Akiba Yavneh Academy - Co-Head of School

Akiba Yavneh Academy

Co-Head of School, Jewish Life and Learning

Dallas, TX

·        Provide vision, oversight, and strategic direction for all Judaic Studies and Hebrew language programming (Early Childhood–Grade 12).

·        Ensure Judaic and Hebrew curricula reflect Modern Orthodox values while welcoming students from a range of Jewish backgrounds.

·        Partner with divisional leaders and faculty to promote high-quality, mission-aligned teaching and learning.

·        Support faculty recruitment, mentoring, and professional growth to build a culture of excellence and innovation in Jewish education.

·        Foster a vibrant Jewish atmosphere across campus, uniting the school around shared values, traditions, and celebrations.

·        Serve as a visible, relational, and spiritual presence for students, parents, and staff.

·        Strengthen partnerships with rabbis, synagogues, and Jewish organizations across Dallas and beyond.

·        Model active participation in communal life and inspire engagement in Torah, mitzvot, and chesed.

·        Represent AYA as a compelling ambassador within the Dallas Jewish community and nationally.

·        Collaborate with the admissions and advancement teams [RV1] to drive enrollment growth and advance fundraising goals.

·        Partner with the Co-Head of School, Academics and Operations and Board to communicate AYA’s vision and progress, cultivating enthusiasm among stakeholders and supporters.

·        Champion the AYA Atid Plan and help position AYA as a national model for excellence and sustainability in Jewish day school education.

Leadership Competencies & Personal Attributes

The successful Co-Head of School / Director of Jewish Life and Learning will be an inspiring and mission-driven leader who brings both strategic vision and relational warmth to the role. The ideal candidate will demonstrate many of the following qualities:

A creative and forward-thinking leader who can look beyond traditional models to craft and execute a compelling vision for Jewish education.

·        Deep personal commitment to Jewish learning and Modern Orthodox values, with the ability to infuse Torah, tradition, and purpose into the daily life of the school.

·        A skilled communicator who unites stakeholders—faculty, families, lay leaders, and donors—around shared goals; comfortable balancing openness to input with decisive leadership.

·        A visible, approachable presence who naturally inspires trust and connection across the school community and broader Jewish landscape.

·        Experience working with a Board and building strong, trusting relationships with lay leaders.

·        Demonstrated success in identifying, attracting, and developing exceptional educators and professionals, and fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.

·        Experienced in developing and executing plans that drive measurable progress in education, community engagement, enrollment, and fundraising.

·        Exceptional written and oral communication skills; capable of articulating vision, inspiring confidence, and representing AYA with warmth and authenticity.

·        Uncompromising integrity, sound judgment, and the courage to speak truthfully, especially when addressing challenges or difficult news.

·        Belief that outstanding service to students, families, and community members is at the heart of leadership; models responsiveness, empathy, and respect in every interaction.

Benefits and Compensation

Akiba Yavneh Academy offers a competitive and comprehensive compensation package for this role. The benefits package includes tuition assistance, medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as a generous retirement plan.

Application Requirements

DRG is conducting this search on behalf of Akiba Yavneh Academy. Interested candidates should submit, as soon as possible, materials including the following:

·        A cover letter indicating why they are particularly interested in and qualified for the position

·        A current resume

·        A statement of leadership philosophy

Application materials should be uploaded directly on the DRG website (www.drgtalent.com) by visiting the Akiba Yavneh Academy listing.

Application Status: Accepting Applications                                              

Start date: July 2026 (or sooner if available)

This position description is based upon material provided by Akiba Yavneh Academy, an equal-opportunity employer.

To apply for this position, please click HERE.

Dara Klarfeld, CEO, dklarfeld@drgtalent.com

Tani Weissman, Partner,  tweissman@drgtalent.com

Shanna Jadwin, Talent Consultant, sjadwin@drgtalent.com