Community Engagement Specialist

Overview

Kerem Shalom, a vibrant, progressive, 250-member synagogue in Concord, Massachusetts, seeks an energetic and empathetic Community Engagement Specialist (CES).

The CES will play a central role in ensuring our services, classes, events and other activities strengthen our ties with existing members, attract new members, and welcome our many guests. The CES will be expected to support and coordinate those activities and to provide a warm and welcoming presence for adults and children attending services, classes, and other activities at Kerem Shalom. (More information about Kerem Shalom is online at www./keremshalom.org/.).

The Position

The CES will split their time between activities that support Youth and Family Learning programs, and those that support other community activities and synagogue operations.

We anticipate that the role will entail approximately 30 hours per week. While the work will primarily be done during weekday business hours, the CES is expected to work occasionally on evenings, weekends, and Jewish holidays. The CES will report to the Director of Congregational Learning (DCL) and the Temple Administrator and will work closely with our Rabbi, other staff, teachers, board members, and congregants.

Candidates should be committed to exploring Jewish life and be interested in making the synagogue experience the best it can be for members, potential members, and guests.

Candidates should have excellent organizational and communications skills, the ability to prioritize and to collaborate successfully with other professionals in a dynamic environment, knowledge of Jewish customs and celebrations, and kindness in interacting with community members of all ages and stages of life.

Responsibilities

The CES will work with the Director of Congregational Learning, the Temple Administrator, and other professional staff to ensure that Youth and Family Learning Programs, other community-wide events and activities and general synagogue operations run smoothly and professionally. The CES also will ensure that members, children and guests attending classes, events and other activities are warmly welcomed. The CES will be expected to quickly familiarize themselves with community members and to build effective relationships.

Specific responsibilities will include but will not be limited to:

● Providing administrative support: The CES will have primary responsibility for creating and maintaining up-to-date student records and class lists in the synagogue database (Salesforce) and email lists (Constant Contact) used to communicate with families. They will help ensure that the synagogue has adequate supplies and materials for classes and other activities. In addition, they will work with the Temple Administrator around building coverage, maintenance appointments and the associated documentation requirements, and other administrative responsibilities.

● Organizing activities and events: The CES will support the planning, organization and implementation of community-wide holiday celebrations, special events, and community meals, as well as those associated with our family and youth education programs (Hebrew School Reimagined; 7thGrade classes, and our Holiday Preschool and Kindergarten). In many cases, the CESwill solicit and track RSVPs to promote event attendance, identify attendees who can provide hands-on support at events, and coordinate childcare coverage.

● Being a welcoming presence: The CES is expected to be present when our Hebrew School is in session and at select Kerem Shalom events, some of which will be held in the evening or on weekends. For our Hebrew School, the CES is expected to welcome and greet parents, caregivers, and children at the front door and be available to answer their questions; monitor the phone, track student attendance; help set up name tags and other needed materials and call parents or caregivers if needed. For community-wide events, the CES will help welcome people and also follow up with guests interested in learning more about Kerem Shalom.

● Assisting with communications: The CES will work with the Director of Congregational Learning and the Temple Administrator to ensure that information about Kerem Shalom’s services, classes and activities are communicated in accurate, timely, and effective ways. They will help prepare and distribute the weekly Hebrew School newsletter and teacher updates for parents and caregivers. They will have primary responsibility for preparing and disseminating information (via email, the KS website, social media, etc.) about annual school registration, family programs, special events, and youth and family Shabbat programs. The CES will also ensure that information about upcoming events and activities posted in the atrium and lobby is appealing and up to date.

Skills Required

● Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills including the ability to develop positive relationships and contribute to building a positive organizational culture.

● Organizational skills – ability to prioritize, take initiative and work independently or as a member of a team as required.

● Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

● Relational skills: ability to learn about people—names, stories, situations – and commitment to kindness in all situations.

● Familiarity with Jewish customs and celebrations and enthusiasm for expanding knowledge about Jewish life.

● Proficiency with Microsoft Software (Word and Excel) and familiarity with Google Drive (Docs and Sheets) and social media.

● Proficiency with, or ability to learn, Salesforce and Constant Contact.

Education/Experience

● Nonprofit, customer service experience preferred.

● College degree in relevant field.

● Synagogue or other Jewish organizational experience a plus.

Work Schedule

● This position is primarily in person at Kerem Shalom.

● The position is expected to be 30 hours/week; the specific work schedule will be agreed to between Kerem Shalom and the CES.

● During the school year, the CES will be expected to work through early evening on Mondays.

● Work on some Sundays and Jewish holidays required.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $25.00 - $28.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Weekend availability

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Concord, MA 01742: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Concord, MA 01742

Salary : $25 - $28