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.

Our pivot to all-virtual programming during the COVID-19 pandemic expanded our reach substantially to thousands of additional individuals and families from around the country and beyond, who now regularly join us for prayer and learning. Our post-pandemic vision includes a dynamic hybrid operation where most of our offerings are available in-person in our historic Upper West Side campus, as well as through various online platforms. Additionally, we are building a robust library of on-demand content for our community.

Job Overview

The B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator will provide assistance to the Hazzan (Cantor) and Assistant Rabbi who together oversee the B’nai Mitzvah program. This is a rewarding and stimulating position in a dynamic work environment for a responsible candidate, who is professional, flexible, and discerning in relating to others. This position requires exceptional attention to detail, project management, organizational skills and a talent for creating and maintaining systems. It includes fielding many calls and inquiries that require a high level of emotional intelligence and critical thinking. A candidate must be able to communicate clearly and articulately in verbal and written form. This person will work primarily on-site, on a traditional schedule, with some flexibility for the occasional non-traditional schedule that includes Shabbat (Saturday) and Jewish holiday coverage.

Responsibilities, include but not limited to

• Provide vital support to the Assistant Rabbi and Hazzan with management of High Holy Day and family Shabbat planning, in addition to the administrative support including calendar management, correspondence, administrative duties, b’nai mitzvah program logistics etc, as assigned.
• Communicate with b’nai mitzvah families verbally and via email in a professional manner.
• Master b’nai mitzvah FAQs, answer/triage frequent inquiries, maintain timely responsiveness.
• Assist with the creation and documentation of b’nai mitzvah processes on Salesforce.
• Maintain tutors roster; schedule supervisory time with Hazzan, training with clergy and other staff, and tutoring with assigned families throughout the year (average 40 families/year).
• Manage intricate b’nai mitzvah date selection process, with a high attention to detail.
• Create materials, including packets for students, handbook updates, and learning materials.
• Co-lead informational sessions regarding the b’nai mitzvah process.
• Use Salesforce to track and manage b’nai mitzvah-related data.
• Communicate with internal staff, working as part of a team
• Process and reconcile expenses, invoices, and other finance-related paperwork for the department
• Manage complex Google calendaring for multiple internal stakeholders

Qualifications, Experience, and Skills

• BA and minimum of 3-5 years of administrative experience.
• Knowledge of Jewish customs is helpful; Hebrew proficiency strongly preferred.
• Strong computer skills required, including Microsoft Office, databases (Salesforce experience preferred), and Google Suite.
• Expert level of professional, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized with a superb attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize according to supervisors’ expectations.
• Excellent interpersonal, team-building, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment, under pressure, remaining flexible, resourceful, and efficient, with a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Anticipate needs and solve problems proactively.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time, non-exempt position, with a salary range of $45,000 to $50,000. Salary will be based on experience level. BJ offers medical, dental, and vision insurance, vacation, sick, and holiday policies, 403b retirement plan.

To Apply

Please send resume and cover letter to careers@bj.org with the subject line “B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator.”

B’nai Jeshurun is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in recognition of our values, commitment to social justice, and responsibility to our spiritual leaders and staff, congregants, and the communities within which we live and work. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, veterans, immigrants, and LGBTQIA+ applicants.