Congregation Beth Elohim (CBE) is a vibrant, cutting-edge Reform synagogue in Park Slope, Brooklyn. We are seeking a full-time Clergy Assistant, responsible for managing the administrative support for members of CBE’s clergy team. As a Clergy Assistant, you must have excellent communication and organizational skills, a warm and inclusive demeanor, and an interest in engaging members in Jewish life. This is an ideal position for someone returning to the workforce, someone considering a career change, or someone eager to put their skills to work in a Jewish setting.
This is a full-time, in-person position. CBE’s business offices are open Tuesday through Friday, though the position requires flexibility to work Saturday mornings, Friday nights, and occasional weekday evenings as support for services or community events. This position will be expected to be able to work to support CBE during the High Holy Days and other holiday celebrations. This is not an entry-level position. Ideally, we are interested in candidates who have extensive office experience, assisting clergy, or c-level executives.
Please note that this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. The position may change at any time.
We are seeking a warm, organized, and resourceful individual to support our clergy team and help ensure the smooth operation of our community. This position offers the opportunity to work closely with our clergy, staff, and congregants—often during significant and meaningful moments in their lives.
Responsibilities
- Organization & Scheduling
- Manage the clergy team’s calendars, including scheduling meetings, conferences, and travel.
- Coordinate periodic clergy department meetings to foster communication and collaboration.
- Communication & Documentation
- Review incoming correspondence and draft thoughtful, accurate letters and documents.
- Utilize dictation tools when needed.
- Maintain strict confidentiality in all exchanges with congregants, management, and staff.
- Handle and maintain records and documents pertaining to life-cycle events in a timely manner, including but not limited to birth dates, death dates, marriage licenses and naming certificates.
- Member & Guest Engagement
- Answer and direct calls for the clergy team, prioritizing messages as appropriate.
- Provide compassionate support to members during life cycle moments including birth, marriage, divorce, and loss.
- Administrative & Financial Support
- Reconcile credit card accounts.
- Process departmental reports requested by members of the clergy or administration.
- Team Collaboration
- Serve as a resource to the clergy administrative staff when planning and implementing programs and initiatives.
- Assist with special projects as directed by the clergy team.
- Support clergy-managed programs by coordinating logistics, communication, and record keeping.
Other Responsibilities
- Attend program staff, full staff, and clergy team meetings as necessary.
- Work closely with the CBE’s engagement and facilities teams to ensure that programs and events are thoughtfully planned, well-executed, and clearly communicated to internal staff and participants.
- Perform other job-related responsibilities as necessary as determined in conjunction with the members of the clergy team and the senior clergy assistant.
Qualities of Ideal Candidates
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Enthusiasm for organizing materials, events, and people
- Knowledge of and appreciation for experiential Jewish education and engagement
- Genuine warmth, approachability and capacity for relationship-building with congregants and staff
- Collaborative working style and ability to partner with members of the education and clergy teams
- Demonstrated capacity for creative thinking and strong organizational skills
- Solid work ethic
- Good sense of humor, passion for learning, proven reliability and responsibility, and a desire to work collaboratively with a professional team
- Ability to bring and implement new, creative ideas
- Ability to create and maintain authentic relationships with members
Qualifications Expected:
- Bachelor's Degree Required
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
- Comfort with Hebrew, Reform Jewish liturgy, Jewish lifecycle events, and work in a Reform synagogue setting
- Working knowledge and comfort with computer use and associated programs (Word/Excel/Powerpoint/Google Docs)
Application Process
To apply, please send your resume, cover letter, and contact information for 3 professional references to [email protected]. In the subject line please put “Clergy Assistant - YOUR NAME”.
Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis as we work to fill the position.
Congregation Beth Elohim (CBE) is an equal opportunity employer. It is a violation of CBE’s policies to discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, marital status, family status, sexual preference, status with regard to public assistance, mental or physical impairment, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
About CBE
CBE believes in ongoing Jewish exploration and living through deep Judaic and ritual exploration. CBE is committed to Judaism (Jewish experiences and education) that is inclusive and accessible to all. We are a welcoming and inclusive community, rooted in Jewish history and identity, and profoundly open to diversity in all its forms. We come together to learn, to pray, to celebrate the rhythm of Jewish time, and to support each other through the joys and sorrows of our lives.
We are a spiritual, cultural, and intellectual center for Jewish revitalization, fostering community and extending our values of justice, education, and inspiration throughout the neighborhoods where we live and beyond.