Job Description

About Emanu-El

At Congregation Emanu-El, we are dedicated to creating a thriving Jewish community that blends Torah wisdom and enduring tradition with modern relevance. As the oldest synagogue in continuous use in Canada, we are proud stewards of our 160-year-old heritage sanctuary and of the vibrant community that gathers within it.

As a progressive Conservative synagogue, we honour the intellectual and spiritual traditions of Conservative Judaism while embracing innovation that makes Jewish life accessible and meaningful today. Guided by tikkun olam -- the repair of the world -- we pursue chesed (acts of loving-kindness), social action, and social justice. Our egalitarian, inclusive congregation strives to be a welcoming environment for friendship, personal growth, spiritual exploration, and healing, bringing together people of all backgrounds, identities, and life stages.

Position Summary

The Engagement Director reports to the Executive Director and works collaboratively with the Rabbi, staff, and lay leadership to promote and nurture meaningful Jewish learning, cultural engagement, and community connection at Congregation Emanu-El.

This role is responsible for designing, implementing, and promoting inclusive programs that strengthen participation across generations and reflect the synagogue's progressive Conservative values. Programs should encourage spiritual exploration, community belonging, and active engagement in Jewish life.

The Engagement Director develops initiatives that respond to the evolving needs of the congregation -- ranging from educational and cultural programs to social-justice and interfaith collaborations. The role also supports the synagogue's communications and outreach efforts, helping to share the richness and ruach of congregational life within and beyond our community.

The Engagement Director serves as the first-in, last-out staff member for most synagogue events. This full-time role requires some evening and weekend work, especially during holidays and major programs. Although the Rabbi and ritual team lead services and lifecycle events, the Engagement Director may assist with volunteer coordination and logistics for larger community gatherings when needed.As a member of the professional staff team, the Engagement Director ensures that all programming aligns with the synagogue's mission and operates in coordination with organisational policies, budgets, and schedules overseen by the Executive Director. The Engagement Director supports a culture of shared leadership by empowering volunteers and members to take active roles in planning and delivering programs, ensuring that member initiative and participation remain central to congregational life.

Specific Accountabilities / Deliverables

Program Development and Implementation

Plan and coordinate a diverse range of programs that engage youth, adults, families, seniors, LGBTQ2+, and BIPOC members. Collaborate with the Rabbi, Executive Director, staff and volunteers to align programs with the synagogue's mission and evolving needs. Innovate and implement new initiatives such as home-based study groups, Shabbat gatherings, or holiday-centered events. In alignment with all Board-approved policies, ensure programs are accessible to diverse community members, including those with financial constraints, disabilities, or other barriers to participation. Ensure that synagogue programs, including religious services, holiday observances, and social justice initiatives, offer opportunities for meaningful engagement and Jewish inspiration.

Community Engagement and Volunteer Coordination

Build relationships with members, prospective members, and volunteers to foster a sense of belonging. Support and coordinate volunteers and committee members, ensuring their skills align with program needs. Empower members to take ownership of events and initiatives, providing guidance, resources, and recognition to encourage ongoing participation and leadership. Work with lay leadership to define decision-making authority and clear volunteer responsibilities.

Community Outreach & External Engagement

Develop outreach initiatives to attract prospective members and strengthen connections with the wider Jewish and interfaith communities. Identify opportunities to engage unaffiliated Jews in Victoria through educational, cultural, and social programming. Support member participation and represent Congregation Emanu-El at local Jewish, interfaith, and social justice events to enhance community visibility. Work with the Rabbi and synagogue leadership to welcome newcomers, including those exploring Judaism, recent converts, and newcomers to Victoria.

Holiday & High Holy Day Planning

Assist with planning and logistical coordination for major holidays and observances (e.g., Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Pesach). Oversee volunteer coordination and arrangements for holiday services and events, ensuring warm personal experiences for attendees. Collaborate with the Rabbi, Executive Director and lay leaders to ensure inclusive and well-organized holiday celebrations, including community seders, holiday meals, and special programming.

Adult Education & Speaker Series

Coordinate logistics for guest speakers, scholars-in-residence, and adult education programming. Oversee class registration, materials, and volunteer support for educational events. Develop partnerships with local educational institutions for collaboration on learning initiatives.

Communications and Digital Strategy

Coordinate timely, engaging communications that reflect the synagogue's values and keep members informed and connected. Manage newsletters, website updates, and social-media presence to highlight opportunities for learning, celebration, and community involvement. Ensure that all communications express our commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility. Support photography, video, and other digital storytelling that share the ruachof congregational life within and beyond our community.

Engagement Tracking and Evaluation

Develop and maintain systems to track participation, interests, and community engagement in partnership with administrative staff. Assess program effectiveness and adjust strategies in response to member feedback and evolving community needs. Gather feedback through conversations, volunteer debriefs, community discussions, and surveys to understand what members value and how programs can evolve. Maintain an up-to-date member and volunteer database, including notes on past programs and participation patterns. Share key observations and reflections with the Executive Director and Rabbi to support strategic planning and ongoing improvement.
Evaluation and Success Measures

The success of the Engagement Director will be measured through:

the overall health and participation of the community; the creativity and inclusivity of programs; and the strength of relationships built among members, volunteers, and partners.
Regular reflection and feedback with the Executive Director, Rabbi, and lay leaders will help guide continuous improvement and responsiveness to congregational needs.

Key Qualifications

Minimum 2 years recent relevant experience in community engagement, program coordination, or event planning, ideally within a faith-based setting. Strong understanding of Jewish traditions, culture, and values required. Experience in the development of programming and effective communication materials. Experience in volunteer coordination and community-driven programming. Proficiency in digital communications, including social media, email marketing, and website management.
Skills and Abilities

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft engaging newsletters, event promotions, and community updates. Strong relationship-building skills with members, clergy, staff, and external partners. Knowledge of Jewish Holidays and the Jewish Calendar. Creative problem-solving abilities to design innovative, impactful programs. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, email marketing platform (e.g., Mailchimp) and social media platforms.
Additional Assets (Preferred, but Not Required)

Experience using graphic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe) for program marketing. Familiarity with CRM systems or database management for tracking engagement. Knowledge of Hebrew and/or Jewish liturgy an asset.
Compensation and Benefits

Salary:

$70,000-$80,000 CAD (commensurate with experience)

Benefits:

British Columbia provincial healthcare coverage, supplemented by extended group medical benefits provided by the synagogue

Relocation:

Assistance may be available and will be negotiated based on individual circumstances
Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

A cover letter outlining interest in the role and relevant experience A current CV Contact information for three references
Please submit applications to . Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Congregation Emanu-El welcomes applicants of all backgrounds and is committed to building an inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $70,000.00-$80,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person