Judaic Coordinator

Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ; Livingston (NJ); On-site; USD 48,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ is seeking a Judaic Coordinator to develop and oversee programming for residents and WAE Center members, ensuring alignment with Jewish customs and inclusive practices.

You will design Shabbat and holiday experiences, create accessible curricula, train staff on kosher standards, and collaborate with synagogues and community partners to expand opportunities for participants with IDD.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent professional experience.
• Knowledge of Jewish customs, Shabbat, holidays, kosher requirements.
• Experience developing and delivering Jewish educational or community programs.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead Judaic programming for residents and WAE Center members.
• Plan and facilitate Shabbat, holiday and other Judaic experiences.
• Design accessible classes and activities exploring Jewish traditions and community life.
• Adapt content to diverse learning styles and needs.
• Foster inclusive environments and community connections.
• Collaborate with facilitators, consultants and program staff.
• Identify opportunities to connect participants with the broader Jewish community.
• Build relationships with synagogues and Jewish organizations.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Foothold EHR

Job description

The Judaic Coordinator is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing Judaic programming and religious experiences for residential and community-based participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This role ensures adherence to Jewish customs, traditions, and practices while creating meaningful, accessible opportunities to explore Jewish culture, history, spirituality, holidays, and community life in ways that reflect individual interests and abilities. The Coordinator serves as a resource for participants, residents, families, and staff, promoting inclusion, community engagement, and spiritual growth consistent with organizational values and policies. Working collaboratively with WAE Center and Residential staff, leadership, consultants, and community partners, the Coordinator expands Judaic programming and fosters connections to the broader Jewish community.

Judaic Programming, Education & Community Engagement

• Develop, coordinate, and lead Judaic programming, religious observances, and educational experiences for residential participants and WAE Center members.
• Plan and facilitate Shabbat, holiday, and other Judaic experiences, including Purim, Passover, the High Holidays, Hanukkah, and other significant Jewish observances.
• Design and deliver engaging, accessible classes, workshops, group activities, and individual learning opportunities that explore Jewish traditions, customs, values, culture, history, spirituality, and community life.
• Adapt content, instructional approaches, materials, and activities to meet diverse learning styles, communication needs, interests, abilities, and goals.
• Foster inclusive environments that encourage participation, self-expression, personal growth, community connection, and a sense of belonging through discussion, creative arts, music, celebration, and hands-on experiences.
• Collaborate with facilitators, consultants, and program staff to integrate Judaic content into broader programming and ensure alignment with organizational values and standards.
• Identify and develop opportunities for participants to connect with and actively engage in the broader Jewish community.
• Build and maintain relationships with synagogues, Jewish organizations, faith-based resources, and community partners to expand programming, educational opportunities, and community engagement.
• Communicate effectively with participants, families, staff, allies, volunteers, and community partners regarding Judaic programs, services, and opportunities.

Curriculum Development & Program Administration

• Maintain current knowledge of relevant Judaic resources, programs, organizations, and community opportunities that may benefit JSDD residents and WAE Center members.
• Develop, and maintain Judaic curricula, lesson plans, educational materials, and program resources.
• Prepare and adapt program materials, communications, program summaries, and resources for Judaic-related events, trips, and community experiences.
• Identify and utilize educational, cultural, and community resources to enhance programming.
• Ensure all Judaic content and materials are accurate, respectful, accessible, and appropriate for individuals with diverse abilities.
• Maintain required documentation, schedules, reports, and program records.
• Assist with the ongoing development, evaluation, and growth of Judaic programming and initiatives.
• Cooperate fully with JSDD, DDD, and other regulatory reviews, inspections, investigations, and compliance requirements.

Residential Support & Religious Compliance

• Support and monitor adherence to kosher dietary practices within WAE Center and residential settings, including menu planning, grocery purchasing, and periodic review of food purchases.
• Ensure ritual items, supplies, and religious resources are available and properly maintained for Shabbat, holidays, and other observances.
• Provide training, consultation, and ongoing guidance to staff regarding Jewish customs, traditions, holidays, religious practices, and kosher standards.
• Serve as a resource to residents, participants, families, and staff by providing information, educational materials, and support related to Judaism.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or an equivalent combination of professional and lived experience.
• Knowledge of Jewish customs, traditions, Shabbat, holidays, religious practices, and kosher dietary requirements.
• Experience developing, facilitating, and participating in Jewish educational, cultural, religious, or community-based programs.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to support individuals with IDD and staff.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds, abilities, and faith traditions.
• Ability to present Judaic content in accessible, engaging ways for individuals with diverse learning styles and support needs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to learn and utilize Foothold (EHR) while maintaining required documentation.