We are currently hiring two positions: Program, Engagement & Communications Coordinator, and Cantorial Soloist/Musician-in-Residence. Please scroll down for full job descriptions and application information. We look forward to hearing from you!
Program, Engagement & Communications Coordinator
Job Description
The Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue (IADS) is a vibrant and growing congregation in downtown Detroit. Our mission is to serve as a beacon for the Jewish community of Metro Detroit by maintaining an egalitarian synagogue, rooted in Jewish tradition and affirming of pluralistic practice, in downtown Detroit. IADS envisions itself as a broadly inclusive, responsive, and welcoming institution, one in which all are encouraged to discover and explore Judaism in a safe and welcoming environment. We are guided by our values: action, humility, place-based, courage to learn and have dialogue, abundance, diversity & inclusion, kindness & compassion, and integrating ritual and action.
It's an exciting moment in the history of Downtown Synagogue – last year, as we celebrated 100 years of serving the Jewish community of Detroit, we underwent a comprehensive renovation of our historic downtown building. Construction was completed in Fall 2023. In addition to being a synagogue, we are now home to a coworking space where Jewish organizations can share resources, work together, and program collaboratively all while serving the needs of the growing Jewish population in Detroit. Our building also serves as an event and program space for our partners, outside organizations, businesses, and families.
As we work to support our growing community, we seek a Program, Engagement & Communications Coordinator to help us increase engagement with IADS through programming, communications, and relationship building. The Program, Engagement & Communications Coordinator will 1) take the lead on planning, implementing, and evaluating synagogue programming, 2) engage members and prospective members through direct outreach and relationship building, and 3) support communications through social media and email marketing.
The Program, Engagement & Communications Coordinator is a full-time position that reports to the Executive Director. This position collaborates with other members of the staff and supports relevant committees. Some evenings and weekends are required. The Coordinator should be based in metro Detroit.
Job Responsibilities:
Synagogue Wide Programming:
Take the lead on planning and implementing synagogue programming including Shabbat, holiday, educational, social justice, and social/cultural offerings.
Manage the annual program calendar.
Evaluate programming and track engagement information. Collect and maintain data on participants.
Order, buy and collect supplies for programming, and keep supplies organized in storage.
Engagement and Outreach
Build relationships with members, prospective members, and program participants through phone calls, coffee dates, and one-on-one meetings.
Responsible for 4-6 coffee dates a month; track them accordingly.
Be present in community programs to engage and connect with participants.
Facilitate connections between people and pass on relevant information (pastoral, fundraising etc) to ED and Rabbi.
Communications and Social Media
Regularly post on social media and put together our weekly and holiday eblasts through Constant Contact.
Collect information for the newsletter; draft and write e-blast newsletters and work with Executive Director to send out.
Update Google calendar and Squarespace website as needed.
Job Qualifications:
At least 2 years of relevant full-time work experience (Jewish community, nonprofit)
Passionate about the mission, vision, and values of IADS and about the city of Detroit
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Has experience doing outreach; comfortable talking to new people
Has experience with tracking (events, interactions) and is data-inclined
Strong organizational skills
Proficient with modern technology/communications (Google Workspace, Facebook, Instagram, Constant Contact, Squarespace, CRM)
Website or graphic design experience a plus
Attitudes Desired
Team player, likes to work collaboratively
Takes initiative, can-do attitude
Note: This role will require the Coordinator to work flexible hours, including some nights and weekends.
Salary range: $50,000-$55,000
Benefits: health insurance (medical, dental, vision), 403b contributions, paid time off, cell phone stipend, flexible hours based on program calendar, some work-from-home optional
How To Apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume to rudman@downtownsynagogue.org. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.
IADS believes that personnel diversity is an organizational strength and recognizes and values the intersecting identities that staff members bring to our organization. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply. IADS is committed to providing equal employment consideration without discrimination on the basis of race, gender, disability, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status. All candidates are required to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination before starting employment.
cantorial soloist/musician-in-residence
Job Description
The Musician-in-Residence/Cantorial Soloist supports the Rabbi as a service leader for the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, providing cantorial leadership for Shabbat and holiday services as detailed below. The Musician-in-Residence/Cantorial Soloist will: be an innovative, energized member of the IADS team, helping to build our hub of pluralistic, inclusive Jewish life in Detroit; support the vision, capacity, and momentum of IADS spiritual and ritual programming; will work to support a thriving and growing institution; and promote the renaissance of Jewish Detroit and the Synagogue’s connection to the City of Detroit.
Job Responsibilities:
Under the direction of the Rabbi, the Musician-in-Residence/Cantorial Soloist helps lead davening during religious services
Cantorial leadership on Shabbat morning (while job needs will be fluid, we anticipate this would occur 3 times per month)
Cantorial leadership for most holidays, including but not limited to Yizkor/Festival services on Shemini Atzeret, the 8th day of Pesach, and the 2nd day of Shavuot
Torah reading (while job needs will be fluid, we anticipate this would occur 2 times per month)
Works in collaboration with the Rabbi on the continual development of prayer services and holiday celebrations according to the needs of the community
Other related duties as assigned
Addition of cantorial soloist role for some or all of Yamim Noraim, if such duties are desired, discussed, and agreed upon
Job Qualifications:
Enthusiasm about IADS’ mission and vision and commitment to the city of Detroit
Traditional Jewish prayer service knowledge and skill including Torah reading
Knowledge of liturgical Hebrew
Works well with both adults and children
Natural collaborator and community builder
Curiosity, open-mindedness, and resourcefulness
Experience and comfort with working with diverse populations
Strong sense of Jewish values and social justice values
Strong prioritization of Jewish life and community
Ability to be flexible with work schedule and work setting
The Cantorial Soloist reports to the Rabbi with a dotted line relationship to the Executive Director. This is a part-time salaried position with a schedule varying depending on the ritual and program calendar. Compensation is $15,000-18,000 per year. There are no benefits provided for this position. If the Yamim Noraim are incorporated into this position’s responsibilities, compensation will be negotiated separately.
To apply: Please send a resume and cover letter to rabbi@downtownsynagogue.org
IADS believes that personnel diversity is an organizational strength and recognizes and values the intersecting identities that staff members bring to our organization. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply. IADS is committed to providing equal employment consideration without discrimination on the basis of race, gender, disability, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status. All candidates are required to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination before starting employment.