ABOUT CONGREGATION BETH EL NORWALK
Congregation Beth El, founded in 1934, is the only Conservative synagogue in Norwalk, CT, serving all of Fairfield County. We are a multi-generational, diverse community welcoming all who want to enjoy, explore, and participate in Jewish life, regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, or financial means.
JOB SUMMARY
The Synagogue Administrator performs a variety of skilled duties directly related to interfacing with members and addressing their needs, interfacing with the other professional staff, and the overall administrative and logistical functioning of the synagogue. Duties include overseeing our internal and external advertising and social media campaigns, managing our member database, controlling the synagogue calendar, managing our office, and supervising the maintenance of the synagogue property. In addition, the Synagogue Administrator will support the Clergy and Spiritual Leadership, the nursery school director, the Board of Trustees, and Committees.
REPORTING & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
The Synagogue Administrator functions as part of the synagogue’s leadership team, and is reviewed by the synagogue President or individuals designated by the President. The synagogue rabbi will have significant input in the performance evaluation of the position.
DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
1. Membership Management: The Synagogue Administrator plays a critical role in managing the congregant needs of our ~175 member households. This includes interfacing with congregants, supporting the integration of new members, and overseeing all member communications.
2. Overall Administrative Function: Oversee the synagogue office, manage member volunteers, control the synagogue calendar, and maintain the membership database. Office management responsibilities include the administration of payroll, accounts payable/accounts receivable, and supervision of existing synagogue office staff.
3. Property Management: Communicate with the maintenance company for regular cleaning, maintenance, and setup. Work with the lay leadership on building maintenance projects, such as HVAC, roofing, and electrical issues. Liaise with our property manager to supervise the two synagogue-owned adjacent rental properties.
4. Professional Leadership Collaboration: In conjunction with the Rabbi, Nursery School Director, and part-time Director of Community Development, the Synagogue Administrator will play a key role in the development and execution of programming, facilitation with lay volunteers and patrons, and work directly with the Rabbi and individuals/families with regard to planning Life Cycle events.
5. Marketing and Communications: Oversee our monthly newsletter, weekly event announcements, and other congregant communications, as well as website writing, editing, and the development of social media campaigns to grow our presence in the Lower Fairfield County community.
6. Clergy and Spiritual Leadership Support: Organize and schedule meetings for the Rabbi and oversee the synagogue’s spiritual life calendar.
7. Board of Trustees and Committee Support: Provide logistical support to our boards and committees as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Extensive administrative experience; detail-oriented with good organizational skills
• Excellent verbal, written, and telephone communication skills
• Experience in website writing, editing, and management
• Experience with a membership database; Shul Cloud experience a big plus
• Strong technology skills including Microsoft Office, Google platform, Constant Contact, and other web-based platforms
• Experience in creating social media campaigns and strategies
• Excellent time management skills
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Ability to prioritize, manage multiple assignments, and meet deadlines
• Good listener and intergenerational communicator
• Flexibility and a sense of humor
• A Bachelor of Arts or comparable college degree
• Experience in the non-profit and/or Jewish Community sector
• Knowledge and understanding of Judaism and Jewish communal life preferred
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position requires that one have the ability to comfortably use a keyboard and mouse for extended periods of time. An ergonomic adjustable chair and a telephone headset are provided. Must be able to sit in a room with compact fluorescent or LED lighting.