Programming Director Jobs in Philadelphia, PA (NOW HIRING)

Temple Beth Sholom seeks a dynamic, relationship-driven, and visionary Director of Programming to steward synagogue-wide congregational programming. This senior leadership position is responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing meaningful programs that strengthen community, deepen Jewish engagement, and advance the mission and values of TBS.

The Director of Programming will work collaboratively with clergy, senior staff, lay leadership, affiliate groups, and volunteers to create innovative and mission-aligned educational, cultural, social, spiritual, holiday, and communal experiences for congregants of all ages and backgrounds.

The Director will directly supervise and partner with a Programming Coordinator who will assist in the logistical implementation, administrative coordination, and operational support of synagogue programming and events. Together, this team will ensure high-quality program development, execution, communication, and congregational engagement. The programming director reports to the Director of Congregational Learning.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, skilled organizer, strong communicator, collaborative leader, and highly relational professional who thrives in a fast-paced synagogue environment and is passionate about building vibrant Jewish communal experiences.

Responsibilities:

Congregational Programming Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership and vision for all congregational programming initiatives across Temple Beth Sholom.

• Support and lead lay volunteers and chairpeople in implementing congregation-wide programs.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive annual programming calendar that reflects the mission, values, and priorities of the congregation.

• Partner with clergy and senior staff to design and execute innovative Shabbat, holiday, cultural, educational, social, and community-building experiences.

• Create opportunities for meaningful Jewish engagement for congregants across diverse ages, interests, and backgrounds.

• Evaluate programming effectiveness and engagement trends to support continuous growth and innovation.

Supervision and Program Operations:

• Supervise and support the Programming Coordinator in the planning, coordination, and implementation of congregational programs and events.

• Delegate operational and administrative responsibilities appropriately while maintaining oversight of program quality and strategic alignment.

• Work collaboratively with the Programming Coordinator to manage:

o Event logistics

o Scheduling and calendaring

o Vendor coordination

o Registration and RSVP systems

o Catering and food coordination

o Room setup and event flow

o Communications and promotional support

• Foster a collaborative and team-oriented working relationship that supports both strategic planning and operational excellence.

Affiliate Group and Lay Leadership Partnership:

• Serve as the primary senior professional liaison for synagogue affiliate groups, committees, and volunteer leaders.

• Guide affiliate groups in developing mission-aligned programming that supports congregational priorities and synagogue policies.

• Attend committee meetings and congregational events as needed to support collaboration, communication, and implementation.

• Mentor and support volunteer leaders in program planning, leadership development, and community engagement.

• Foster collaboration across congregational groups to strengthen overall synagogue cohesion and participation.

Affiliate groups may include:

• Sisterhood

• Men’s Club

• Young Members

• Hazak

• Social Action

Community Engagement and Relationship Building:

• Serve as a visible and engaged congregational presence during synagogue events, programs, and communal gatherings.

• Build authentic relationships with congregants, lay leaders, volunteers, and prospective members.

• Identify opportunities to increase participation, belonging, and connection across congregational life.

• Support initiatives that promote intergenerational engagement and communal participation.

Senior Leadership Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the synagogue’s senior professional leadership team.

• Participate in strategic planning and organizational development conversations related to congregational engagement and synagogue life.

• Collaborate across departments to support a cohesive congregational experience.

• Assist in developing long-term engagement strategies that strengthen member retention, participation, and community growth.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in Jewish communal service, education, nonprofit leadership, or related field preferred.

• Significant professional experience in synagogue, Jewish communal, nonprofit, or engagement leadership roles.

• Demonstrated success in program development, volunteer engagement, staff supervision, and organizational leadership.

• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

• Experience working collaboratively with clergy, staff teams, lay leadership, and volunteers.

• Knowledge of Jewish traditions, holidays, synagogue culture, and communal life.

• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by the synagogue calendar.

Structure:

• Full-time, salary-exempt position

• Reports to: Director of Congregational Learning

• Supervises: Programming Coordinator