Director of Conflict Education and Israel Initiatives

About the role

Spertus Institute seeks an exceptional Director to provide intellectual, educational, and strategic leadership for the Conflicts of Interest Program as well as additional development and growth of related and other Israel education and leadership programs and initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall academic leadership and vision for the Conflicts of Interest Program as well as potential expansion to other Israel initiatives.
• Oversee and continually refine curriculum, educational frameworks, and learning outcomes.
• Ensure the highest standards of educational excellence and pedagogical integrity.
• Assess participant learning, program effectiveness, and long-term impact.
• Stay at the forefront of developments in Israel education, conflict education, civic education, and related fields.
• Identify opportunities to expand the program's scope, audiences, delivery models, and subject matter.
• Led strategic planning for future growth, including advanced offerings, alumni engagement opportunities, and new educational initiatives.
• Develop and pilot innovative programs that respond to emerging communal and educational needs.
• Contribute to the long-term vision for a broader Center for Conflict Education and Civic Engagement.
• Recruit, mentor, supervise, and evaluate faculty members and facilitators.
• Foster a culture of educational excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Lead faculty development initiatives and ensure consistency across program delivery.
• Teach within the program and facilitate workshops, seminars, and community learning experiences.
• Represent the program publicly through speaking engagements, conferences, and community outreach.
• Develop educational resources and thought leadership pieces for practitioners, educators, and communal leaders.
• Cultivate partnerships with Jewish educational organizations, foundations, communal institutions, and civic organizations across North America.
• Develop relationships with Israeli scholars, educators, institutions, and thought leaders.
• Convene think tanks and learning communities that advance the field of Israel and conflict education.
• Strengthen the program's role as a national hub for research, innovation, and professional development.
• Work closely with program staff to recruit participants and expand the program's reach.
• Build relationships with key stakeholders and organizational partners.
• Support marketing and communications efforts that elevate the visibility and impact of the program.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in Israel Studies, Jewish Studies, Education, Political Science, History, Conflict Resolution, or a related field.
• Significant expertise in Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
• Demonstrated experience in curriculum design, educational leadership, and educator development.
• Outstanding teaching and facilitation skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication abilities.
• Experience building and growing educational programs.
• Commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue across difference.

Qualifications

• Doctorate degree in Israel Studies, Jewish Studies, Education, Political Science, History, Conflict Resolution, or a related field.
• Hebrew proficiency.
• Experience working in both academic and communal educational settings.
• Established professional network within North American Jewish education and/or Israeli educational institutions.
• Record of publications, public scholarship, or thought leadership.