Program Director

Makom Shalom · Forest Synagogue · West Sonoma County, CA

  • Temporary (6 months)
  • Part-time employee
  • $45/hour
  • ~15–20 hours/week
  • Starts mid-November 2026

Makom Shalom is a nature-based Jewish community in West Sonoma County, gathering outdoors to celebrate the Jewish year, mark life's transitions, and connect to tradition, one another, and the land.

While we conduct a search for a long-term Executive Director, we are urgently seeking a Temporary Program Director to serve for a 6-month period starting in mid-November 2026. The Temporary Program Director may apply for the long-term role, with a hiring decision for that role planned for mid-2027.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Board of Trustees, and working closely with the Rabbi, the Program Director leads our programming, outreach, and community growth. This is a hands-on role for someone organized, warm, and self-directed who loves bringing people together.

Schedule

~15 hrsper typical week
20–25 hrsduring event weeks

On-site for all events, often evenings and weekends. Besides on-site events, work would be largely remote.

Upcoming Events

  • HanukkahFriday, December 4, 2026
  • Tu B'ShvatFriday, January 22, 2027
  • Kabbalat ShabbatFriday, February 19, 2027
  • Kabbalat ShabbatFriday, March 19, 2027
  • PurimSunday, March 21, 2027
  • Kabbalat ShabbatFriday, April 16, 2027
  • PassoverThursday, April 22, 2027

Responsibilities

  • Events: Create and execute event work plans, co-create agendas, manage registration, coordinate contractors and volunteers, book locations, coordinate event insurance documentation as needed, and lead on-site with support from volunteers.
  • Members: Recruit new members and deepen engagement and retention among existing ones.
  • Youth: Coordinate with the Youth Program Director (once hired) on the B'nai Shalom youth program and on youth programming for Kabbalat Shabbat and holiday events.
  • Marketing: Manage email, social media, and website updates (including an initial audit), and cultivate partnerships with aligned organizations.
  • CRM and reporting: Maintain CRM data hygiene and deliver regular reports to the Board.
  • Volunteers: Recruit, onboard, schedule, and appreciate volunteers, building a sustainable volunteer base.
  • Budget: Contribute to the Treasurer-led budgeting process.

What We're Looking For

  • Experience in event planning, program coordination, or community organizing, ideally in nonprofit operations
  • Strong organization and the ability to manage multiple timelines independently
  • Comfort with CRM, email marketing, website, and social media tools
  • Clear, warm communication and experience coordinating volunteers or staff
  • On-site availability for all scheduled events
  • Familiarity with Jewish practice is a plus; connection to earth-centered spirituality is welcome

Compensation

$45/hour, and paid sick leave per California law.

To Apply

Send your resume and a short note on what draws you to Makom Shalom to Daniel Braunschweig (daniel@makomshalom.org). We're reviewing applications on a rolling basis and hope to have someone in place by mid-November, so we encourage you to apply by November 6, 2026.

Apply by email

Makom Shalom is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and are committed to an inclusive, respectful workplace. If you need accommodation during the application process, please let us know.