Community Engagement Director
Position Description
Congregation Shaarei Shamayim, a progressive Jewish community in Madison, Wisconsin, is hiring a Community Engagement Director for our growing congregation.
We seek a problem solver with exceptional organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. Our Community Engagement Director will facilitate our growth and allow us to continue to provide a wide range of religious, spiritual, educational, and social justice activities and programming for members and the community at large.
Our Community Engagement Director works in partnership with our rabbi and congregational leadership to implement the community’s goals. In particular, this person will be responsible for carrying out our five-year strategic plan. Candidates for the position should be comfortable working both independently and in collaboration with diverse stakeholders. As a congregation with a small staff, candidates should be comfortable balancing a range of roles and should be conversant with or able to quickly learn a range of technologies.
Candidates need not be Jewish, but knowledge of the Jewish community is important. This is a hybrid position; candidates should be able to work in the office at least 50% of the time.
Duties and Responsibilities
Member Engagement and Outreach
- Meet with members frequently to get them involved in the community;
- Provide organizational support to volunteer-led committees;
- Organize outreach events for prospective members;
- Plan, attend and help run small group gatherings, holiday celebrations, and other events;
- Implement a new membership dues program;
- Nurture our havurot (fellowship groups) by ensuring that they have strong leadership and new members can easily get involved;
- Evaluate member experience to assure member satisfaction and retention.
Communications
- Coordinate the congregation’s marketing and communications, including email, social media, and printed materials;
- Work in coordination with the rabbi and volunteer leadership to write community announcements, program and event marketing, and other synagogue communications;
Development
- Help our congregation adopt a culture of giving through written communications and small group discussions;
- Support and expand the work of our fundraising committee by working with them to create and implement an annual fundraising plan; raise money for our Sustaining Our Future Fund, establish a planned giving program, organize fundraising events, develop fundraising materials, and introduce best practices from other congregations.
Professional Requirements and Qualities
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum three years of management experience in a comparable environment
- Proficient with computers, including but not limited to word processing, spreadsheets, social media platforms, virtual meeting software, and email skills
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters with maturity, discretion, and professionalism
- Experience with and interest in learning about Jewish customs, culture, and practices
- Ability to work flexible hours needed to complete job requirements, including some nights, weekends, and Jewish holidays
Compensation and Benefits
- $65,000 - $70,000/year depending on experience
- Health insurance
- Disability insurance
- Paid time off for vacation, sick leave, and holidays
Please email a cover letter and resume to shaareishamayimemployment@gmail.com with the subject line: Community Engagement Director.
Congregation Shaarei Shamayim is an equal opportunity employer. A vital part of this commitment includes welcoming, respecting, and encouraging diversity among our staff, including fostering an environment in which all staff have the greatest opportunities to thrive. We encourage all candidates to apply for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.