Careers
Associate Director, Congregational Transition Management
- Job Title
- Associate Director, Congregational Transition Management
- Work Remote
- Yes
- Description
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Associate Director, Congregational Transition Management
Location: Remote, with some in-person meetings
Organization: Union for Reform Judaism (URJ)
Employment Type: Full Time, Benefits Eligible, Exempt, MNGT
Department: Jewish Life & Leadership
Start Date: July 1, 2026 (willing to consider interim or long-term hire)
Salary Range: $145,000 - $155,000 plus competitive benefits package
The Role
The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) is seeking an Associate Director of Congregational Transition Management to partner with congregations across North America during critical moments of transition and change. This role provides strategic guidance to clergy and lay leaders, supporting communities as they navigate clergy transitions, organizational and ethics challenges, and opportunities for growth. As a trusted advisor, you will help congregations move through complexity with clarity and integrity, strengthening leadership, fostering resilience, and advancing the vitality of Reform Jewish life.
What You Will Do
Guide congregations through critical transitions
Provide expert consultation to congregations navigating major moments of change, including senior or solo clergy transitions, succession planning, mergers, and leadership restructuring. Support leaders in making thoughtful, values-aligned decisions that position their communities for long-term sustainability.Serve as a strategic advisor to clergy and lay leaders
Partner closely with congregational leadership during key lifecycle moments, including periods of conflict, organizational challenge, and leadership transition. Offer clear, practical guidance that strengthens lay-clergy partnerships and builds leadership capacity.Support high-priority congregations with tailored strategies
Design and implement customized approaches that deepen engagement, strengthen leadership, and support growth and resilience in congregations with complex or high-impact needs.Build trusted, enduring relationships
Cultivate strong relationships with clergy and lay leaders, establishing yourself as a credible, thoughtful, and trusted partner during both moments of challenge and opportunity.Strengthen leadership development and transition programs
Provide leadership and support to enhance the Shallat program and contribute to the Scheidt Presidents and Israel training programs. Help evolve how congregations prepare for and navigate leadership transitions across the Reform Movement.Collaborate across the Reform Movement ecosystem
Partner with organizations including the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR), the American Conference of Cantors (ACC), and the Rabbinic Placement Commission (RPC) to support effective clergy placement processes and uphold shared ethical standards and best practices.Who You Are
You are a trusted advisor and thoughtful leader who brings credibility, equanimity, and care to your work with congregations, clergy, and lay leaders. You navigate complexity with confidence, guiding others through high-stakes decisions with sound judgment, discretion, and integrity. You build trust quickly and sustain it through deep listening, thoughtful communication, and a strong relational presence. You are attuned to the unique dynamics of each community and approach your work with both strategic insight and pastoral sensitivity. You are motivated by the opportunity to strengthen congregational leadership, support communities through meaningful change, and advance the vitality of Reform Jewish life.
Keys to Success (the must-haves)
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Ability to guide leaders through complex transitions and sensitive situations with clarity, sound judgment, and discretion
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Proven ability to manage conflict, facilitate difficult conversations, and support resolution in high-stakes environments
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Deep understanding of congregational systems, including clergy-lay relationships, governance, and ethics
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Strong diagnostic skills, with the ability to assess organizational needs and translate insights into clear, actionable strategies
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Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to engage, influence, and support diverse stakeholders
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Demonstrated pastoral presence, with the ability to coach, mentor, and support leaders through change
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Strong self-management skills, including the ability to prioritize, manage multiple commitments, and work independently
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Commitment to collaboration, continuous learning, and strengthening Reform Jewish communities
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Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and values-aligned leadership
Qualifications
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Rabbinic or cantorial ordination required
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Senior or solo clergy experience in a URJ congregation strongly preferred
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5–8+ years of experience in congregational leadership, consulting, or transition work
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Significant experience working with congregational boards, clergy, and senior leadership
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Demonstrated experience advising complex organizational, ethical, or personnel matters
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Strong skills in conflict management, coaching, and facilitation
Additional Details
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Remote role with occasional in-person meetings
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Minimal travel required
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Some evening and weekend availability
Application Process
Please apply online and include a resume and a one-page cover letter describing your interest in the role and how your experience aligns with the qualifications listed. We look forward to hearing from you!
About the Union for Reform Judaism
Every team member at the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) plays an important role in advancing our mission to create, connect, and inspire Jewish communities that work toward a more whole, just, and compassionate world. Grounded in our core values of shared humanity, justice, belonging, learning, evolving, and Jewish peoplehood, the URJ provides vision and leadership to help build strong Jewish communities and deepen connections to Jewish life.
As the largest Jewish movement in North America, the URJ partners with more than 800 congregations and operates 14 residential camps and the Religious Action Center in Washington, D.C. Through youth engagement, camping, leadership development, learning, and social justice initiatives, we support communities in creating vibrant, meaningful Jewish experiences. We strive to build communities where people across identities, generations, and lived experiences feel a deep sense of belonging. We are committed to confronting racism, ableism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression, and to strengthening communities that reflect the diversity of the Jewish people. Together with our congregations, camps, leaders, and partners, we are helping shape a future in which Judaism enables all people to experience peace and wholeness (shalom), justice and equity (tzedek), and belonging and joy (shayachut and simcha).
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The URJ strives to be a welcoming and inclusive environment that acknowledges diversity as a critical strength. We promote strenuous policies and practices of equal opportunity and diversity, equity, and inclusion. It is our objective to recruit, hire, and retain the most qualified individuals including those of any race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Our equal employment philosophy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, compensation, benefits, training, promotions, transfers, job benefits, and terminations. The URJ encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+, and other often underrepresented groups.
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