Director of Membership & Engagement
About Congregation Emanu El
We are a vibrant and historic 1,600 family Reform Jewish synagogue in Houston, dedicated to building a warm, inclusive, and dynamic community. With a focus on worship, education, social action, and meaningful connection, we seek to create an environment where Jewish traditions thrive and adapt to contemporary needs.
Position Summary
The Director of Membership & Engagement is responsible for leading a comprehensive strategy to attract, retain, and engage members of Congregation Emanu El. This role oversees the full membership lifecycle — from first inquiry through long-term engagement and leadership — and serves as the primary staff steward of belonging, connection, and commitment within the congregation. This is primarily a strategic, relationship-driven position, rather than administrative or clerical role, and reports to the Executive Director.
Supervisory Responsibility
Supervises membership or engagement support staff and/or volunteers as appropriate.
Core Responsibilities
Membership Growth & Outreach
- Develop and implement a proactive membership growth strategy
- Serve as the primary point of contact for prospective members
- Design and manage a high-touch onboarding process for new members
- Coordinate welcome experiences, follow-up, and integration pathways
Engagement & Retention
- Track member engagement across worship, learning, and community life
- Identify under-engaged members and develop targeted outreach strategies
- Partner with clergy and program staff to connect members to meaningful opportunities
- Cultivate pathways for volunteerism and leadership development
Membership Renewals & Financial Commitment
- Oversee the annual membership renewal process
- Implement auto-renewal systems at sustaining levels
- Support Step Up and sustaining commitment initiatives
- Conduct thoughtful financial conversations with members when appropriate, in coordination with Development and Finance
Scholarship & Abatement Administration
- Manage a confidential, application-based scholarship and abatement process
- Ensure no member is denied membership or services for financial reasons
- Maintain consistency, dignity, and confidentiality in financial accommodations
Strategy, Data & Reporting
- Monitor membership trends, retention, engagement, and financial participation
- Prepare regular reports for senior leadership and the Board
- Benchmark best practices from peer synagogues and adapt models for CEE
Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in membership, engagement, community building, or nonprofit relationship management
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Experience with financial conversations in a values-based organization
- Comfort working with data, CRM systems, and engagement metrics
- Knowledge of synagogue or Jewish communal life strongly preferred, but not required
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