Director of Membership & Engagement

Director of Membership & Engagement

Congregation Emanu El

About Us: Congregation Emanu El, a vibrant and historic 1,600 family Reform Jewish synagogue in Houston, is dedicated to building a warm, inclusive, and dynamic community. With a focus on worship, education, social action, and meaningful connection, we seek to create an environment where Jewish traditions thrive and adapt to contemporary needs.

Position Summary

The Director of Membership & Engagement is responsible for leading a comprehensive strategy to attract, retain, and engage members of Congregation Emanu El. This role oversees the full membership lifecycle—from first inquiry through long-term engagement and leadership—and serves as the primary staff steward of belonging, connection, and commitment within the congregation.

This is primarily a strategic, relationship-driven position, rather than administrative or clerical role.

Reports To

Executive Director

Supervisory Responsibility

Supervises membership or engagement support staff and/or volunteers as appropriate.

Core Responsibilities

Membership Growth & Outreach

• Develop and implement a proactive membership growth strategy
• Serve as the primary point of contact for prospective members
• Design and manage a high-touch onboarding process for new members
• Coordinate welcome experiences, follow-up, and integration pathways

Engagement & Retention

• Track member engagement across worship, learning, and community life
• Identify under-engaged members and develop targeted outreach strategies
• Partner with clergy and program staff to connect members to meaningful opportunities
• Cultivate pathways for volunteerism and leadership development

Membership Renewals & Financial Commitment

• Oversee the annual membership renewal process
• Implement auto-renewal systems at sustaining levels
• Support Step Up and sustaining commitment initiatives
• Conduct thoughtful financial conversations with members when appropriate, in coordination with Development and Finance

Scholarship & Abatement Administration

• Manage a confidential, application-based scholarship and abatement process
• Ensure no member is denied membership or services for financial reasons
• Maintain consistency, dignity, and confidentiality in financial accommodations

Strategy, Data & Reporting

• Monitor membership trends, retention, engagement, and financial participation
• Prepare regular reports for senior leadership and the Board
• Benchmark best practices from peer synagogues and adapt models for CEE

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in membership, engagement, community building, or nonprofit relationship management
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Experience with financial conversations in a values-based organization
• Comfort working with data, CRM systems, and engagement metrics
• Knowledge of synagogue or Jewish communal life strongly preferred, but not required