Job Title: Spiritual Engagement, Manager Lifelong Learning
Status: Full Time - Salary Exempt
Reports To: Director of Lifelong Learning
Schedule: Academic year: Sunday-Thursday / Summer schedule: Monday-Friday
Salary: 65,000-70,000K
About Us
Congregation Emanu-El of the City of New York is the oldest Reform synagogue in New York City, grounded in a rich history of Jewish communal leadership in the city and beyond. Our congregation is dynamic and forward-looking, and as our current membership of 2,470 families grows, we remain committed to ensuring that new and current members and non-members who connect with us in various ways have high-quality and meaningful experiences in all aspects of synagogue life.
Position Overview
The Manager of Spiritual Engagement is responsible for cultivating meaningful spiritual experiences and fostering deeper connections to Jewish prayer and practice for children and families. Through innovative programming, curriculum development, and leadership in services:
Key Responsibilities
Spiritual Leadership & Worship
- Develop multiple pathways for children and families to engage in prayer and spiritual practice.
- Inspire families to deepen their commitment to spiritual growth and Jewish practice.
- Develop and implement a new Tefilah curriculum that aligns with our culture of love and gratitude and supports our graduate vision of nurturing spiritual growth and personal connection to Jewish prayer
- Serve as a service leader and coordinator for various congregational and educational worship experiences, including:
- Tefillah (Prayer Services) for Pre-K through 12th grade
- All-School Tefillah
- Oversee Downtown Religious School Lab Tefillah
- Support individualized grade participation in Family Shabbat
- Collaborate with clergy and educators to prepare students for meaningful participation in Teen Shabbat and Teen High Holiday services
- Provide guidance and support to teens as they develop confidence and ownership in leading prayer and ritual
Music & Spiritual Programming
- Develop and implement a Music Education Curriculum in collaboration with the Department of Lifelong Learning
- Design and lead electives focused on music and spirituality for both Uptown and Downtown campuses
- Lead and coordinate Emanu-El Rockers and the Children’s Choir as part of the school’s music program
Informal Programming & Student Support
- Lead efforts to build an inclusive culture across all programs, ensuring all students feel seen, supported, and valued
- Partner with our inclusion consultant on creating access for all of our students to learning opportunities
- Collaborate with the department team to develop innovative informal programs for all students
- Assist in planning and implementing informal youth programming
- Recruit new students into youth programs through personal outreach and relationship-building
- Support student engagement, retention, and success through ongoing mentorship and connection
Supervision & Collaboration
- Supervise: K-2 musical leader
- Serve as a liaison to Temple Emanu-El’s cantors, ensuring smooth integration of clergy-led worship and educational programming
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this position and may change as necessary.
QUALIFICATIONS
Musical Competence
- Strong, clear singing voice suitable for leading group singing
- Proficiency in guitar (required); piano or other instruments a plus
- Comfortable teaching and leading both traditional and contemporary Jewish music
- Repertoire includes: Hebrew prayers, Jewish holidays, Israeli songs, and American Jewish camp-style music
Jewish Knowledge & Identity
- Familiarity with Jewish liturgy, holidays, and core Jewish values.
- Ability to integrate Jewish music with meaning—explaining song origins, Hebrew words, and values
- Comfortable creating musical experiences for both religious and cultural expressions of Judaism
- Passion for creating joyful, spiritually resonant Jewish moments
Songleading & Facilitation Skills
- Experience leading music for children, teens, and families in Jewish settings (camps, schools, youth groups, or synagogues)
- Skilled in engaging a wide range of ages and abilities in participatory singing
- Ability to manage group energy and use music as a tool for community-building
- Familiar with movement-based or interactive music techniques
Educational & Leadership Abilities
- Understanding of informal education principles (especially experiential and relational)
- Comfort co-leading or facilitating tefillah services, shira (song sessions), and musical programming
- Collaborates effectively with clergy, educators, and other staff
- Willingness to mentor youth musicians or songleaders
Desirable Skills and Experience
- Hebrew pronunciation proficiency and basic language skills
- Experience leading music at Jewish summer camps or retreats
- Background in youth group (NFTY, USY, Ramah, etc.) or songleading programs (e.g., Hava Nashira, Songleader Boot Camp)
Personal Qualities
- High energy and a warm, welcoming presence
- Passion for Jewish music and for fostering sacred community
- Reliable, flexible, and collaborative team player
- Creative and open to new ideas and experimentation
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Ability to work nights and weekends, support during the High Holy Days, and attend events or meetings as necessary
- Flexibility to work staggered hours at times to cover evening or weekend events
Please submit your resume and a video demonstrating your songleading, [email protected].
Include “Spiritual Engagement, Manager Lifelong Learning” in the subject line of your email.
CONGREGATION EMANU-EL EEO STATEMENT
Congregation Emanu-El of the City of New York is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. The Congregation does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.