Jewish Community Organizer

Organizational Background:

Founded in 1881, The New York Board of Rabbis (NYBR) has been a cornerstone of Jewish life in New York, providing education, leadership, and guidance to rabbis and the broader community. As the world's largest inter-denominational rabbinic organization, with more than 750 members, NYBR has played a pivotal role in fostering unity among rabbis from various denominations through study, professional development, and leadership initiatives. By offering robust support and mentorship, NYBR ensures the Jewish community benefits from the highest rabbinic dedication and service levels. At its core, NYBR's mission is to act as a unifying force, strengthening the bonds among individual rabbis, rabbinic networks, and the broader Jewish community.

In recent years, the New York Jewish community has experienced significant demographic shifts, including changing patterns of affiliation and the emergence of new congregations, reflecting evolving ways in which community members gather, engage, and connect. Amidst these changes, NYBR remains committed to addressing the needs of all rabbis, particularly those operating beyond traditional structures, who play a crucial role in leading and serving their communities through innovative approaches.

Job Description:

The NYBR is seeking a Rabbinic Community Organizer, a position requiring local travel, predominantly within Queens and Long Island. This role is instrumental in addressing the Jewish community's and its leaders' evolving needs.

The Rabbinic Community Organizer will be responsible for:

• Engaging with rabbis across different denominations and settings, supporting their community service and leadership efforts.
• Identifying and addressing the needs of rabbis, including those working in non-conventional roles and settings, to enhance their impact on the community.
• Facilitating connections and collaboration among rabbis to support their work and create communities of practice.
• Playing a pivotal role in adapting to and addressing the dynamic needs of New York's Jewish community, ensuring its vibrancy and sustainability for future generations.

This position requires a candidate with a deep understanding of Jewish communal dynamics and networking, excellent organizational and communication skills, and a passion for fostering Jewish communal life and leadership.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Build strong relationships with rabbis and Jewish communal leaders by understanding the targeted neighborhood landscapes for Jewish engagement.
• Expand the current outreach strategy to further new relationships and strengthen existing partnerships, focusing on meeting the communities' needs and supporting the rabbis.
• Organize and execute the NYBR programming calendar, enhancing it with additional events and regular meetings within the catchment area.
• Support existing networks and create new communities of practice for rabbis and their communities to foster collaboration and shared learning.
• Assess opportunities within the neighborhoods to effectively meet the needs of the communities and support the rabbis' initiatives.
• Build relationships with local groups, community leaders, and agencies to support the initiative's goals, leveraging these partnerships for mutual benefit.

Qualifications:

• A BS/BA degree, with a preference for those with a graduate degree in Jewish studies, nonprofit management, social work, or similar fields, with 3-5 years of community organizing experience.
• Strong organizational, verbal, and written communication skills and the ability to interact well within a multicultural, multigenerational, team-oriented environment.
• A strategic thinker with exceptional programming and networking skills.
• Extensive experience working with rabbis and Jewish leaders.
• Skills in organizational planning, outreach, engagement, and working in a pluralistic Jewish context.
• Works efficiently and responsibly in a fast-paced setting. Has good analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail and the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google software.
• Knowledge of additional languages is an asset.