Organization: The Interfaith Families Project
Position Type: Part-time, contract
Location: Remote and various locations in DC/MD/VA
Part Time/Hours per Week: Averaging 5 hours per week, largely between September and May. Hours may vary from none to twice that in any given week, with fewer hours in the summer.
Compensation: $2,900.00 per year
Contact Information: Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and two references to info@iffp.org. Please include “Teen Group Leader Application” in the subject line.
About IFFP: The Interfaith Families Project of Greater Washington (IFFP) is an independent community of interfaith families and others. We are committed to sharing, learning about, and celebrating our Jewish and Christian traditions. Now in our third decade, we have grown to over 100 families from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC, with virtual members across the country and around the world. IFFP is a place where both Jewish and Christian partners can feel like equal members of the community, celebrate and learn about both faiths. At IFFP, we “teach not preach.”
We are recruiting for a part-time position to run the IFFP Teen Group. We are seeking a dynamic and engaging individual to facilitate meaningful experiences for our teenagers (grades 9-12) within the context of an inclusive and interfaith environment.
About the IFFP Teen Group: The goals of the IFFP Teen Group are to:
- Facilitate social connections among alumni of the IFFP Sunday School
- Keep teens engaged in the IFFP community
- Provide a third space for teens to build friendships outside of school, activities, and home
- Support teens in their interfaith identity
- Foster the IFFP values of inclusion, Tikkun Olam, etc.
Most of the members of the IFFP Teen Group participated in the IFFP Sunday School as well as the Coming of Age program. Since IFFP in-person members come from across the DC-MD-VA area, most of the teens don’t see each other outside of IFFP.
About the Position: The Teen Group leader provides the structure for the program and creates a plan for the year. To the degree possible, the Teen Group leader considers the needs and interests of the teens. The proposed plan is submitted to the Administrative Director, Director of Religious Education, and IFFP clergy (staff) and Executive Committee in the spring for review and approval–preferably in April. Events are scheduled in collaboration with the staff, with the organizational calendar in mind. See details below. Once approved, the events for the year are posted to the IFFP calendar and shared with the community–parents of teens as well as others–to promote the group.
The Teen Group leader attends annual teacher training and child abuse prevention trainings coordinated by the Director of Religious Education. The Teen Group leader attends and participates in all Teen Group events at different locations (including the homes of parents of teens, to create a diverse and dynamic experience) six or seven events per year (primarily on Saturdays).
Incoming Teen Group Leader will shadow incumbent for three months (preferred) to meet the current teens and get to know the community.
Plan and lead social activities to include:
- Community Service: at least one service-oriented activity per year, such as volunteering at Shepherd’s Table, to instill a sense of responsibility and community engagement.
- Outdoor Activities: at least two outdoor events per year to provide teens with opportunities to connect with nature and each other.
- Prepare for teens to lead one “Gathering” and adult education group each year. Typically involves 2 planning sessions in collaboration with clergy.
- Ensure the Teen Group’s active involvement in the Coming of Age (COA) ceremony. The Gathering is the name for IFFP’s service, attended by all members.
- Summer pool party (hosted by a parent).
- Back-to-school event
- Holiday party (hosted by a parent)
Connection and Communication: Establish and maintain a text chain or WhatsApp group to keep teens connected between events, fostering continuous engagement and communication.
Mentorship Program: Pair new teens with older teens to facilitate integration and a sense of community. Encourage mentorship relationships to thrive within the Teen Group.
Promote Excitement: Create an atmosphere where teens are excited about attending Teen Group events, ensuring a positive and enjoyable experience for all participants.
Qualifications:
- Associate’s Degree or two years of college-level education is required; a Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
- Minimum 2 years working experience leading teenagers in a social or community setting.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organizational and planning abilities.
- Commitment to fostering inclusivity and understanding among diverse individuals.
- Enthusiasm for creating engaging and enjoyable experiences for teenagers.
- Valid driver’s license and access to a car preferred, or willingness to travel by metro to various locations.
- Fluency in English.
Background Check and Equal Opportunity Employment: IFFP is committed to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment. As part of our hiring process, successful candidates for the Teen Group Leader position will be required to undergo a background check. This check may include criminal history, reference checks, and other relevant screenings.
The Interfaith Families Project is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, fostering diversity and inclusivity within our community.