Spiritual Engagement, Manager

Congregation Emanu-El of the City of New York | New York, NY, United States

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Posted Date 5/08/2025
Description

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 2,400 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.
  • 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
  • Downtown Religious School Lab Tefillah
  • Family Shabbat
  • Teen Shabbat
  • Teen High Holiday Services

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 K–6th-grade students
  • Assist in planning and implementing informal youth programming for 7th–12th grade students
  • Recruit new students into youth programs through personal outreach and relationship-building
  • Support student engagement, retention, and success through ongoing mentorship and connection
  • Help create and implement a new vision for informal programming that serves all students and families

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 is 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

Song Leading & 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 song leaders

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 song leading programs (e.g., Hava Nashira, Song leader 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 song leading to [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.

Salary65,000.00 - 70,000.00 Annual
Duration
Full Time
Categories
Education - Other | Engagement | Hebrew | Music | Programming
Benefits
Retirement Plans | Dental | FSA | Life Insurance | Medical Insurance | Paid Holidays | Paid Vacation | Parental Leave | Sick Days | Mass Transit | Vision
Job Location
US
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