL PRIORITIES
A. Set the overall tone of the Seminary as its spiritual leader.
B. Ensure that all programs/classes/endeavors meet the Seminary’s educational criteria.
C. Review and update, as appropriate, the Seminary’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities in consultation with Board of Directors and Executive Director.
II. ACADEMIC
A. Review and update, as appropriate, the academic curriculum.
B. Appoint appropriate faculty members & set budget for faculty compensation in consultation with Executive Director and Board of Directors.
C. Review academic calendar with Executive Director.
D. Lead periodic meetings of faculty.
E. Pursue collaborative opportunities with other organizations.
F. Teach courses in own field of study.
G. Serve as thesis advisor in own field of study to rabbinic candidates.
III. STUDENT BODY
A. Lead student recruitment efforts, in coordination with Development & Communications Manager and Executive Director.
B. Review all student applications and interview students prior to admittance.
C. Counsel students on courses in coordination with Executive Director.
D. Develop practical rabbinic opportunities for students, in coordination with Executive Director, to enhance their expertise in diverse areas.
IV. STAFF
A. Oversee hiring process for all staff positions.
B. Recommend appropriate salaries for Executive Director and other staff for approval by Board of Directors.
C. Supervise and provide regular performance feedback for staff.
D. Work closely with Executive Director and Finance Committee of the Board to develop annual budget for approval by Board of Directors.
E. Responsible for meeting budgetary goals approved by Board of Directors.
V. FUNDRAISING
A. Help lead fundraising activities.
B. Recruit new donors, especially potential major donors.
C. Help maintain and expand support from current donors.
VI. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A. Recommend new members for Board of Directors.
B. Review and advise on Board and Committee proposals.
C. Attend all Board meetings.
D. Update and advise Board on activities of Seminary.
Compensation
This half-time position pays an annual salary of $50,000.
Applications
Please send a cover letter, curriculum vitae or resume, and any supporting documents you want to include to JobApp@HebrewSeminary.org.
Hebrew Seminary is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
As an equal opportunity employer, Hebrew Seminary strongly encourages applications from individuals with varied identities and backgrounds. This position will remain open until we have a diverse pool of candidates.
Hebrew Seminary is a unique, pluralistic, egalitarian rabbinical school for deaf and hearing people of all genders. It was founded in 1992 by Rabbi Dr. Douglas Goldhamer to meet the needs of all Jewish communities, especially those traditionally underserved. The Seminary’s mission is to prepare students as rabbis and Jewish educators to serve all Jewish communities, including the deaf community. Our program encourages the highest commitment to traditional scholarship, such as Bible, Talmud, Hebrew, Jewish philosophy, and Kabbalah. This teaches our students to be scholars, educators, and leaders, as well as spiritual guides who can experience and share the voice of God.
- Strong ethical character and leader.
- Passion for the Seminary’s mission.
- Strategic thinker and visionary; creative ability to problem solve
- Collaborative and inclusive leader with the ability to understand and work with all Jewish denominations and affiliations.
- Ability to inspire.
- Ability to create and implement a detailed strategic plan that includes specific goals and other key metrics.
- Strong written, verbal and listening skills; excellent presentation and public speaking abilities.
- Excellent academic and teaching credentials, including rabbinic ordination/smicha.
- Responsible leadership experience in the Jewish community, including budgetary oversight.
- Successful history of fundraising.
- Experience and comfort working with students, faculty, and Board members.
- Proficiency in sign language or willingness to learn a plus.
JobApp@HebrewSeminary.org
About Hebrew Seminary: A Rabbinical School for Deaf & Hearing
Hebrew Seminary is a unique, pluralistic, egalitarian rabbinical school for deaf and hearing people of all genders. It was founded in 1992 by Rabbi Dr. Douglas Goldhamer to meet the needs of all Jewish communities, especially those traditionally underserved. The Seminary’s mission is to prepare students as rabbis and Jewish educators to serve all Jewish communities, including the deaf community. Our program encourages the highest commitment to traditional scholarship, such as Bible, Talmud, Hebrew, Jewish philosophy, and Kabbalah. This teaches our students to be scholars, educators, and leaders, as well as spiritual guides who can experience and share the voice of God.