Executive Assistant to the Cantors

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 3,500 member families, a livestream community numbering in the hundredsof 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 clergyand 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 sacredcommunity 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 100 staff, and is governedby a 29-member Board of

Trustees. To learn more, pleasevisit: https://www.centralsynagogue.org/.

Job Summary/Objective

The Executive Assistant to the Senior Cantor will work closely with our pulpit clergy and clergy administration team as a member of the Clergy Study. He/she will collaborate with our cantors and Cantorial Department to uphold and make possible the vision and priorities of Central Synagogue. The EA’s primary responsibilities are to oversee the Shabbat preparation process as it relates to the Clergy Study. Similarly, this position will act as Holiday Coordinator, providing a proactive and holistic approach to the holiday planning and logistics of the pulpit clergy team’s vision for the Jewish holiday services. This person will act as a liaison to the Music Department and provide administrative support to both cantors and other cantorial/music personnel as appropriate. This position requires individuals 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. This individual must be able to prioritize and take initiative with limited direction. Given the nature of synagogue work, a great deal of flexibility and ability to pivot based on changing circumstances is essential.

Department Hours: Full-time, non-exempt and eligible for OT, Monday through Thursday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, or equivalent. Must be available to work during the High Holy Days.

Reports To: The Senior Cantor and Cantor (in collaboration with the Executive Assistant to the Senior Rabbi)

Essential Duties/Key Responsibilities:

Shabbat Preparation

• Works collaboratively with Communications on the weekly Order of Service (OOS).
• Manages all member-related lists for Shabbat.
• Prepares all materials and is the liaison with our Close Captioners week to week including all holidays services.
• Prepares comprehensive service folders each week and physically brings the folders and other Shabbat related materials to the Sanctuary each week to ensure proper set-up

Holiday Coordination

• Proactively schedules associated rehearsals and meetings needed for each holiday.
• Works with other departments to ensure that set-ups and clergy’s needs are met for each holiday service
• Serves at point person for the Passover Congregational Seder with regards to registration, assigned seating, and general clergy assistance
• Serves as point person for High Holy Day honors in addition to taking charge of numerous other HHD responsibilities in conjunction with the HHD Coordinator

Administrative Support to Senior Cantor and Cantor

• Collaborates and assists Cantors with administrative tasks
  • Coordinate schedules and calendars
  • Filters requests, general gatekeeping
  • Manages meeting logistics: location, reservations, requirements, invitations, RSVPs, etc.
  • Drafts communications from cantors, including but not limited to donation thank you letters, B’nei mitzvah follow up, teen and congregational choir communications.
  • Manages financials: reimbursements, check requests, Amex reconciliation.
  • Lifecycle management- keeping track of current Life Cycles and setting up meetings with Auf Ruf, Wedding and Naming families.
  • Administrative work on Adult B’nei Mitzvah, Shirim Team, and other cantor-led classes
  • General miscellaneous administrative support: power points, copies, research
• Serves as point person for Cantorial Intern to address their needs and connection to Central. Provides administrative support, helps coordinate meetings, etc.

Music Department Liaison

• Works with the assistant music director regarding musician contracts for the High Holy days and logistics around rehearsals for professional musician rehearsals.
• Oversees logistics around rehearsals for High Holy Days Torah readers, teen choir rehearsals, and congregational choir rehearsals.
• Assists with significant musical events such as Cabaret, new album cd and other one-off events that happen every few years.

General Department Responsibilities

• Provides back-up phone and clergy in box coverage for Clergy Study department.
• Provides support to all basic tasks and responsibilities of the Clergy Study department.
• 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 required. Degree in administration or other relevant field preferred
• Minimum of 5 years’ administrative support experience or equivalent work
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, familiarity with Salesforce preferred.
• 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 salary range for this position is $70,000 - $90,000. 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 severalfactors, including, but not limitedto, 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.

Additional Information

Hybrid Schedule: One day remote on Monday and four days in the office.