Director of Student Life

The Consortium of Jewish Day Schools; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Consortium of Jewish Day Schools is seeking a dynamic Director of Student Life for YSZ High School for Girls to guide programming, ruach, and Torah-rooted culture across the school day.

The role leads student experiences, clubs, and initiatives, supports Mechanechet work, and collaborates with faculty to foster spiritual growth and community energy.

Qualifications

• Background in education, youth programming, or school leadership.
• MA in Education or School Leadership preferred.
• 5–7 years of experience working with high school students in a meaningful, relationship-based role.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Teaching experience is preferred; ability to teach 1–2 courses is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, lead, and execute student life programs aligned with the school’s mission and values.
• Own and drive all major programming: Shabbatonim, retreats, Rosh Chodesh, Yemei Iyun, workshops, and school-wide initiatives.
• Maintain a strong pulse on student life, adapting programming to evolving needs.
• Build authentic relationships with students to support programming effectiveness and growth.
• Design and lead admissions experiences, including interviews, tours, and events, as part of recruitment.

Skills

Leadership

Public speaking

Program design

Torah knowledge

Collaboration

Education

MA in Education

MA in School Leadership

Job description

YSZ High School for Girls is seeking a dynamic, charismatic, and mission-driven Director of Student Life to join our leadership team. This role is responsible for driving the programming, ruach, and spiritual culture of the school.

The Director of Student Life serves as the architect of student experience – leading, designing, and executing impactful programming and initiatives that shape the spirit, identity, and growth of our school. This role requires someone with a constant pulse on the students, who can translate vision into action and build a vibrant, energized environment.

While strong relationships with students are essential, this role is not primarily relational – it is programmatic, strategic, and culture-driving.

The ideal candidate is a thoughtful leader with presence – someone who can design and facilitate powerful student experiences, energize a room when needed, lead a kumzitz, and mobilize student leadership to build meaningful, Torah-rooted programming.

This position includes serving as a Mechanechet and working closely with other Mechanechets and the leadership team.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Student Programming & Culture Leadership

• Design, lead, and execute student life programs aligned with the school’s mission and values
• Own and drive all major programming: Shabbatonim, retreats, Rosh Chodesh, Yemei Iyun, workshops, and school-wide initiatives
• Maintain a strong pulse on student life, adapting programming to meet the evolving needs of the school
• Create high-impact moments and experiences that energize the school and leave a lasting impression

2. Student Leadership, Clubs & Initiatives

• Develop and lead student-driven initiatives, campaigns, and programming that build ruach, achdut, and spiritual growth
• Build and oversee a strong student leadership structure, empowering students to take ownership of school culture
• Supervise and elevate clubs, chessed, and other initiatives, ensuring they are active, meaningful, and well-run
• Coach students to lead with responsibility, creativity, and Torah values

3. Ruach, Presence & School Energy

• Serve as a visible and energizing presence throughout the school day
• Lead and facilitate programs, assemblies, and key moments with warmth and inspiration
• Create a school atmosphere that is alive, positive, and mission-driven
• Set the tone for school spirit, pride, and emotional energy

4. Student Connection & Guidance

• Build authentic relationships with students to support programming effectiveness and insight
• Serve as Mechanechet, supporting students’ social, emotional, and spiritual growth
• Work collaboratively with faculty to support student development across contexts

5. Admissions & School Representation

• Design and lead high-impact admissions experiences, including interviews, tours, and events, as an active member of the admissions and recruitment process
• Represent the school with energy, clarity, and purpose, ensuring prospective students and families experience the spirit and strengths of YSZ HS firsthand

Ideal Candidate Qualities

• Charismatic, energetic leader with strong presence
• Natural ability to motivate, inspire, and engage teens
• Strong programming instinct: can design, execute, and elevate experiences
• Deep love of Torah and belief in its power to shape students’ lives
• Able to balance creativity with structure and follow-through
• Organized and action-oriented – turns ideas into reality
• Collaborative, but comfortable leading from the front

Qualifications & Experience

• Background in education, youth programming, or school leadership.
• MA in Education or School Leadership preferred.
• 5-7 years of experience working with high school students in a meaningful, relationship-based role.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Teaching experience is preferred; ability to teach 1–2 courses is a plus.