Director of Engagement

Position Overview:
The Director of Engagement at Temple Shalom is responsible for developing and executing strategies to recruit new members, integrate them into the community, and foster long-term relationships that promote active participation in synagogue life. This dynamic role will require an innovative and relational leader who is passionate about welcoming newcomers, guiding them through the Jewish experience, and ensuring they feel connected and supported as part of the congregation. The Director of Engagement will also work closely with clergy, staff, and lay leaders to promote the synagogue’s vision and mission to prospective members. This position reports to the Executive Director.

Key Responsibilities:

New Member Recruitment: Develop and implement a comprehensive new member recruitment strategy, focused on attracting individuals and families who align with the synagogue’s values and mission.

Onboarding and Integration: Design and execute a structured new member onboarding process, ensuring that newcomers are introduced to key synagogue programs, services, and volunteer opportunities.

• Track the progress of new members to ensure they are integrated into synagogue life and have ongoing support to feel connected and valued.

Relationship Building: Act as the primary point of contact for new and prospective members, providing guidance, support, and resources throughout their journey to membership and beyond.

• Cultivate meaningful relationships with individuals and families to understand their unique needs and help them find a home within the congregation.
• Promote opportunities for members to get involved in synagogue life, whether through worship, education, social events, or volunteer initiatives.

Collaboration with Leadership: Work closely with the Rabbi, Executive Director, and other synagogue leaders to align membership recruitment strategies with the synagogue’s broader goals and mission.

• Lead the professional team and lay leader partners who have engagement and membership responsibilities through a moves management/member engagement process.
• Work collaboratively with the Executive Director on the annual membership renewal process.
• Develop and coordinate programs and initiatives that appeal to prospective members, including outreach efforts to young families, singles, interfaith families, and empty nesters. Partner with the Brotherhood, Sisterhood, Educational programs (including religious school and the Early Childhood Center, and other programmatic areas of the congregation as ways to engage and connect members and potential members.
• Collaborate with the communication team to ensure consistent messaging and outreach to prospective members through various platforms.

Member Retention and Engagement: Create and implement strategies to retain new members by fostering a sense of belonging and community within the synagogue.

• Develop programs that appeal to a variety of demographics and help engage members long-term, with a focus on Jewish education, social events, and social action initiatives.
• Conduct regular check-ins with new members to assess their experience and identify areas for improvement in the engagement process.

Data Tracking and Analysis: Maintain an up-to-date database of prospective and new members, tracking engagement and participation levels.

• Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of new member recruitment and engagement strategies through data analysis and feedback, making adjustments as needed to improve outcomes.
• Report regularly to synagogue leadership on recruitment efforts, successes, and areas for growth.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Jewish Studies, Nonprofit Management, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in membership engagement, community outreach, or similar roles, ideally within a Jewish or nonprofit setting. Comparable sales experience will be considered.
• In-depth knowledge of Jewish traditions, practices, and values within a Reform synagogue context.
• Proven ability to recruit, build relationships, and engage diverse groups of people.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with individuals and groups of varying ages and backgrounds.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with a track record of managing multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Proficiency in digital marketing, social media, and other outreach tools.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Personal Attributes:

• Warm, welcoming, and approachable, with a deep passion for Jewish community building.
• Creative and strategic thinker, with the ability to innovate and implement new ideas to attract and retain members.
• Strong listener with the ability to understand the needs of new members and tailor engagement strategies accordingly.
• Collaborative and solution-oriented, able to work closely with others in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexible, adaptable, and open to feedback, with a willingness to continually refine engagement strategies.

No Phone Calls Please - Email Resume and Cover Letter to [email protected]