Job Description

Director of Engagement and Communications

Congregation Mishkan Shalom, a Reconstructionist synagogue in Philadelphia, PA, seeks a Director of Engagement and Communications. We are a diverse, progressive and inclusive community with a dynamic congregational school, an array of adult education opportunities and a commitment to activism. We are dedicated to tikkun olam, repair of the world, as described in our Statement of Principles.

This position, reporting to the Board President, is primarily responsible for the synagogue's activities related to membership and engagement; marketing and communications; and supporting community committee, holiday, and Shabbat programming, events, and activities. Working in active collaboration with the Rabbi, other staff members, and lay leadership, this position will help to ensure that Mishkan Shalom attracts, engages, and retains members; that both internal and external communications are conducted in a timely and effective manner; and that community activities have the staff support needed to operate smoothly and successfully.

The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker, have exceptional interpersonal skills, understand synagogue life and organizational development, rapidly adapt to a new environment, and know or readily learn a variety of technology tools. A successful applicant will be able to work both independently and as an engaged team member, promote positive interactions with staff and community members who hold a broad range of opinions on current political, social and religious issues, and be willing to balance the range of roles and tasks that may come up as a member of a small staff. The ability to form and sustain collegial and collaborative relationships with staff and leadership will be a key to success in this position.

This is a full time, on-site position, with some flexibility to work remotely if necessary.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Membership Engagement

• Welcome new and prospective members by facilitating introductions, fostering engagement and belonging, and connecting them to relevant events, volunteer opportunities, and learning resources.
• Support committees (membership, adult education, fundraising, and education) to plan and implement events and programs to enhance member engagement and recruitment through such activities as meeting coordination, agenda preparation, minute-taking, and event staffing; and serve as liaison with office staff.

• Coordinate logistics and communications for all High Holy Days services in collaboration with clergy and other key stakeholders.
• Recruit, train and manage volunteers to support logistics for Mishkan programs and religious services.
• Support the Rabbi and Director of Education to develop programs to increase engagement of youth and retain post B'nai Mitzvah membership.
• Attend celebrations, gatherings, and community meetings to connect with members and oversee logistics (some evenings/weekends required)
• Meet with members to understand their experiences and satisfaction levels to inform future plans and retain members.
• Manage event and program income and expenses to meet budget expectations.

Communication

• Collaborate with the Rabbi, other staff, and lay leadership to develop print and digital content for synagogue communications including updating Shulcloud and creating event and registration forms.
• Coordinate, design, and publish the congregation's marketing materials and communications, including maintaining/managing the website, emails to the community, bi-monthly newsletters, social media, and printed materials.
• Moderate and serve as administrator of Mishkan's ListServs.
• Manage communication income and expenses to meet budget expectations.

Additional duties may be assigned as needed to support organizational goals.

Preferred Qualities and Background:

• Education & Professional Experience

  • Bachelor's degree plus ~3 years' experience in nonprofit administration, customer service, client engagement, volunteer management, event planning, or related fields.
  • Demonstrated success managing multi-step projects and collaborating with staff and volunteers.

• Digital & Technical Skills

  • Experience with:
  • Website/content management systems (ideally ShulCloud).
  • Microsoft Office, Google Apps, and adept at learning new technologies.
  • Email marketing platforms (e.g., Constant Contact, MailChimp).
  • Managing organizational social media channels.

• Communication & Writing

  • Strong writing and editing skills for business or organizational use.
  • Comfortable producing content across digital platforms.

• Personal Qualities & Work Style

  • Warm, personable, and relationship-focused.
  • Exceptionally organized, detail-oriented, strategic thinker.
  • Proven ability to prioritize, problem-solve, and remain calm under pressure.
  • Exercises good judgment, confidentiality, integrity, and tact.
  • Proactive "can-do" attitude and effective team player in dynamic settings with changing demands and expectations.

• Schedule & Cultural Fit

  • Able to work some evenings, weekends, Shabbats, Jewish holidays, and High Holy Days.
  • Familiarity with Jewish customs, synagogue life, and holidays is a plus.

Hiring Range $60,000 - $70,000+ depending upon qualifications

Benefits for full time employees include:

• Three weeks of paid vacation per year
• Eight sick days per year
• Bereavement leave
• Paid jury duty leave
• Parental leave
• 80% reimbursement for employee's health insurance premium (not to exceed a monthly limit set by the Board)
• Complimentary, non-voting congregational membership and school tuition
• Many Jewish and secular holidays, and early closure on Friday, as well as compensatory time off if job duties require work on a holiday

To apply, please submit as a single attachment in Word or PDF document your resume, cover letter, and a list of three professional references, with contact information (we will not contact prior to consent), to personnel@mishkan.org. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Mishkan Shalom is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants need not be Jewish.

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