Director of Engagement

Director of Engagement

Department: Education & Engagement

Reports to: Senior Director of Education & Engagement

POSITION SUMMARY:

The work of education and engagement is at the heart of Temple Emanu-El’s mission. We strive to foster meaningful connections—among congregants, within families, and between individuals and the broader Jewish community. Our core values of Prayer, Learning, Israel, Social Justice, and Community shape our work. Team members support one another, collaborate across departments, and cultivate a welcoming, vibrant synagogue experience.

The Director of Engagement leads the team responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing a diverse range of engagement opportunities for Temple Emanu-El’s diverse membership. This role fosters creativity, collaboration, and communication while working closely with clergy, staff, lay leaders, and volunteers to envision, design, and execute meaningful engagement experiences that strengthen relationships and deepen Jewish life.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

We are seeking a dynamic, warm, and creative professional to lead our congregational engagement efforts. The ideal candidate will be:

• A visionary leader who can translate big-picture goals into impactful programs and experiences.
• A relationship builder who cultivates welcoming and inclusive spaces where members feel valued and connected.
• A collaborative team player who thrives in partnership with clergy, staff, volunteers, and lay leaders.
• An adaptable and innovative thinker who is comfortable experimenting with new engagement models, reflecting on outcomes, and refining approaches.
• A mentor and coach who inspires and supports a team of engagement professionals in shaping and implementing Temple Emanu-El’s engagement vision.

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND SKILLS:

• Minimum five years of relevant experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree required (advanced degree in Jewish communal work, education, or related field preferred).
• Strong leadership, project management, and event planning skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Deep understanding of Jewish traditions, customs, and communal dynamics.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.     Leadership & Vision

• Partner with the Senior Director to ensure engagement efforts align with Temple Emanu-El’s mission, values, and priorities.
• Lead the Engagement Team in designing and implementing congregational programs, Shabbat, and holiday experiences that foster participation, connection, and meaning.
• Supervise and support Engagement Team members, including:
• Director of Small Groups & Diversity
• Director of Social Justice & Family Engagement
• Director of Engagement Opportunities & Older Adults
• Education & Engagement Events Manager
• ATID & Adult Learning Events Manager

2.     Community Engagement & Relationship-Building

• Build authentic relationships with congregants, including new and prospective members, to understand their needs and connect them to meaningful opportunities within Temple life.
• Recruit, empower, and guide volunteers and lay leaders in engagement efforts, fostering a culture of involvement and shared leadership.

3.     Israel & Congregational Travel

• Oversee, plan, and implement Temple-wide travel experiences, including pre- and post-trip engagement and educational opportunities.
• Develop and implement a vision for Israel engagement, ensuring diverse perspectives and meaningful partnerships with relevant organizations.

4.     Strategic & Administrative Responsibilities

• Work with the Senior Director and appropriate staff to create and manage program calendars.
• Collaborate with the Communications team to develop strategic messaging and digital engagement strategies that effectively connect members with programs.
• Partner with the Director of Finance to develop and manage the Engagement budget, including grant applications and funding opportunities.

ENGAGEMENT & EDUCATION TEAM MEMBERS SHARE RESPONSIBILITY FOR:

 Leadership & Relationship Cultivation

• Build relationships across departments and engage individuals in congregational life and leadership.
• Collaborate with lay leaders, clergy, and staff to set goals and translate them into action.
• Help identify, engage, and cultivate future Temple leaders.

Website & Communications

• Leverage Temple and community marketing and communication tools to maximize engagement and access to programming.
• Ensure engagement opportunities and key information are accurately and effectively represented on the Temple website.