POSTED ON July 16, 2026

Synagogue Receptionist/ Administrative Assistant

---

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 3,600 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 30-member Board of Trustees. To learn more, please visit www.centralsynagogue.org .

Job Summary / Objective

The position reports directly to the Executive Assistant to the Executive Director and works closely with other departments within the Administration team. In this position, the person is the welcoming "face" of Central Synagogue; therefore, they must be highly organized, a strong communicator, and have excellent customer service experience. This individual must be comfortable in a fast-paced environment, able to work independently, and operate with a high attention to detail. A great deal of flexibility and a "can-do" attitude are essential to meet the needs of a large community.

Description

• Hours: Monday–Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
• Employment Type: Full-time
• FLSA Classification: Non-exempt (eligible for overtime)
• Expected to work: All High Holy Days
• Date: July 2026

Essential Functions

Reception Responsibilities

• Answer the main phone line, reply to inquiries about Central’s offerings, transfer calls, manage voicemails, and assist callers with event registration.
• Manage the email@censyn.org inbox.

Administrative Assistant Responsibilities

• Assist the Executive Assistant to the Executive Director with projects as needed.

Office Responsibilities

• Maintain office supply stock and organize office/storage space.
• Contact printing vendors and order stationery and envelopes as needed.
• Manage mail by maintaining postage on the mail machine, receiving and distributing incoming mail, and processing outgoing mail.
• Update and maintain the Central Synagogue Staff Directory.
• Supervise the office front entrance by monitoring cameras, admitting approved visitors, and directing unrecognized visitors to check in with security.

Miscellaneous Responsibilities

• Provide coverage during the Executive Assistant's absence, including scheduling and administrative support for the Executive Director.
• Work all High Holy Day (HHD) services.

Core Competencies

• Excellent telephone etiquette.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Good judgment when handling requests from non-members.
• Ability to multitask.
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills.
• Punctual and dependable.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience in a customer service or concierge-focused position preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams.
• Familiarity with CRM systems (Salesforce experience preferred).
• Data entry experience.
• Ability to anticipate needs and act efficiently.
• Two years of administrative experience preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize, reprioritize, and multitask independently in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

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 rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Additional Information

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

The expected salary range for this position is $50,000–$60,000. Central Synagogue offers an extensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of its dedicated and diverse community. Salary is commensurate with experience and based on several factors, including 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.