Social Justice Program Manager

Social Justice Program Manager, SAJ – Judaism that Stands for All

SAJ is a vibrant community of New Yorkers with a strong history of engagement in social justice.

Established in 1922 by the visionary thinker Mordechai Kaplan, SAJ is the founding

congregation of the Reconstructionist movement. Ever since SAJ introduced the first bat

mitzvah in America in that same year, equality and tikkun olam have been fundamental to its

ethos.

SAJ’s 260+ households are seekers and non-believers alike; families with children and without

children; single, married; young and old; white, black, Asian, Latino; gay, straight, transgender;

jewish by birth, by choice, or friends of other faiths living in a Jewish household. SAJ is an

inclusive and welcoming community, and we believe that all human beings are created in the

image of the Divine and deserve dignity and respect.

When SAJ celebrated its 100th anniversary as a congregation in 2022, the community raised

funds for a keystone initiative to continue its long tradition of tzedek (justice) and tikkun olam.

SAJ is now thrilled to bring on board a new professional to work with our Rabbi, leadership, and

community to amplify our social justice impact and rally our membership around meaningful

engagement in tzedek and tikkun olam.

Position Description:

SAJ is seeking a dynamic professional to help us deepen and live our commitment to social

justice as a synagogue community, and provide greater focus and support to a single or small

number of issues. This newly created role will be central in shaping and implementing a tapestry

of ways in which the diversity of our SAJ community can participate in social justice through

education, advocacy, organizing, and direct service, across ages and interests. This new

initiative will seek to strengthen the connection between social justice and Judaism through

learning, build partnerships in our community to deepen impact and effectiveness, and bolster

SAJ’s reputation as a spiritual home for social justice. The Social Justice Program Manager will

report directly to the Rabbi and work closely with the Executive Director, Education Director, and

lay leadership to strategize, plan, and implement our new “Tzedek Initiative”.

Key Responsibilities:

Tzedek Initiative Development

● Explore the state of different societal issues, their impact on the local communities, and

assess the ways in which SAJ could have impact

● Plan, organize, and conduct targeted focus groups with a cross-section of

representatives from the congregation to gather input on effective avenues of

engagement

● Research and build relationships with potential community partners and consortiums

● Work with the Rabbi, executive staff, and key lay leaders to select the initial Tzedek

issue of focus, develop an implementation plan, and create a timeline for roll-out

● Socialize and promote the new Tzedek Initiative to create excitement and support

Tzedek Program Planning, Implementation, and Community Building

● Hold primary responsibility for coordination and implementation of Tzedek Initiative

activities

● Work with the Rabbi, Executive Director, Education Director, and key lay leadership to

address the diverse needs and operational considerations for program planning

● Build relationships with existing SAJ social justice committees and advocates (e.g.,

Social Justice Action Committee, Racial Justice Group), and identify intersectional

opportunities for collaboration

● Be the primary point of contact and coordination with partners of the Tzedek Initiative

● Foster interfaith, intraJewish, and/or other community relationships that support the

Tzedek Initiative

● Identify opportunities for sharing and/or reproducing Tzedek initiative resources that

other synagogues or communities can use

Communications

● Create internal and external marketing and communications of Tzedek Initiative activities

to notify and actively engage the community

● Employ creative communications strategies (e.g., articles, blogs, social media, podcasts,

press) to amplify the impact of the Tzedek Initiative in the larger community

Development and Growth

● Foster opportunities to attract new members to SAJ through the Tzedek Initiative

● Identify and apply for grants and other sources of funding to ensure the Tzedek

Initiative’s long-term sustainability

Qualifications:

● At least 4+ years of relevant work experience, preferably in a Jewish, faith-based, or

non-profit social justice setting

● Familiarity with the rhythm of Jewish life, including Shabbat and holidays

● Experience in program creation and project management

● Strong oral and written communications skills

● Well versed in using technology and social media

● Experience in securing grants and/or funding is desirable

Other Core Competencies:

● Passion for social justice, inclusion, and equity

● High degree of integrity, professionalism, and reliability

● Team player who builds strong, collaborative relationships

● Takes initiative, anticipates needs, and adapts to situations as they arise

● Enthusiastic, flexible attitude, and open demeanor

● Strong interpersonal skills and ability to manage internal and external stake-holders

Compensation:

Annual salary between $70,000-$90,000 commensurate with experience. Generous benefits

package includes health insurance, paid family leave, paid vacation and holidays.

Start Date: August 2025

Interested applicants, please submit a cover letter and resume to:

SocialJusticePMS@saj.nyc