Experiential Holocaust Education Manager (Field Educator) in San Diego, California at Jewish Federation of San Diego

BACKGROUND

Jewish Federation of San Diego is looking for an experienced educator to bring history to life for students and communities across San Diego County through Spark Interactive, the Legacy of Light Goldberg Institute for Holocaust Education’s Mobile Learning Center.

For 90 years Federation has worked to create a vibrant, caring, connected and enduring Jewish community by strengthening Jewish identity, caring for Jews in need and fostering deep connections with Israel and Jews around the world. San Diego County is home to more than 100,000 Jews, in about 50,000 households. We are a thriving, vibrant, multi-faceted Jewish community of more than 100 Jewish communal organizations. More information about Jewish San Diego is available on our website, www.jewishinsandiego.org. Federation staff are passionate about community building, highly collaborative and always learning. We bring a wide range of experiences and backgrounds to our work and welcome all applicants for this dynamic position.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Experiential Holocaust Education Manager (Field Educator) delivers powerful, interactive learning experiences using Spark Interactive, a state-of-the-art traveling classroom and museum. This position helps thousands of learners engage with survivor stories, explore the consequences of hate, and build empathy and understanding.

This is a field-based position with some office work. It is a strong fit for an experienced educator, museum professional, or community facilitator who is passionate about Holocaust education, connecting with students, and innovative learning. The Field Educator joins a creative, mission-driven team shaping a new model of education in motion.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Educate and Inspire (55%)

• Facilitate engaging, age-appropriate, interactive Holocaust education experiences for students, educators, and community groups.
• Create safe, inclusive environments for dialogue around difficult historical and contemporary issues.
• Adapt lessons to meet diverse learning needs and audiences.

Build Partnerships (20%)

• Serve as the main contact for schools, teachers, and community partners before and after Spark Interactive visits.
• Support educators with pre- and post-visit materials and follow-up resources.
• Recruit, train, and support volunteers and docents.

Operate and Innovate (15%)

• Manage daily logistics of the Spark Interactive Learning Center, including setup, travel, and maintenance (training provided).
• Troubleshoot basic technical and AV issues and coordinate vendor support when needed.
• Track program activities and expenses, ensuring smooth operations across sites.

Evaluate and Share Stories (10%)

• Collect and report on feedback, impact data, and participant stories.
• Support marketing and fundraising by sharing meaningful experiences, photos, and testimonials.
• Collaborate with the team to continually improve curriculum, technology, and user experience.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support organizational needs.

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS

• 3+ years teaching or facilitating learning for youth (formal classroom, museum, camp, or community setting).
• Skilled communicator and empathetic educator who can navigate sensitive topics with care.
• Has the superpower of connecting with teens.
• Technologically confident; quick to learn and troubleshoot digital tools.
• Highly organized and reliable, with strong project coordination skills.
• Valid California driver’s license and clean driving record, and comfort driving a large vehicle; training provided. Willingness to coordinate maintenance and repairs to ensure the smooth operation of the vehicle.
• Excited to work on the move, with willingness to travel regularly throughout San Diego County (3-5 days per week).
• Flexible work schedule, including occasional early starts (e.g., arriving at schools by 7:00 a.m. for setup) and some evenings and weekends.
• Able to lift, carry, and load exhibit materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds for transport, setup, and breakdown at each site.

Preferred

• Background experience in Holocaust or genocide education, social studies, Jewish studies, or a related field.
• Experience training or managing volunteers and docents.
• Bilingual English/Spanish.
• Familiarity with program evaluation and impact reporting.

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree, ideally in a field relevant to Holocaust education for grades 6-12 (e.g., Jewish Studies, Holocaust Studies, Religious Studies). A California teaching credential or master’s degree in a relevant field is preferred but not required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND EQUIPMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and talk or hear, including standing and walking for extended periods during presentations and travel. Regularly lift, carry, load, and unload exhibit materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds for transport to and from school and community sites. The employee must occasionally crouch, stoop, or reach. This position is field-based and requires traveling throughout San Diego County with the Mobile Learning Center, with occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends. Vehicle training, routing support, and all necessary tools are provided. We value work-life balance and offer flex time to offset longer days.