Job Openings

Position Overview

The Program Director plays a central and highly visible leadership role in fostering connection,
belonging, and vibrant Jewish life within our Reconstructionist congregation. This position oversees all aspects of congregational programming, coordinates the logistics of our High Holiday season, and serves as a key bridge between clergy, professional staff, and lay leadership.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned relationship-builder and skilled organizer with deep familiarity
with Jewish life, traditions, and the rhythms of the Jewish calendar. You will bring energy, creativity,
and warmth to everything from an intimate Shabbat dinner to our largest communal gatherings. You are comfortable taking ownership of complex, multi-layered events and thrive in a community-centered environment that requires regular evening and weekend availability.

Key Responsibilities

Programming and Community Events
Plan, coordinate, and execute congregational programs and events through the full life cycle for
congregants of all ages, throughout the year in close collaboration with clergy, staff, and lay
leaders.

Responsibilities include:

• Identifying program interests and needs of all members and implementing a calendar and volunteer support to deliver a range of programs through the year.
• Overseeing all aspects of event planning and logistics, from Shabbat experiences and holiday celebrations to educational programming and community gatherings.
• Serving as the primary logistics lead for the High Holidays (Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur), managing venue setup, volunteer coordination, ticketing, communications, and day-of operations.
• Managing event timelines, vendor relationships, budgets, and volunteer support across all programs.
• Maintaining the synagogue’s master programming calendar and coordinating scheduling across departments.
• In coordination with the Communications and Marketing Director, driving publicity timelines around synagogue calendar events, including banners, announcements, emails, and invitations.
• Ensuring all events are welcoming, well-organized, and reflect our congregation’s Reconstructionist values.
• Being present and available at synagogue events, including on Jewish holidays and during High Holiday services.

Volunteer Management and Engagement

Recruit, coordinate, and steward a robust volunteer base that is essential to congregational life. Responsibilities include:

• Recruiting, training, and managing volunteers for programs, events, and committee work throughout the year.
• Building and maintaining meaningful relationships with volunteers, recognizing their contributions and ensuring positive experiences.
• Coordinating volunteer assignments and logistics for High Holiday operations and other large-scale events.
• Supporting volunteer committees related to programming and membership engagement, providing staff leadership and follow-through.
• Developing systems to track volunteer involvement and identify opportunities for deeper engagement.

Collaboration and Administrative Support

Work collaboratively across the synagogue’s professional and volunteer leadership. Responsibilities include:

• Partnering closely with clergy and staff on program planning and communications.
• Assisting with congregational communications as needed.
• Participating in regular staff meetings and contributing to overall synagogue planning.

Qualifications

Required:

• 5+ years of experience in event planning, community engagement, nonprofit programming, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience recruiting, managing, and motivating volunteers.
• Proven track record of engaging diverse community members and building inclusive, welcoming environments.
• Experience overseeing logistics for large-scale events, including high-stakes or high-attendance gatherings.
• Familiarity with Jewish life, traditions, and the Jewish calendar, including High Holiday customs and practices.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and multitasking abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability and willingness to work regular evenings and weekends as required by the synagogue calendar.
• Availability and presence required on Jewish holidays, including High Holidays.

Preferred

• Experience working in a synagogue, Jewish community organization, or faith-based nonprofit setting.
• Familiarity with Reconstructionist Judaism or progressive Jewish movements.
• Experience managing social media platforms and creating engaging digital content.
• Proficiency with synagogue management software or CRM tools.

Personal Qualities

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Warm, approachable, and deeply community-oriented.
• Highly organized, proactive, and able to manage competing priorities.
• Creative and thoughtful in how they engage and inspire people.
• Comfortable taking initiative while working collaboratively with clergy, staff, and lay leadership.
• Genuinely excited about helping people connect to Jewish community and tradition.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, primarily in-person position. The role requires regular evening and weekend availability to support congregational programs, Shabbat gatherings, and Jewish holidays throughout the year. Presence during the High Holiday season (Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur) is required, and candidates should expect an intensive work period during this time. Our congregation values a collegial, mission-driven workplace where every staff member plays a meaningful role in community life.

Compensation

Salary range is $75,000–$85,000, commensurate with experience. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Health, dental, and vision
• Paid vacation, sick days, and federal holidays.
• Short-term disability insurance.
• Retirement

How to Apply

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter describing your interest in the position, experience and your connection to Jewish community life to Kathy.stevens@adatshalom.net (click Apply Today). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Adat Shalom is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive community.