Senior Program Administrator

Since our founding in 1825, B’nai Jeshurun (BJ) has been at the forefront of the American Jewish experience. As we approach our third century, our vision is focused on the spiritual work of transformation and on the creation of a Jewish path that is authentic, profound, and helps all members of our community seek and live their purpose to the fullest.

Our spiritual leaders and our nearly 1,800 member families share a vision of a diverse, dynamic, and inclusive community that offers many paths to Jewish religious life, while supporting one another in their spiritual quests. We are committed to honoring tradition while re-imagining and innovating our practices and programs to create a vibrant, contemporary, and relevant Jewish life for all who are seeking it. 

Our community is led by Rabbi Rolando Matalon, together with a senior leadership team that comprises Rabbi Felicia Sol, who oversees all programs, and Executive Director/COO Colin Weil, who oversees advancement, communications, finance and administration, and operations. BJ has a staff of approximately 40 full-time and 10 part-time employees. 

In 2017, BJ established a Center for Prayer and Spirituality (CPS), through which BJ seeks to affirm the notion of why prayer matters, harness the power of spiritual practice to build community, and realize the possibility of transformation that is true and enduring. The CPS team oversees the full breadth of BJ’s multi-dimensional prayer practice, the programmatic vision for the annual cycle of Jewish holidays, the development of transformative spiritual initiatives, and the production of eclectic musical programming, which draws some of the leading figures from across the landscape of Jewish and world music. In addition, the Center leads BJ’s adult learning program, supports those on the pathway to conversion, and builds programming and resources in service of an audacious vision for vibrant Jewish living for adults and families alike—including multifaith, multirace, LGBTQIA+ families, and more. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, CPS has sought new and exciting ways to bridge creativity, technology, and strategy together with the richness of our tradition, helping to transform an ever-expanding virtual community through spiritual practice, rituals, learning, and resources.

Job Description

To support these goals, we are seeking a Senior Program Administrator to manage the logistical and administrative end of the Center for Prayer and Spirituality, including holding holistic oversight of Shabbat and Holiday service logistics. They will report directly to Cantor David Mintz, Director of the Center for Prayer and Spirituality, and will interface with all members of the CPS team, the larger BJ staff, and congregants from across the BJ community.

As this is a senior-level administrative position, the successful candidate will be expected to quickly make a positive contribution and impact. They will be a detail-oriented, resourceful, and extremely organized individual who takes great satisfaction in attending to the myriad tasks that allow a professional department to function smoothly. They will possess the flexibility to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment; enjoy managing event logistics; and be passionate about calendaring, spreadsheets, and to-do lists. In addition to the key responsibilities listed below, opportunity exists for some programmatic oversight, depending on the experience and interest of the candidate. They will have an eye for potential policy improvements and ways to improve systems at BJ, from a DEI and ritual perspective. 

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee logistics for programs, services, and events in their planning, development and execution
• Hold holistic oversight of Shabbat and Holiday service logistics, working closely with all departments playing a role in these efforts—Operations, AV production, communications, Rabbinic, Community Engagement, Family Life and Learning—ensuring that all team members are briefed and able to execute
• Prepare and edit necessary materials for services, programs and classes, including livestream slides, setup forms, run of show timelines, contact lists, etc.
• Serve as chief department liaison to communications and operations teams, submitting and coordinating all program/website messaging, applying close review for accuracy across all communications platforms (email, web, social media, print), writing copy as needed, submitting event setups and coordinating with outside vendors as needed.
• Provide administrative support to CPS Director and department-wide efforts
• Process all invoices, expenses and requests for reimbursement
• Respond to questions and requests for information from the community 
• As needed, serve as CPS staff on-site for program coordination
• Participate in and support major BJ-wide programs and experiences, including but not limited to:
  • Staffing select High Holy Days services
  • Supporting membership department as needed during membership season
  • Participating in significant community events (in recent years this has included the Sanctuary Centennial Celebration, Spring Fundraiser, and Building Rededication)

Experience and Skills

• BA degree, or commensurate experience, in addition to a minimum of four years of administrative experience 
• Event management and production experience preferred
• Jewish knowledge/Hebrew language background a plus
• Superb attention to detail
• Highly organized with the proven ability to manage multiple priorities
• Ability to anticipate needs and solve problems proactively
• Expert level of professional written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, under pressure, while remaining flexible, resourceful, and efficient, with a high level of professionalism and confidentiality
• High proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Zoom; proficiency with Salesforce a plus
• Ability to work on Shabbat and Jewish holidays, as needed 

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time non-exempt position, with a starting salary between $55,000-$65,000 for those who meet the minimum job requirements. BJ offers medical, dental, and vision insurance, vacation, sick, and holiday (national and Jewish) pay, and 403(b) retirement plan.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

B’nai Jeshurun is committed to creating a staff culture and congregational community that is accessible, inclusive, and equitable. In particular, we have been on a journey over the past several years to understand the history and impact of racism in America, within the American Jewish community, and within the BJ congregation and staff in particular. We seek to build a community and staff that reflects and celebrates the diversity of America, as well as of the Jewish community, and are looking for team members who want to be part of our ongoing learning, and to contribute to it.

People of Color, Jews of Color, Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews, women, people with disabilities, immigrants, and LGBTQIA+ individuals are strongly encouraged to apply.

Research shows that women and individuals who hold underrepresented identities tend to only apply to jobs that they believe they meet all of the qualifications for. Job descriptions are aspirational and no one fully meets every bullet listed. If you’ve read this and thought this is you or it could be you: please apply. We know not everyone who would excel in the position already has 100% of the skills and qualifications we are seeking.

To Apply

Please send your resume and cover letter to dmintz@bj.org.