Program Coordinator
Agudas Achim Congregation, an egalitarian Conservative synagogue located in Alexandria, Virginia, serving a vibrant and engaged Jewish community in Northern Virginia.
Position Summary
Agudas Achim Congregation seeks a highly organized, proactive, and community-oriented Program Coordinator to manage and execute all synagogue programming with a primary focus on B’nai Mitzvah coordination, Shabbat and life cycle events, and weekend operations. This is a full-time (40 hours/week) position with a regular schedule of Wednesday through Sunday, reflecting the rhythm of synagogue life and weekend programming.
The Program Coordinator plays a central role in ensuring that all events are thoughtfully planned, warmly executed, and aligned with the synagogue’s values, religious practices, and operational standards.
Work Schedule
· Full-time, 40 hours per week
· Wednesday through Sunday
· Regular evening and weekend hours required, especially on Shabbat and during B’nai Mitzvah weekends
Core Responsibilities
Synagogue Programming & Events
· Plan, manage, and execute all synagogue programs and events, including Shabbat programming, holidays, life cycle events, and community gatherings.
· Maintain the synagogue’s master programming and events calendar in coordination with clergy, professional staff, and lay leadership.
· Supervise all logistical aspects of events, including room setup, timelines, vendor coordination in conjunction with Facilities’ coordinator.
B’nai Mitzvah Coordination
· Serve as the primary point of contact for all B’nai Mitzvah families.
· Coordinate all non-ritual aspects of B’nai Mitzvah celebrations, including:
o Kiddush and Shabbat lunch planning
o Friday night Shabbat dinners (when requested)
o Saturday evening celebrations (when requested)
· Schedule and manage event logistics in coordination with clergy, office staff, and families.
· Provide clear guidance and timelines to families to ensure a smooth and positive experience.
Kitchen & Catering Management
· Manage synagogue kitchen operations related to weekend and special events.
· Order food and supplies from approved catering partners in accordance with kashrut standards and synagogue policies.
· Ensure kitchen readiness for each Shabbat and event, including coordination of deliveries and setup.
Staffing & Volunteer Coordination
· Recruit, schedule, and supervise part-time paid staff for events and weekend operations.
· Coordinate and manage volunteers, including:
o Organizing volunteer assignments for B’nai Mitzvah weekends
o Coordinating volunteer participation from B’nai Mitzvah families for the upcoming year
· Provide training, direction, and on-site leadership to ensure smooth event execution.
Weekend Operations & On-Site Management
· Oversee and manage all aspects of synagogue events during:
o Friday night Shabbat services and dinners
o Saturday morning services and kiddush
o Occasional Saturday evening events
· Serve as the on-site point person to troubleshoot event issues, manage staff and volunteers, and ensure high-quality experiences for congregants and guests.
Space Coordination with Schools
· Work collaboratively with the Religious School and Preschool to coordinate special event using shared synagogue spaces.
· Supervise room scheduling in coordination with Facilities Coordinator to ensure that programming, school activities, and life cycle events coexist smoothly.
· Communicate clearly with school leadership regarding setup, breakdown, and space and use needs.
Qualifications
· Prior experience in synagogue, Jewish nonprofit, or community programming strongly preferred.
· Demonstrated experience in event planning, logistics, and operations.
· Strong organizational and project management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work effectively with families, clergy, staff, volunteers, and vendors.
· Comfort working independently and managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
· Knowledge of Jewish customs, Shabbat, and kashrut practices highly desirable.
Personal Attributes
· Warm, welcoming, and service-oriented approach
· Calm and solution-focused under pressure
· Flexible, dependable, and team-oriented
· Commitment to the mission and values of a Conservative Jewish congregation
Reporting Structure
· Reports to the Executive Director (or designated senior staff member)
· Works closely with clergy, office staff, educators, and lay leadership
Compensation & Benefits
· Salary $50,000-$55,000, commensurate with experience.
· Benefits package: group healthcare, options for Dental and Vision, Flexible Spending
· Two weeks PTO, plus Federal and Jewish Holidays when office is closed.