Downtown Administrator & Assistant to the Clergy

Our Vision:

Central Synagogue is one of the leading and largest Reform congregations in the country. Located in Midtown Manhattan, Central’s reach includes more than 3,600 member families, a livestream community numbering in the hundreds of thousands, and more than 800 students, from birth to twelfth grade, in the Nursery and Religious schools. It has long played a significant role in the national Reform movement and is known for its innovation and leadership in worship, leading to a greatly expanded audience over the last two decades. Central Synagogue works toward a world in which Judaism is core to the lives of Central members and Jews everywhere and is a profound and positive force for humanity. Central continually redefines what it means to be Jewish today, both within the Synagogue community and far beyond the Synagogue’s walls. The diverse clergy and professional team work hard, in collaboration with lay leadership, to build deep and enduring relationships among Central members, creating a caring, dynamic, and joyful community.

Central Synagogue is an inclusive and welcoming community. The Synagogue encourages participation from all who seek a connection to Jewish life and want to be part of its sacred community regardless of religious background, race, ethnicity, gender, ability, socioeconomic status, political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Central is committed to being an open tent, a place that welcomes all people, including those who have been historically and institutionally marginalized or excluded from the Jewish community.

The Synagogue is well resourced, has over 130 staff, and is

governed by a 29-member Board of Trustees. To learn more, please visit:

https://www.centralsynagogue.org/.

Job Summary/Objective:

Central is seeking a seasoned administrator who will work closely with our downtown staff and support our two rabbis (“Downtown Rabbi” & “Director of 20s/30s Programming”). This individual will provide high level administrative and logistical support to the downtown campus, including the religious school (LCLJ); Shabbat and holiday services; and programming for families, 20s/30s and older adults. This position will also provide direct support to our rabbis, including but not limited to calendar management, travel and expense reporting. The position requires this individual to be a strong multi-tasker and an independent problem-solver, have excellent communication and project-management skills, work well under supervision and be extremely organized. This position requires strong judgment in prioritizing demands, attention to detail, ability to multitask, and clear communication as well as collaboration across departments. Given the nature of synagogue work, a great deal of flexibility, resiliency, and a ‘can-do’ attitude are essential as we work to address the needs of a community that is growing and evolving quickly.

Reports to: Downtown Rabbi

Department Hours: Full-time, non-exempt and eligible for OT

School Year: Monday: 10:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday-Thursday: 10:00 am -7:00 pm

Friday: 10:00 am-4:00 pm

With occasional later evening or weekend work

Hybrid schedule: 1 weekday remote, 4 weekdays in office

Summer: Monday-Thursday: 9:00 am-5:30 pm

Friday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

Must be available to work during High Holy Days and during other special events and programs from time to time. Given the nature of the work, availability after hours, on weekends and holidays, is sometimes required.

Essential Duties & Key Responsibilities:

Administrative:

• • Coordinates the logistical aspects of all downtown programs, including space reservations, set ups, food orders, A/V needs, etc.
  • Organizes and distributes communications for all downtown programs
  • Maintains downtown staff office
  • Orders all necessary supplies for programs and office 
  • Reconciles credit card usage for Central Downtown
  • Provides administrative and logistical support for Downtown programs (signs, snacks, guests, early pickups, sign-in, and special events)
  • Knows the formal and informal inter-departmental and Synagogue goals, standards, policies and procedures
  • Is sensitive to the people, dynamics and functions within the downtown department and the Synagogue

Clergy Assistant:

• • Provides administrative support to the Downtown Clergy, including calendar management, expense reporting, and occasional travel
  • Coordinates and schedules internal and external meetings in support of synagogue goals, e.g. strategic planning or recruiting
  • Manages communication required, and responds independently when possible, including directing inquiries to other staff as appropriate
  • Team player who can and will collaborate and provide coverage for colleagues in times of heavy workflow
• Performs general administrative support as needed utilizing Sales Force and other relevant programs

Core Competencies

• • High degree of integrity, confidentiality, professionalism and reliability
  • Demonstrates ability to exercise good judgement independently
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to execute
  • Team player who builds strong, collaborative relationships across various stakeholders
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written and communication skills
  • High degree of enthusiasm, flexible attitude, open demeanor and geared to getting things done with efficiency
  • Takes initiative, anticipates needs, and adapts to situations as they arise
  • Professional demeanor and positive collaborative attitude
  • Able to work well under pressure which maintains calm demeanor
  • Strong email and phone etiquette

Qualifications

• • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Minimum of 5-7+ years administrative support experience or equivalent work, experience supporting senior executives preferred
  • Technology: High level of computer literacy required (we use Microsoft Office): proven ability to quickly learn new software. Experience with SalesForce or similar CRM strongly preferred, knowledge of Zoom and Microsoft Teams a plus. Tech support and training provided.
  • Interest and knowledge of synagogue life, Hebrew and Jewish ritual practice desired but not necessary

Other Duties

Please note that the above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time.

Compensation & Benefits:

The expected annual salary range for this position is $50,000 - $70,000. Central Synagogue offers an extensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our dedicated and diverse community. The salary is commensurate with experience based on several factors, including, but not limited to, skills, knowledge, training, education, areas of specialization, and depth and scope of experience. The above salary range represents the Synagogue’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the possible compensation range at the time of posting.

Due to Central’s hiring policy, we are not able to consider members of the synagogue for staff roles.

To Apply:

medical, dental, vision, 403 (b) retirement, life insurance, vacation, personal and sick time