ABOUT SHA’AR ZAHAV
Founded in 1977, Sha’ar Zahav is San Francisco’s only LGBTQIA+ synagogue. We embrace a diversity of individuals of all sexualities, genders, races, and abilities. Our 400-household congregation includes single members and interfaith, single-parent, and multicultural families. Lay leaders are actively involved in most areas of congregational life: ritual practices, programs, social justice, finance and fundraising, and governance. Read more about us on our website: https://shaarzahav.org/
THE PROGRAMS & ENGAGEMENT MANAGER POSITION
Overview
The Programs & Engagement Manager works in close partnership with the Executive Director, clergy, and lay leadership to cultivate a vibrant, inclusive, accessible, and well-organized communal life. This dynamic role carries primary responsibility for planning and managing major holidays and celebrations, programs, and events across in-person, online, and hybrid formats; and for driving new member recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing engagement and retention.
As a key bridge between staff and volunteers, the Manager supports our committees and chavurot (interest/affinity groups), ensuring that programs align with SZ’s mission and capacity. This position requires an energetic relationship-builder with strong organizational, communication, and event design and management skills, combined with a high degree of creativity, initiative, and flexibility.
Team Structure and Reporting
The Programs & Engagement Manager reports directly to the Executive Director and is part of an administrative and management team that also includes an Administration & Communications Manager and a Facilities Technician. Our education team includes a part-time Education Director and part-time Special Projects Director. Our clergy leadership consists of a Rabbi and a part-time Cantor.
Required Experience and Skills
- Experience managing complex organizational calendars, event logistics, and project plans.
- A natural aptitude for relationship-building, paired with experience in personal outreach, welcoming newcomers, and building authentic, long-term relationships with community members.
- Proficiency with Zoom and experience supporting the technical systems, tools, and processes required to ensure online and hybrid events are seamless and effective. Familiarity with physical audio-visual systems is a plus.
- Facility with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and basic office software at a managerial level. Familiarity with member management systems and basic graphic design software is a plus.
Note: We recognize that a perfect candidate on paper doesn't exist, and that the right person for this position could come from all walks of life and non-traditional career paths. If you meet most of the qualifications above and are deeply aligned with our mission of building a vibrant, inclusive, and accessible community, we welcome your application.
Primary Responsibilities
Program & Calendar Management
- Oversee synagogue-wide program calendar
- Coordinate with clergy on holidays and lifecycle events
- Plan and manage major holidays and programs (High Holy Days, Passover, Purim, Hanukkah, LGBTQ+ Pride, etc.)
- Support programs, classes, and other events led by committees and havurot (interest/affinity groups)
- Support Shabbat oneg (festive reception) and coordinate event volunteers
- Support and enhance the use of technology systems, tools, and processes for in-person, online, and hybrid events
- Ensure programs align with mission and capacity
- Evaluate program participation and impact across both in-person and remote audiences
Membership & Community Engagement
- Recruit new members
- Onboard and integrate new members
- Retain and re-engage existing members
- Build relationships with congregants
- Respond to member questions and concerns
Support & Backup Responsibilities
Communications, Marketing, & External Relations: Collaborate with the Executive Director and other staff to review weekly newsletters and key communications, and assist in representing Sha’ar Zahav within the wider Jewish and civic community.
Governance, Board Relations, & Staff Management: Assist the Executive Director with weekly staff meetings, and support the Board, officers, and committees by preparing agendas, reports, and materials.
General Organizational Support & Special Projects: Provide partnership, support, and flexible backup to the Executive Director, clergy, and staff on day-to-day operations and special projects, as required.
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS, & WORK SCHEDULE
The annual salary range for this position is $70,600 - $85,400, with placement in that range based on experience and qualifications.
The benefits package includes:
- 20 days of vacation and 10 days of sick leave
- 10 days paid federal holidays and 7 days of paid Jewish holidays
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Employer contribution to a retirement plan after one year
- Cell phone subsidy
This is a full-time, exempt position. Because synagogue programming naturally includes events during evenings and weekends, this role requires schedule flexibility, with work hours shifted to evenings and weekends in place of traditional business hours when needed. This role is primarily on-site to anchor our community programming, with flexibility for remote work as the schedule permits.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit a resume and cover letter directly via Indeed or email to [email protected]. Resumes received by August 7, 2026 will receive first consideration, and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. Applications will be kept confidential.
Background checks will be required prior to employment.
Sha’ar Zahav is an equal opportunity employer.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $70,600.00 - $85,400.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
