Careers

Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School, a TK-8th grade Jewish community day school in Palo Alto, CA, is seeking a Director of Jewish Life and Learning.

As a member of the senior administrative team, the Director of Jewish Life and Learning works very closely with the Head of School and the academic leadership team in developing and implementing strategic initiatives.

The Director of Jewish Life and Learning serves as an instructional leader who directs the development of curricula, and promotes faculty’s on-going professional development especially through observing and giving timely constructive feedback to faculty.

The Director of Jewish Life and Learning serves as a senior administrator, reporting to the Head of School. S/he is the point person for student and parents’ questions and concerns about Jewish Life and Learning.  In addition, S/he will serve as a representative of the school to the broader community. Effective communication, collaboration and proactive management is key to success in this position.

As an instructional and administrative leader, the Director of Jewish Life and Learning is responsible for: 

• Working in close partnership with faculty and the learning support team to guide, evaluate and improve upon the academic program to ensure that it meets the needs of all learners 
• Promoting an educational vision and effectively manage day-to-day operations that puts student learning and the student experience as the focus of his/her work 
• Serving as a resource to Jewish Studies staff planning, leading and overseeing school rituals ( Kabbalat Shabbat, tefilah, havdalah) and holiday programs
• Teaching at least 2 Jewish Studies courses in lower and/or Upper School
• Coordinating, leading or overseeing all-school Jewish holiday celebrations.
• Serving as a liaison to congregations and as a representative of the school in the larger community
• Ensuring quality instruction by inspiring and collaborating with faculty to improving teaching and learning
• Overseeing the scope and sequence of Jewish Studies curriculum
• Planning and orchestrating annual 8th grade Israel trip
• Ordering textbooks and supplies for Jewish Studies 
• Developing and implementing Jewish adult education programs for parents
• Representing the school in public forums and partnering in community outreach and recruitment activity
• Envisioning, planning and executing orientation for new teachers, professional development days, and faculty meetings in close collaboration with other administrators and the instructional leadership team
• Providing timely and effective supervision and evaluation of faculty, ensuring that all faculty receive regular feedback on their teaching and overall performance
• Making recommendations to the Head of School regarding the hiring, retention, and assignment of faculty

Leadership Qualities:

• Leadership, organization, and management skills along with outstanding interpersonal skills, and the proven ability to lead change and improvement initiatives;
• Deep understanding of K-8 school culture, curricula and pedagogy through experience working in K-8 setting;
•  Ability to model and to lead others effectively in managing relationships, navigating conflict, and fostering a positive work environment;
•  Collaborative leadership style
•  Reflective thinking with a willingness to examine and grow his/her own leadership practice
• Creative problem-solving and the ability to envision new, compelling educational programs
• Capacity to partner with HOS and other school leaders in recruitment, retention, community outreach and donor cultivation.

Preference will be given to candidates with previous teaching and administrative experience in a K-8 Jewish Day School, proven leadership skills, and an advanced Jewish Studies and/or Rabbinic degree.

To be considered for the position of Director of Jewish Studies please send a cover letter and resume to our HR Associate Jacob Gonzales at jgonzales@hausnerschool.org.

The salary range for this position is $140,000-$175,000. However, a job offer will typically fall in the range of 80%-120% of the established mid-point. An offer will take into consideration the experience of the final candidate and the equity of individuals working in a similar role.
 

Director of Student Services and School Counselor 
Full Time

Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School, a TK-8 pluralistic community day school in Palo Alto, seeks an experienced, knowledgeable, collaborative, empathetic individual to lead our Student Support Team and serve as our School Counselor. 

