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 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 100 staff, and is governed by a 29-member Board of Trustees. To learn more, please visit 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 individual must have 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 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)

Date: March 2026

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 serves as liaison with Close Captioners each week, including holiday services.
• Prepares comprehensive service folders each week and physically brings the folders and other Shabbat-related materials to the Sanctuary 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 needs are met for each holiday service.
• Serves as point person for the Passover Congregational Seder regarding registration, assigned seating, and clergy assistance.
• Serves as point person for High Holy Day honors and assists with other HHD responsibilities alongside the HHD Coordinator.

Administrative Support to Senior Cantor and Cantor

• Collaborates with and assists Cantors with administrative tasks.
• Coordinates schedules and calendars.
• Filters requests and manages general gatekeeping.
• Manages meeting logistics (location, reservations, invitations, RSVPs, etc.).
• Drafts communications including donation thank-you letters, B’nei Mitzvah follow-ups, and choir communications.
• Manages financial tasks such as reimbursements, check requests, and Amex reconciliation.
• Handles lifecycle management including meetings with Auf Ruf, wedding, and naming families.
• Supports Adult B’nei Mitzvah programs, Shirim Team, and other cantor-led classes.
• Provides general administrative support including presentations, copies, and research.
• Serves as point person for Cantorial Intern administrative support.

Music Department Liaison

• Works with the Assistant Music Director on musician contracts and High Holy Day rehearsal logistics.
• Oversees logistics for Torah reader rehearsals, teen choir rehearsals, and congregational choir rehearsals.
• Assists with major musical events such as Cabaret and album releases.

General Department Responsibilities

• Provides back-up phone and clergy inbox coverage for the Clergy Study department.
• Supports the Clergy Study department’s basic administrative needs.
• Collaborates with colleagues and provides workflow coverage when needed.
• Performs administrative work using Salesforce and other systems.

Core Competencies

• High integrity, confidentiality, professionalism, and reliability.
• Ability to exercise good judgment independently.
• Strong attention to detail and execution.
• Collaborative team player.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Flexible, enthusiastic, and solution-oriented mindset.
• Ability to anticipate needs and adapt quickly.
• Professional demeanor and collaborative attitude.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Strong email and phone etiquette.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required; administration or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of administrative support experience or equivalent.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with Salesforce preferred.
• Interest or knowledge of synagogue life, Hebrew, and Jewish ritual practice helpful but not required.

Other Duties

The above description outlines the general content and requirements of the position but is not an exhaustive list. Management reserves the 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.

Salary is commensurate with experience and may depend on factors including skills, knowledge, training, education, areas of specialization, and depth of experience. The range listed represents a good-faith estimate of compensation at the time of posting.

Additional Information

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

Application Process