Careers

Programming Director 
Posted February 2, 2024

Kesher Israel seeks a programming professional to facilitate diverse synagogue community programming and serve as an integral member of the synagogue team. This role will report to the Director of Operations and work closely with the Rabbi and lay leadership. The Programming Manager will ideate, facilitate, and promote programs in support of Kesher’s mission. The Programming Manager will proactively create efficient processes and be adept at working effectively and collaboratively across the organization. The ideal candidate will have experience in event planning and finance, program management, and Jewish communal activities, as well as knowledge and understanding of Modern Orthodox Jewish community observance and practices, including Shabbat and Jewish holiday practices. The Programming Manager should be an organized, responsible Jewish professional who wants to support the overall operations of a Modern Orthodox synagogue community.

Responsibilities

The Programming Manager will: 

• Maintain full responsibility for organizing, implementing and supervising established and new programs:

  • Synagogue-wide social and holiday-oriented programming (i.e. Shabbat dinners, Purim Seudah, Scholars in Residence, etc.)

  • Ad hoc programs or initiatives (i.e. community-wide concerts, lectures, etc.)

  • Function as liaison to other local synagogues for joint programming

  • Create demographic-oriented programming (i.e. older adults, empty nesters, young professionals, youth/family programs, etc.)

  • Oversee established, recurring programs, making sure program leads and groups have what they need, such as room set up, program supplies, Zoom links, Zoom moderation, etc. (i.e. Cookie Minyan, Kiddush, etc.)

  • Bring proposals to leadership for programs that support the synagogue’s strategic vision, align with the Jewish calendar and other mission-focused priorities

  • Lead staff and synagogue committees to help identify specific program ideas, recruit the necessary volunteer help and pertinent resources, oversee program execution and facilitate program reviews.

• Manage the overall Program budget as well as the budget for individual programs, being responsible for documentation and reconciliation of expenditures.

• Oversee Program calendar planning; work with the Rabbi and volunteers to organize and maintain the synagogue’s Program calendar.

• Support email marketing of individual programs as well as managing content of the weekly Shabbat and Digest email announcements and other shul-sponsored newsletters.

• Design and produce flyers, postcards, invitations, posters, and other print promotional materials for Kesher Israel programs and initiatives, working with synagogue staff and outside vendors as appropriate. 

• Assist in the marketing of synagogue programs and initiatives across our communications platforms including email, website and social media.

• Support leadership with the planning of large fundraising events for the synagogue.

• Prepare monthly Board Reports, including qualitative and quantitative results of month’s work, as well as a narrative on work in progress.

• Prepare and submit required tracking and progress reports for grants from outside organizations.

• Attend scheduled programs as necessary, including those outside of traditional work hours.

• Engage in developing meaningful relationships with congregants of all ages.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution

• 2+ years of relevant full-time work experience

• Ability to work on scheduled nights and weekends (including Shabbat and Jewish holidays)

• Experience in event planning and execution (professional or volunteer)

• Knowledge of and sensitivity to Modern Orthodox Jewish customs, rituals, practices and observances

• Exemplary written and verbal communications skills, and interpersonal skills

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently at an efficient pace, meeting deadlines

• Creative thinking and problem solving; ability to collaboratively ideate and execute work with professional staff and lay leadership

• Proficiency in Google Workspaces Suite and Microsoft Office

• Experience in ShulCloud synagogue management software, Canva, and Constant Contact is preferred

• Ability to relate to community members and program participants of varied backgrounds, religious levels, and age

• Experience in grant writing, non-profit financial management, or Jewish communal work (professional or volunteer) is a plus

• Authorized to work in the United States for any employer without requiring sponsorship

How to Apply

This is a full-time salaried (non-exempt) at-will employment opportunity based in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington DC. This position is grant-funded through December 2026 with opportunity for extension. Title and compensation are commensurate with experience. The salary range is $35,000 to $65,000. Kesher Israel provides generous paid time off, including sick, bereavement, and personal leave. Kesher Israel does not provide healthcare or related benefits. However, a relocation package is available.

Kesher Israel is a flexible, hybrid work environment. You will be expected to work onsite in our Georgetown location 2-3 days per week plus attend Shabbat and Holiday programs as scheduled, with the opportunity to work remotely at other times, in coordination with the Director of Operations and Rabbi.

To apply, email your resume and cover letter to Laura Kamer-Israel at info@kesher.org with the subject line “Programming Manager”. Early submission is encouraged as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

About Kesher Israel 

Kesher Israel: The Georgetown Synagogue is a vibrant Modern Orthodox synagogue and community in the heart of downtown Washington, D.C. The community consists of young professionals, graduate students, young married couples, empty nesters, and young families, including many congregants who have been members of Kesher for decades. Due to the community's proximity to the seat of government, many of its members practice law, work in the public sector, or consult for the government. Kesher Israel is the only full-service Orthodox synagogue in downtown Washington, D.C. offering daily minyan, Jewish education, conversion services, social programming, and full Shabbat and Holiday offerings.

Kesher is a crossroads of the Jewish world, hosting thousands of visitors and guests from around the world who visit Washington on business, for vacation, or for a variety of diplomatic and governmental functions. Kesher’s membership and broader community contains a diverse array of backgrounds, levels of observance, and geographical origins. Kesher and its members are committed to a life of serious halachic (Jewish Law) observance and deep Torah study, while serving as leaders and forces for good in our community, our country, and around the world.