Clergy Assistant

Clergy Assistant

Position Overview:

Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation seeks a warm, organized, and professional individual to support our clergy team and assist with administrative and scheduling functions that contribute to their success. This role is ideal for someone who values Jewish communal life, is comfortable in a synagogue setting, and enjoys both interpersonal and behind-the-scenes work.

The Clergy Assistant plays a key role in helping our clergy serve the spiritual and pastoral needs of the community, as well as prepare for life cycle events, while ensuring smooth office operations. As the first point of contact for many congregants, some of whom may be grieving or in need of support,  the ideal candidate will possess a warm and caring nature, have the ability to handle confidential information with discretion, and have excellent computer skills, organizational skills and a keen attention to detail.

Key Responsibilities

Provide Clergy Support to both the Rabbi and the Cantor, including but not limited to:

• Coordinate clergy calendars, appointments, and lifecycle events (e.g., b’nai mitzvahs, weddings, funerals, unveilings, baby namings).
• Assist with preparation for Shabbat, holiday services, life-cycle events and clergy-led educational programs (e.g., printing materials, organizing ritual items).
• Provide scheduling coordination for the B’nai Mitzvah program.
• Facilitate communication with congregants, volunteers, the Ritual Committee, and Board members regarding lifecycle events and rituals.
• Scheduling periodic committee meetings.
• Develop and maintain strong administrative processes and documentation for core functions, including accurate record-keeping to support congregant experiences, such as bar/bat mitzvahs, yahrzeits, conversions, life-cycle events, and Mi Shebeirach lists.
• Maintain confidential pastoral care records and track follow-ups.
• Serve as a liaison between clergy and congregants, ensuring timely and compassionate communication during a time of need.
• Support clergy in drafting and/or proofreading correspondence and program materials.
• Work with Finance & Payroll to track and submit clergy’s vacation and sick leave and work related expenses
• Assist with any additional administrative tasks requested by the clergy.

Provide General Administrative Support to contribute to the smooth operations of the synagogue office, including but not limited to:

• Answer phones, greet visitors, and respond to general inquiries with warmth and professionalism.
• Order and maintain office supplies and workspace organization.
• Assist with editing, proofreading and sending out synagogue communications, including timely emails, synagogue announcements, and mailings.
• Support data entry, mailings, and other administrative tasks as needed.
• Assist with synagogue events and programs as required.
• Maintain organized filing systems and contribute to overall office efficiency.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• 1-3 years of professional experience in an administrative support role, past experience supporting clergy preferred; Experience in a synagogue or Jewish nonprofit preferred.
• Meticulous organizational skills; attention to detail; ability to prioritize simultaneous projects.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with different stakeholders, demonstrated ability to work on a team.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor, especially when representing the clergy.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and sensitivity.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word Excel, Powerpoint, etc.) and Google workspace (docs, spreadsheets, and drive); familiarity with synagogue management software, such as ShulCloud, or similar applications. The ability and willingness to learn additional software programs as needed.
• Knowledge of, and respect for, Jewish customs, holidays, and lifecycle events is essential.
• Openness to feedback and learning.

Additional Information:

• Ability to move frequently between multiple spaces within the building, using stairs, and lift up to 20 lbs.
• Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required to staff religious services, programs or events, as needed.
• A foundational understanding of the Hebrew language and the Hebrew calendar is strongly preferred.

Hiring Salary Range: $25.00-$32.00/hour, depending upon experience and qualifications. This is a full-time, hourly, non-exempt role. Full benefits package included.

This position is located on Mercer Island, WA and is an onsite role, and therefore not eligible for hybrid nor remote work.

Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to: [email protected]