Temple Emanu-El is a thriving Reform congregation located in Westfield, New Jersey, with approximately 1,050 member families. We embrace innovation and creativity, inspiring our approach to Jewish life and practice and leading to a vibrant, inclusive Jewish community for all. When you enter our doors, you’ll find a congregation rooted in lifelong learning, where social justice and philanthropy are expressions of our Jewish values, and joyous Judaism infuses service, ritual, and program. We bring a fresh, energetic spirituality to Reform Judaism, honoring our traditions and adding a modern twist to the wisdom that has guided our community for generations.

B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator/Clergy Assistant

We are looking for a highly organized, welcoming, people person to oversee the execution of our entire B’nai Mitzvah program, which includes 60-90 annually ensuring an exceptional and seamless experience for parents, students, and clergy. This role will also provide administrative support to our two Cantors and be a part of the administrative team. This position is full-time, in person, reporting to the Senior Cantor and working collaboratively with all clergy and Executive Director, as needed, fostering a dynamic and supportive team environment.

Primary Responsibilities

B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator

Works closely with the Cantors to manage and execute all aspects of the B’nai Mitzvah Program, using Project Management software and pulling data from a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.

• Family Communication: Serve as the primary point of contact for B’nai Mitzvah families, providing timely and clear communication about schedules, requirements, and preparation, and proactively communicating updates or changes if schedules or plans shift.

• Calendar Coordination: Oversee and maintain the comprehensive calendar of 60-90 B’nai Mitzvah per year, ensuring accurate scheduling of all clergy, and tutoring appointments for three years out. Comfort working with structured workflows, checklists, and recurring processes to ensure that key program details are executed consistently.

• Document Creation and Management: Prepare and update all B’nai Mitzvah documents, including honors sheets, programs, and student materials.

• Event Scheduling: In collaboration with the Executive Director, facilitate the annual scheduling process for B’nai Mitzvah dates, including preparation, communication with families, and entering dates into the CRM system. Throughout the year, manage all B’nai Mitzvah change requests. Handle all room rentals in collaboration with the Director of Facilities and Operations.

Clergy Assistant

Provide proactive administrative support to two Cantors, anticipating needs, managing priorities, and ensuring they feel well-prepared This role requires strong initiative and the ability to anticipate logistical needs, communicate changes quickly, and ensure operational systems run smoothly.

• Communication: Manage thank-you notes, emails, outreach and follow-ups.

• Calendar and Event Coordination: Oversee life cycle and event scheduling, ensuring the Cantors’ calendars are up-to-date and well-organized.

• Ritual and Music Preparation: Prepare service materials, manage music licensing and organization, and support choir needs.

• Clerical and Logistical: Create slideshows for services, order supplies, manage phone calls, handle reimbursements, and manage travel arrangements for clergy guest artists.

• Administrative Team Support: Actively contribute to the broader administrative team by answering phones, greeting visitors, interacting with congregants, directing students to their lessons, and pitching in for colleagues during busy times.

Experience and Qualifications

• Professional Experience: 3+ years of work experience preferred, with the ability to perform in a

fast-paced environment.

• Jewish Knowledge: Familiarity with Jewish traditions, holidays, and ritual preferred.

• Technical Proficiency: Some experience with 2-3 of following software platforms:

o Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive)

o Microsoft 365 (OneDrive, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

o Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems

o Project Management systems

• Communication and Organizational Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, organize competing demands, and maintain strong attention to detail while meeting deadlines. Demonstrated ability to create and maintain reliable systems for managing recurring tasks, timelines, and communications, ensuring operational processes run smoothly and consistently week to week while supporting families through this meaningful milestone.

• Collaborative Mindset: A team player with a positive attitude, a proactive and creative approach to challenges, and a good sense of humor that fosters a supportive and enjoyable work environment.

• Interpersonal Qualities: Strong judgment, dependability, and the ability to cultivate meaningful relationships with colleagues and community members. Ability to be discreet and trustworthy when handling confidential information and sensitive issues.

Salary and Benefits

$55,000-$65,000 based on experience, with health insurance, contribution to a retirement plan and paid time off. Employees receive a complimentary synagogue membership and discounted tuition for Temple educational programs for early childhood and school-aged children.

How to Apply

Please send cover letter and resume to Shari Rothstein, Executive Director at srothstein@tewnj.org.