Engagement Director

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…