Programming and Communications Director

Job Description: Programming and Communications Director for Shaare Zedek Congregation

General Overview

Shaare Zedek Congregation seeks a charismatic, creative, and dedicated Program Director to design and implement programming that connects current and potential members to the congregation, to the community, and to one another. This role is central to the operation and engagement of the synagogue community. We seek an individual who loves working with people of all ages, from all demographics, and from all walks of life. The Program Director will actively work to foster a welcoming and vibrant culture of inclusivity in the congregation.
This is a dynamic, hands-on, and critical leadership role in shaping the future of our community.

Reports to: Executive Director in cooperation with the Senior Rabbi.

Status: Full-time, Salaried. Requires flexibility for evenings, weekends, Jewish holidays, and Shabbatot.

Key Responsibilities (Programming, Engagement, and Community Building)

1. Program Design, Management, and Execution

• Design and Implement Programs: Plan and execute diverse and engaging programs for all demographics, including social, cultural, educational, interfaith, and community-wide events.
• Create Meaningful Experiences: Design events and activities that meet the needs of a diverse congregation, engaging members intellectually, spiritually, and socially. Programs should offer opportunities to learn, to play, and to interact.
• Oversight and Administration: Manage the congregation’s programming portfolio and calendar in coordination with other staff and leaders. Responsibilities include providing high-quality logistical support, marketing, and outreach.
• Financial Oversight: Manage event and program revenue and expenses as requested.
• Evaluation: Assess and summarize program effectiveness and member feedback for professional staff and lay leadership.
• Innovation: Track trends in Jewish programming and member engagement and bring fresh, innovative ideas to inspire the community. Stay abreast of modern expressions of Judaism’s enduring values.

2. Member Engagement and Community Connection

• Relationship Building: Be the "Connector," building authentic relationships with members (new and long-time members, young families, retirees, interfaith, and diverse households). Deepen members' sense of community through engagement at services, events, and informal gatherings.
• Recruitment and Retention: Develop and implement strategies for new member recruitment, proactive outreach, and marketing. Welcome and onboard new members, ensuring smooth integration into synagogue life to create a solid foundation for belonging.
• Small Groups: Create opportunities for involvement and connection, such as small-group opportunities (Havurot) for member sub-groups with common interests and characteristics.
• Communication: Work with staff to create compelling marketing, social media strategies, and communications aligned with congregational goals.

3. Collaboration and Leadership

• Team Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with the Rabbi, staff, and lay leadership (e.g., Programming Committee, Adult Education Committee, Membership Committee and President).
• Volunteer Management: Recruit, support, and train volunteers and lay leaders to support the implementation of programs and events.
• High Holidays and Major Events: Provide leadership and operational support during major synagogue events such as High Holidays, fundraising galas, and lifecycle events.
• Inter-Organizational Connection: Serve as a connection point with other local communal organizations.

Qualifications and Experience

Education and Experience

• Required: Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or equivalent) in Jewish communal service, Judaic studies, nonprofit management, event planning, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum 3–5 years of professional experience in programming, event planning, community engagement, or related fields. Proven experience in organizational leadership or nonprofit management is beneficial.

Skills and Attributes

• Leadership and Personality: Must be a dynamic, creative, organized, and personable leader. Must possess warmth, energy, integrity, passion, and a sense of humor.
• Management Skills: Strong organizational, administrative, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple programs, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Communication: Exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills; warm, approachable, community-oriented. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for use in person, online, and in outreach.
• Technical Proficiency: Comfort with digital tools such as ShulCloud (or other CRM systems), Google Suite, social media, and on-location/remote AV.
• Cultural Competency: Knowledge of Jewish traditions, Jewish ritual, holidays, and synagogue life is required. Demonstrated commitment to issues of diversity and cultural competence with diverse identities within the Jewish community (such as LGBTQ+ communities and Jews of Color) is essential. Understanding of or exposure to the history, principles, and practice of Jewish movements (if applicable) is beneficial.

Compensation and Application

Compensation & Benefits Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, consistent with leadership roles in nonprofit organizations. Benefits typically include paid time off, health/dental/vision insurance, retirement plan, and possible professional development allowance, and congregation membership.

Shaare Zedek Congregation is committed to diversity, accessibility, and inclusion and is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on legally protected characteristics, though it is the policy of many congregations that certain senior positions may require filling by persons of the Jewish faith as a bona fide occupational qualification.