Congregation Shearith Israel is a dynamic, large Conservative synagogue with 1000 families, located in the heart of the Preston Hollow area of Dallas, Texas.  We are seeking an energetic, outgoing, and affable people-person who can warmly welcome new and potential members while helping them develop a sense of deep belonging to the synagogue.

Working closely with the rabbis and executive staff, this person will be responsible for both the creation of a membership recruitment, engagement, and retention strategy for the congregation and for the oversight of all congregation-wide and affinity-based programming.  This position requires creativity, flexibility, and leadership abilities. Successful candidates will be self-driven and collaborative. They will strive to create and implement engagement initiatives that are innovative, relevant, inclusive and align with Shearith’s mission, vision and values.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Membership

• Oversee membership outreach and welcoming process
• Develop and implement member recruitment, welcome, and retention strategies and serve as an ambassador for Shearith in the Dallas Jewish Community
• Orient new families to the Shearith community by creating a “first-year member track” designed to build relationships and help new members to find their “niche” in our synagogue
• Develop and implement all outreach initiatives to non-members, such as connecting with local realtors and retirement communities
• Work with lay leaders, board members, lay ushers and greeters regarding ambassador programs and community outreach
• Collaborate with Communications Director to create a welcoming and effective publicity and communications strategy to attract new members and grow the congregation
• Maintain primary ownership over member accounts in the membership data base: responsible for entering new members, updating records, producing reports and playing an integral part in the membership renewal process
• Manage the Membership Directory creation and advertisement process, with the help of a lay committee
• Oversee key initiatives that link congregants to one another
• Responsible for creating a strategic vision for congregational engagement across all demographics
• Work with all staff members and departments to integrate the engagement strategy in all areas of the shul
• Track and measure engagement levels to foster connections among membership and with the professional staff and clergy
• Coordinate our small group “chavurot” initiative: organize groups based on shared interests and demographic and geographic connections; develop and train leaders and facilitators, administer the software platform used to run the program, and liaise with staff members to create opportunities for them to be involved

Programming 

• Work with Rabbis to develop, implement, and strategically utilize programming as an opportunity to strengthen and build connections among congregants and to deepen their engagement with the synagogue
• Plan and execute programs, services, and retreats, including set-ups, catering, ordering materials, and working with lay leaders
• Create emails and other communications to keep families up to date and informed, including information for the website, Facebook, videos, or photo sessions
• Create publications for programs, events, and services throughout programmatic year
• Regularly evaluate and adjust programming to maximize impact in the community
• Work with staff and clergy to implement dinners, parties and meetings (food, set up and RSVPs) such as Hanukkah and Purim parties, Shabbat dinners, Back to Shul Shabbat dinner
• Implement and manage committees for fundraising programs for High Holy Day (Apples and Honey) and Purim (Mishloach Manot)
• Manage committees of lay leaders by facilitating congregant-led task forces, affinity groups and initiatives, including but not limited to College Connection, 20s and 30s, Prime, Pillars, Social Action, and other educational groups and book clubs
• Implement community initiatives and build teams for annual outreach efforts such as JCC Bagel run, Dallas Chili Cook-Off, and ADL Walk Against Hate

Primary Attributes

• Deeply committed Jewish professional
• Understanding of and passion for synagogue life
• A minimum of 3 years of related experience
• Ability to foster teamwork and relationships with high emotional intelligence
• Strong interpersonal, communications skills
• Strong organizational skills and experience managing multiple projects
• Event planning and logistics experience preferred
• Strong technical skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office and ShulCloud software
• Works well both collaboratively and independently
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends for some synagogue services and events

Compensation includes salary plus benefits and is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Please forward resume and cover letter with job title in the subject line to

Kyle Queal, Chief Operating Officer: kqueal@shearith.org