Responsibilities:

• Lead a team of student support specialists who provide direct academic and behavioral support services to students in grades TK-8. 
• Coordinate social, emotional, behavioral, and psychological support services for all grades.
• Provide extensive consultation to parents, teachers and administration on psychological, emotional and developmental issues, students’ behavior and outside resources. 
• Serve on the Hausner Academic Leadership Team.
• Facilitate weekly SST (Student Study Team) meetings and consult regularly with teachers and resource specialists.
• Initiate, facilitate, and maintain communication with parents, teachers, administrators, and pertinent agents on specific student and parent educational and social and emotional matters, including academic modifications and/or accommodations.
• Evaluate, analyze, and collect outside resources, such as academic testing or other necessary evaluations to identify student issues, needs and challenges.
• Provide drop-in individual counseling (short-term basis), group counseling and conflict resolution to students of all grades on an as-needed basis, and provide referrals for long-term support as needed.
• Provide and oversee faculty education and in-service discussions regarding social, emotional, behavioral and psychological issues of children, adolescents, and families.
• Maintain direct contact with outside professional and agencies, such as psychologists, psychiatrists and therapists for students in need of private counseling services
•  Help develop and implement SEL programs as well as curriculum to address specific issues of group dynamic as they arise. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Education, Experience, and Licensing Requirements:

• Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling, Social Work or related field
• Minimum of 3 year of counseling or related experience
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Compensation
• Competitive salary, range: $125,000-160,000
• Benefits including: Medical, Dental, Vision, 403b Retirement Plan, Long- and Short-term Disability, Voluntary Life/Accident Insurance, Work-Life Balance Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Pre-tax payroll deduction also available for Commuter Checks and Flexible Spending Account.

About Us:

• Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School is an independent community school with an engaged and motivated student body that participates fully in both Jewish and secular activities. We maintain outstanding academics and a strong sense of community while instilling Jewish values and traditions. We teach the whole child, focusing on social and emotional growth, academic and critical-thinking skills, as well as a wide array of enrichment activities. Our philosophy strongly encourages inclusivity and diversity; ethics and values are infused throughout the TK-8 curriculum.
• Hausner is dedicated to professional development. Teachers are encouraged to collaborate with their peers at Hausner, as well as at other schools. Faculty have leadership opportunities within the school and participate in professional and curriculum development opportunities throughout the year, both nationally and abroad. Our benefits and friendly community inspire excellent teacher retention. 
• Four-acre Palo Alto campus features a first-rate library, Beit Tefilah, a creativity lab, an art room, a music room, a state-of-the-art gym and expansive outdoor playing fields.

Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to an inclusive, welcoming community, where all are accepted and are treated with respect.

Hausner does not unlawfully discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of age, race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, veteran status, national, or ethnic origin, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Qualified applicants should apply here. 
 

TK-8 School Counselor 
Full Time
 

Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School, a TK-8 pluralistic community day school in Palo Alto, seeks an experienced, knowledgeable, collaborative, empathetic individual to serve as our School Counselor. 

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate social, emotional, behavioral, and psychological support services for all grades.
• Provide extensive consultation to parents, teachers and administration on psychological, emotional and developmental issues, students’ behavior and outside resources. 
• Initiate, facilitate, and maintain communication with parents, teachers, administrators, and pertinent agents on specific student social and emotional matters, including recommended program modifications and/or accommodations.
• Provide drop-in individual counseling (short-term basis), group counseling and conflict resolution to students of all grades on an as-needed basis, and provide referrals for long-term support as needed.
• Provide and oversee faculty education and in-service discussions regarding social, emotional, behavioral and psychological issues of children, adolescents, and families.
• Maintain direct contact with outside professional and agencies, such as psychologists, psychiatrists and therapists for students in need of private counseling services
•  Help develop and implement SEL programs as well as curriculum to address specific issues of group dynamic as they arise. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Education, Experience, and Licensing Requirements:

• Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling, Social Work or related field
• Minimum of 3 year of counseling or related experience
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Compensation

• Competitive salary, range: $100,000-140,000
• Benefits including: Medical, Dental, Vision, 403b Retirement Plan, Long- and Short-term Disability, Voluntary Life/Accident Insurance, Work-Life Balance Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Pre-tax payroll deduction also available for Commuter Checks and Flexible Spending Account.

About Us:

• Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School is an independent community school with an engaged and motivated student body that participates fully in both Jewish and secular activities. We maintain outstanding academics and a strong sense of community while instilling Jewish values and traditions. We teach the whole child, focusing on social and emotional growth, academic and critical-thinking skills, as well as a wide array of enrichment activities. Our philosophy strongly encourages inclusivity and diversity; ethics and values are infused throughout the TK-8 curriculum.
• Hausner is dedicated to professional development. Teachers are encouraged to collaborate with their peers at Hausner, as well as at other schools. Faculty have leadership opportunities within the school and participate in professional and curriculum development opportunities throughout the year, both nationally and abroad. Our benefits and friendly community inspire excellent teacher retention. 
• Four-acre Palo Alto campus features a first-rate library, Beit Tefilah, a creativity lab, an art room, a music room, a state-of-the-art gym and expansive outdoor playing fields.

Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to an inclusive, welcoming community, where all are accepted and are treated with respect.

Hausner does not unlawfully discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of age, race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, veteran status, national, or ethnic origin, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Qualified applicants should apply here. 

 

Are you a self-driven, ambitious professional with a passion for children, community building, and collaborative environments? Join our team at Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School ("Hausner") as a Family Engagement Associate (FEA). We are searching for someone experienced in social media, event planning, and community organizing, who is inspired by our mission.

Hausner is an independent Transitional Kindergarten through 8th grade community school. Hausner cultivates a joyful learning community that builds students’ capacity for critical thinking, creativity, and moral courage by nurturing their natural curiosity and exploring their compelling questions through a complementary curriculum of general and Jewish studies.

The Family Engagement Associate plays a vital role in enhancing meaningful engagement with our parent community. Reporting to the Director of Enrollment and Family Engagement, you will collaborate with the admissions, outreach, and advancement teams. Your responsibilities include creating a family engagement plan, spearheading events from planning to overseeing, fostering relationships with partner organizations, coordinating parent volunteer opportunities, and expanding participation in Hausner programming.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop a comprehensive family engagement plan with defined goals, objectives, outcomes, and an annual calendar of activities and events.
• Foster relationships with partner organizations, such as the Oshman Family JCC, PJ Library, and local synagogues, to enhance community collaboration.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the school and Parent Kesher.
• Spearhead family events to help foster a strong sense of community. Coordinate and promote parent volunteer opportunities, fostering a culture of parent volunteerism.
• Expand Hausner's reach to families in the broader community, including prospective Hausner families, by offering participation in Hausner programming and connecting them with resources.
• Create programs that facilitate connections among Hausner alumni, especially current high school alumni.
• Collaborate with the enrollment, advancement, and marketing teams to strategize and coordinate family engagement efforts.
• Develop strategies for retention and growth, contributing to the overall enrollment management efforts.
• Assist with tours, outreach, and programming for prospective families.
• Track and analyze data on participation in family engagement programs, providing recommendations for improvement and expansion.
• Undertake other duties as assigned by the Director of Enrollment and Family Engagement.

Qualifications: 

Tangible:

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree a plus.
• Minimum two years of relevant professional experience.
• Proven experience and success in launching community initiatives, planning events and working with volunteers.
• Ability to work fulltime as well as some evenings and weekends for events.
• Familiarity with Jewish communal work.
• Advanced proficiency in Google G Suite and databases.
• Social media savvy.

Soft Skills:

• Strong alignment with the school's mission, with the ability to articulate its value proposition effectively.
• Personable, patient, and empathetic, able to advocate for parents when necessary.
• Self-motivated and highly organized with impeccable follow-through.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and decision-making abilities.
• Results-driven with the capacity to measure success and adapt approaches as needed.
• Actively engaged in professional learning and up-to-date with best practices.
• Open to feedback and continuous improvement.
• Tenacious with exceptional collaboration skills.
• Hebrew fluency is a plus.

Benefits:

• Salary range: $65,000-75,000. Depending on your qualifications. 
• 50% off Hausner tuition for the candidate’s children who qualify for Hausner enrollment; free in-house aftercare during academic calendar for candidate’s children who are enrolled at Hausner.
• Medical, Dental, Vision, 403b Retirement Plan, Long- and Short-term Disability, Voluntary Life/Accident Insurance, Work-Life Balance Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Pre-tax payroll deduction also available for Commuter Checks and Flexible Spending Account.
• Good work-life balance with many Jewish holidays off as well as limited work schedule during Thanksgiving, Winter and Spring breaks.
• Complimentary lunch during academic calendar including a salad bar and hot lunch options. All meals are kosher.

Join our team and make a meaningful impact in the lives of our students and their families. 
Apply today, email resume and cover letter to admissions@hausnerschool.org.