Director of Engagement and Communications
Congregation Mishkan Shalom, a progressive, activist Reconstructionist synagogue in Philadelphia, PA, seeks a Director of Engagement and Communications to support the community’s programs and services. We are a dynamic, diverse, progressive and inclusive Jewish community with an outstanding Congregational School, an array of adult education opportunities, a community of Tikkun Olam activists and more. We are dedicated to repair of the world through prayer, study and acts of caring, as described in our Statement of Principles. Candidates need not be Jewish.
This position, reporting to the Board President, is primarily responsible for the synagogue’s activities related to membership and engagement, marketing and communications, and fundraising. Working in active collaboration with the Rabbi, other staff members, and lay leadership, this position will help to ensure that Mishkan Shalom attracts, engages, and retains members; that both internal and external communications are conducted in a timely and effective manner; and that fundraising activities have the staff support needed to operate smoothly and successfully.
The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker, have exceptional interpersonal skills, understand synagogue life and organizational development, rapidly adapt to a new environment, and know or be able to readily learn a variety of technological tools. Successful applicants will be able to work both independently and as an engaged team member, promote positive interactions with staff and community members who hold a broad range of opinions on current political, social and religious issues, and be willing to balance the range of roles and tasks that may come up as a member of a small staff.
Mishkan Shalom is based in Philadelphia, PA. This is an on-site position, with some flexibility to work remotely. Personal relationships with staff and leadership will be key to success in this position.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Membership Engagement
- Meet with new and prospective members to ensure they are rapidly engaged in the community in ways that are appropriate to their needs.
- Provide organizational and technical support to the following committees to plan and implement events and programs to increase current member engagement and attract new members. (This may include scheduling and attending meetings – often held during evening hours – preparing agendas and recording and filing minutes and providing staff support during events.)
- Membership and Engagement
- Marketing and Communications
- Fundraising/Development
- Building/Aesthetics; and
- Adult Education.
- Be the liaison between office staff and committees.
- Coordinate all High Holiday services
- Recruit, train and manage volunteers to support Mishkan programs and religious services.
- Collaborate with the Rabbi and Director of Education to develop programs that will increase engagement of children and youth with the broader membership and retain post B’nai Mitzvah engagement.
- Attend some holiday celebrations, small group gatherings, events, and community meetings to meet and talk with members to understand their experiences and satisfaction levels to inform future plans and retain members. (This will require working during some weekends and evenings.)
- Manage event and program income and expenses to meet budget expectations.
Communication
- In collaboration with the Marketing and Communications Committee, develop a comprehensive marketing plan for the community.
- Collaborate with the Rabbi, other staff, and lay leadership to develop content for synagogue communications.
- Coordinate and publish the congregation’s marketing materials and communications, including maintaining/managing the website, emails to the community, newsletters, social media, and printed materials.
- Manage communication income and expenses to meet budget expectations.
- Ensure appropriate security protocol is disseminated to all community members, tenants and other building users.
Preferred Qualities and Background:
- Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ related experience in customer service, client outreach and engagement, sales, event planning, or other related fields.
- Warm and personable with strong relationship-building skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, website maintenance, social media, email marketing and adept at learning new technology. Experience with ShulCloud preferred.
- Strong written communications skills.
- Demonstrated success in planning, initiating and completing projects in collaboration with other professionals and volunteers, including serving as the project manager.
- Ability to think strategically and manage multiple projects/tasks while still paying close attention to detail.
- Proven ability to prioritize, problem-solve and stay calm in high pressure situations.
- Demonstrated good judgment and an ability to interact with confidentiality, integrity and tact.
- Exceptionally well-organized.
- Thoughtful yet proactive with a can-do attitude.
- Able to work as part of a team in a dynamic environment with changing demands and expectations.
- Ability to work some evenings, weekends, and Shabbats, as well as some Jewish holidays and the High Holy Days.
- Some familiarity with Jewish customs, synagogue life and holidays is a plus.
Hiring Range
$50,000 - $60,000+ depending upon qualifications
Benefits include paid vacation, early closure on Friday. Health insurance available.
To apply, please post your resume, cover letter, and a list of three professional references, with contact information, to [email protected]. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Mishkan Shalom is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. Applicants need not be Jewish.