Program Coordinator, Family Life and Learning

B’nai Jeshurun | New York, NY | Full-Time (Benefits-Eligible), Year-Round with Academic-Year Schedule

Preferred Start Date: Late August 2026

Since its founding in 1825, B’nai Jeshurun (BJ) has been at the forefront of the American Jewish experience. Now in its third century, BJ’s vision is centered on the spiritual work of transformation and the creation of a Jewish path that is authentic, profound, and supportive of all members as they seek and live their purpose to the fullest.

BJ’s spiritual leaders, together with its nearly 2,000 member families, are dedicated to fostering a diverse, dynamic, and inclusive community that offers multiple avenues for Jewish religious life while providing mutual support for spiritual growth. BJ is committed to honoring tradition while continuously reimagining and innovating practices and programs to create a vibrant, contemporary, and relevant Jewish experience. Its services and programs welcome thousands of individuals and families from across the country and beyond, many of whom now regularly participate in prayer and learning online.

In 2025, as BJ celebrated its historic bicentennial, the organization honored its legacy, lifted up the stories of those who shaped the community’s present, and helped secure its future—ensuring that the next 200 years will be as transformative as the first.

BJ is led by Rosh Kehilah and Senior Rabbi Felicia Sol and Executive Director Steven Melzer. The organization has an annual operating budget of $13 million, with approximately 80% from contributed revenue, and a staff of approximately 50 full-time and 10 part-time employees.

Position Overview

The Program Coordinator joins the Family Life and Learning (FLAL) team to support the planning and execution of engaging programs for children of all ages and their families. Reporting to the Director of Family Life and Learning, this role plays a key part in delivering meaningful, well-organized and dynamic programming that strengthens family engagement across the community. 

This is a permanent, year-round role tailored to the academic calendar. To align with our community’s programming cycle, the position is Full-Time from September through May, transitioning to Part-Time (5-10 hours/week) from June through August.

Because this is a core, year-round position, it includes full, uninterrupted health and retirement benefits through the summer. The summer schedule is designed with built-in flexibility, making it ideal for candidates who want to work at a Jewish summer camp or pursue other summer opportunities while maintaining their permanent employment and benefits at BJ.

The ideal candidate brings a passion for engaging children in meaningful, joyful Jewish life, strong project management skills, and the ability to tailor their approach between audiences. This is an excellent opportunity for someone early in their career in Jewish education who is eager to grow their skills and network in the worlds of Jewish and experiential education.

Responsibilities

Communications & Outreach

• Content Creation: Draft monthly email newsletters and design a monthly flyer highlighting all upcoming programs for distribution and hallway posting.
• Targeted Outreach: Conduct personalized recruitment through emails, flyers, and WhatsApp communications to engage specific target groups.
• Event Promotion: Ensure timely communication of all events to appropriate audiences, including active posting on WhatsApp and individual follow-ups.
• Registration Management: Work alongside the Communications team to create, manage, and communicate with families regarding program registration.

Program Execution & On-Site Presence

• Signature Friday Programs: Lead and manage the execution of key Friday night signature programs, specifically Tot Shabbat, Likrat Shabbat, and Hitoreri.
• Youth Engagement: Run dedicated, child-friendly activities both before and after services.
• Shabbat Services: Manage the setup, communication, and relationship-building components for the Early Childhood and Elementary School Shabbat services.
• Weekly Staff Presence: Provide consistent on-site staffing for regular weekly events and programs, including Saturday morning services.

Immersive Experiences & Special Events

• Trips & Retreats Logistics: Oversee the full logistical planning of immersive experiences, including the annual teen retreat, family retreat, and both domestic and international trips.
• Retreat Staffing: Serve as on-site staff for retreats and trips as assigned by the Director of Family Life and Learning.
• Collaborative Planning: Partner with the Director of Family Life and Learning and the Program Manager to assist in planning and implementing major holiday events, social programs, and social justice engagement initiatives.

Administration & Operations

• Supply Coordination: Coordinate the ordering and organizing of program supplies in tandem with the Program Administrator.
• Event Hospitality: Handle catering orders for designated programs and events.
• Logistical Support: Assist with the physical setup and cleanup for events.
• Role Flexibility: Fulfill other duties as assigned by the Director of Family Life and Learning based on evolving needs and your specific skill set.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years experience in education or youth engagement, ideally in a Jewish setting including experience as a camp counselor, Hebrew school teacher or B Mitzvah tutor
• Highly organized, creative, and detail-oriented
• Passionate about Jewish living and learning, bringing a fun, creative, and enthusiastic approach.
• Experience working in an office setting, either in a paid or volunteer capacity

Work Environment

The BJ campus includes the Sanctuary building on 257 West 88th Street and the Community House on 270 West 89th Street, which are connected at the ground level. 

Schedule

The Program Coordinator position is a year-round, non-exempt role with an in-office presence that varies based on the school year and programming needs:

• September to May: Full-time (40 hours per week).
• June to August: Part-time (approx. 5-10 hours per week), with built-in flexibility to accommodate camp or other summer employment commitments.
• On-Site: Required on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (when youth programs are in session), scheduled Fridays, and most Saturday mornings. Mondays are off to support work-life balance.

Compensation and Benefits

• Academic Year Compensation (Sept-May): Based on a $60,000 annualized rate, pro-rated for the 9-month period ($45,000).
• Summer Compensation (June-Aug): $28/hour for 5-10 hours/week (estimated between $1,500-$3,000).
• Benefits: Fully eligible for year-round, uninterrupted benefits, including highly subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance; vacation and sick days; over 20 paid National and Jewish holidays; and a 403(b) retirement plan.

To Apply

Please complete the job application and attach a brief cover letter and resume. In your cover letter, highlight how this position aligns with your professional goals.