The URJ inspires individuals and nurtures dynamic, compelling Jewish communities of sacred purpose. We: • Catalyze the advancement of Reform Jewish congregations and institutions to successfully implement their mission; • Work in close partnership with HUC-JIR, CCAR, NATE, NATA and the other professional associations of the Reform Movement to support the training of outstanding lay and professional leaders who will develop vibrant Reform Jewish congregations and institutions • Convene and connect Reform Jewish leaders and communities to build institutions, learn from one another and leverage our collective power to realize our vision Congregational Network Group (CNG) Encompasses the • Geographic Congregational Networks • Large Congregations Network • Small Congregations Network
Congregational Network staff and lay partners will build relationships with and among congregational lay and professional leaders by connecting them and convening gatherings which foster cross-pollination of ideas and address shared concerns. Application of a networking and collaborative approach will enable effective organizations and individuals to relate to one another in order to more successfully implement the mission of their respective congregation/institution.
Position Summary: The Congregational Network Director is a member of a team that together is responsible for directly working with congregations, with lay leadership and with other URJ staff to create effective relationships, resources and programs that advance Reform Jewish congregations and institutions toward the successful implementation of their respective missions. Additionally, responsibilities specific to the Congregational Network Director include leading and motivating the team and creating an environment of open communication, experimentation, team work and workplace trust while directing evaluation efforts and assessing and providing training and professional development opportunities in conjunction with others in the same position across the organization. The Congregational Network Director is responsible for building consensus and for communicating and resolving boundary and integration issues with other teams/departments in the URJ (including staff, lay leadership, affiliates/agencies etc).
Each CNG Team Member will: • Assess and create strategy with other members of their respective team, of the other CGN teams and in collaboration with all groups across the organization to effectively advance the work of the URJ in general and that related to congregations specifically. • Engage congregations, staff and volunteers in the work of the CNG • Develop one-on-one relationships with key stakeholders in a prescribed congregation portfolio in a manner that promotes dynamic engagement and partnership in ways that are both proactive and responsive. • Encourage congregations to network with other congregations with similar interests and to form networks/communities or to join a URJ Community of Practice • Be the eyes and ears of our Institutional Advancement Group (development, marketing, PR) in the portfolio area to ensure that the Reform Movement mission and potential is in the forefront of the minds of local congregations, unaffiliated, potential funders and potential future Movement leaders • Create effective relationships to advance the work both internally and externally of the URJ in general and the appropriate GLN, LCLN or SCLN specifically • Contribute to, develop and access resources and grow the URJ Knowledge Network as a part of the on-going work with and for congregations and other Jewish institutions/agencies • Identify potential relationships and programs to further the work of the CNG • Partner with others to recommend key contacts for on-site visits to maximize travel and programming • Document interactions with congregations and others in CRM or other appropriate system • Partner with all areas of the URJ to provide a holistic approach to congregational support/service including MUM, Camps, NFTY, Intro to Judaism, Just Congregations etc
In addition to the items listed above, The Congregational Network Director will: • Lead and manage the day-to-day operation of their staff, motivating them and promoting the purposefulness of the work to the Reform Movement • Effectively communicating vision and objectives to educate and promote the internal and external shareholders including staff and lay leadership • Create an environment focused on open communication, experimentation, cohesive team effort and workplace trust • Develops and trains team members on evaluation tools to effectively determine the success of the work of the Geographic Congregational Network team • Skillfully redirect efforts as determined by feedback and evaluation from and to congregations, staff and lay leadership • Assure that team members have required education and training to effectively achieve excellence • Serve as a focal point to communicate and resolve boundary and integration issues with other teams/departments/institutions/agencies
Each URJ staff member will display: • Commitment to Mission • Job Knowledge • Reliability • Initiative & Creativity • Adaptability/Flexibility • Teamwork • Integrity/Ethics • Professionalism • Commitment to Quality
The Congregational Network Director will display (in addition to those items listed above): • Leadership skills • Action Management • Responsiveness • Entrepreneurial/Risk Management • Developing others • Active listening
Please submit cover letter, resume and salary requirements to sschweitzer@urj.org.
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