Kesher Administrative Assistant

Kesher Administrative Assistant

Temple Israel is a vibrant, large and growing congregation with a mission to draw from the depth and richness of Judaism to help one another thrive: building community and connection, cultivating awe and wonder, living with hope and purpose, offering healing and comfort, pursuing social justice. 

Kesher

Kesher: The Center for Jewish Life enables the exploration of everyone’s evolving Jewish self, grounded in connection, community, holiness, and love. Truly, our families come to Temple Israel to find connection and community, as well as meaning in their Jewish learning. The following four values undergird everything we do and what our parents say they want for their families:

1. Kesher – Connection
   We see every experience and person as a snapshot in the continuum and narrative of Jewish time and life, made more holy through our relationship to Torah, tradition, God, and community.
2. Ahava – Love
   We provide a supportive, inclusive, and non-competitive environment that values all individuals for their uniqueness and supports them on their individual journeys.
3. Kedusha – Spirituality
   We recognize that we are part of something much larger than ourselves that we access through prayer, gratitude, meditation, questions, wonder, awe and seeing the Divine in every human being.
4. Kehilah – Community
   The creation of shared experiences connecting us to one another, to tradition, God and the world.

CORE COMPETENCIES: 

• Verbal and Written Communication: Able to speak and write articulately and clearly in a variety of communication settings and styles; clearly articulates message content and projects an appropriate tone 
• Technical Skill: Able to use technological resources designed for office and synagogue management, and able to learn to use new technologies as required

• Time Management: Able to use time effectively and efficiently; can appropriately attend to a broad range of activities and responsibilities
• Interpersonal Skills: Establishes good working relationships with senior staff, colleagues, and congregants and works well with people at all levels of the organization; builds appropriate rapport; uses diplomacy and tact; is approachable
• Congregant Orientation: Demonstrates concern for and attends to the needs of congregants; projects a sense of empathy and understanding when dealing with community members; is able to supply answers and provide resources
• Team Orientation: Demonstrates interest, skill and success in participating in a team environment; steps up to offer self as a resource to other members of the team; understands and supports the importance of teamwork

Position Summary

The Kesher Administrative Assistant provides comprehensive administrative support for the Associate Rabbi/Director of Education, Director of Experiential Education, and Kesher staff, ensuring that all Kesher programs operate effectively, efficiently, and with care. This role is essential in supporting the day-to-day functioning of our vibrant Kesher community, handling detailed administrative tasks with accuracy while maintaining a welcoming and attentive presence for families, educators, and students.

As the first point of contact for new and returning Kesher families, the Kesher Administrative Assistant helps create a warm and inclusive environment, providing clear communication and guidance to parents, students, and staff. The role requires a high level of organization, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and a commitment to ensuring that all Kesher programs, events, and communications run smoothly.

Ideal Hours of Employment: (exact hours will be determined)

School Year:

• Monday: 9:15 am – 6:15 pm
• Tuesday: 12-8:00pm 
• Wednesday and Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm 
• Friday and Saturday: off
• Sunday: 8:00am-2:15pm 

Summer: Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Essential Job Functions

• Provide comprehensive administrative support for the Associate Rabbi/Director of Education, Director of Experiential Education, and Kesher staff, including maintaining Kesher and Associate Rabbi calendar, ensuring all programs run effectively and efficiently.
• Manage enrollment, registration, and initial billing for Kesher programs, maintaining accurate enrollment, class lists, attendance, schedules and educator spreadsheets in Shulcloud, Excel, google docs and Google Sheets.
• Serve as the first point of contact for all Kesher-related questions from new and existing families, maintaining a warm and welcoming presence while providing clear communication.
• Maintain and update student records, including medical and emergency contact information, and track attendance at Kesher programs and services.
• Oversee and manage supplies for Kesher, including organizing the Kesher closet and supplies, ordering educational materials, maintaining office supplies, and ordering/preparing food for weekly Kesher, programs, and special events.
• Track and process finances for the Associate Rabbi and Kesher, including Associate Rabbi discretionary fund allocations, payment requests from staff, and processing payroll for Kesher educators and Madrichim while maintaining accurate budget records.
• Create and manage Letters of Agreement (LOAs) for educators.
• Update weekly Kesher email.
• Support educator needs including purchasing and distributing supplies, as well as educator gifts.
• Provide back-up support during Kesher hours, including responsiveness to walkie calls and minute student needs (including but not limited to minor first aid).
• Manage technology needs, including creating and managing Zoom accounts for educators and Kesher programs and ensuring accurate communications with correct dates, links, and program details.
• Support daily operations, including answering phones, laminating materials, creating and posting building schedules for Kesher programs, and maintaining expedient follow-up to prospective families.
• Perform additional assignments as needed, assisting with RSVPs for Kesher events and other duties as required, supporting the evolving needs of the Kesher program at the discretion of the Associate Rabbi/Director of Education.

Functional/Technical Skills 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, ShulCloud, and Zoom.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to focus and function in a high-energy, fast-paced environment.
• Welcoming presence with excellent interpersonal and phone communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to handle confidential information professionally.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment while maintaining warmth and attentiveness for students, families, and staff.
• Familiarity with Jewish institutions, holidays and culture is a plus.

Compensation

• Salary: $45,000 
• Flexible hours
• PTO
• Health Insurance 
• Professional development
• Mentoring and the opportunity to work in a collaborative environment.