B’nei Mitzvah Coordinator and Clergy Assistant

B’nei Mitzvah Coordinator and Clergy Assistant

Congregation Beth Elohim (CBE) is a vibrant, cutting-edge Reform synagogue in Park Slope, Brooklyn. 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. 

We are seeking a full-time B’nei Mitzvah Coordinator and Clergy Assistant, responsible for managing the life-cycle process for students and their families, and for providing administrative support for CBE’s Associate Rabbi and Cantor. The position reports to the Executive Director, Associate Rabbi, and Cantor. 

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. During any given year, approximately 180 families are involved in our three-year B’nei Mitzvah process. One group of students are just receiving their dates and portions, another group is actively working with tutors, and a third group is getting ready to be called to the Torah. The B’nei Mitzvah coordinator works with all students and families in the process and provides continuity and support throughout this important life-cycle journey.

As our B’nei Mitzvah Coordinator and Clergy Assistant, you must have excellent communication and organizational skills, a warm and inclusive demeanor, and an excitement for engaging students and families in Jewish life. 

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover all of or 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.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support for the Associate Rabbi and the Cantor including calendaring, email, and logistical support as necessary.
• Serve as coordinator for all B’nei Mitzvah.
• Oversee all operations and logistics for the B’nei Mitzvah program including date selection, introduction to the program, preparing the handbooks and learning materials for each child.
• Coordinate the scheduling of all B’nei Mitzvah tutors.
• Monitor student progress in Hebrew and ensure families are in compliance with B’nei Mitzvah requirements
• Be present for all B’nei Mitzvah in the sanctuary or chapel on Shabbatot when B’nei Mitzvah and rehearsals are occurring.
• Coordinate the development, creation, and implementation of the B’nei Mitzvah learning and curriculum with Yachad leadership team and Cantor.

Communication with Families and Tutors

• Manage communication plan and efforts for families of B’nei Mitzvah students and their tutors.
• Communicate with Day School families about relevant programs and events
• Respond in timely manner to emails, phone calls and texts from parents and staff
• Communicate with parents regarding their children through in-person meetings, phone calls, and correspondence.

Other

• Attend Program Staff, Full Staff, Education Department, and Youth/Family & Teen Committee meetings
• 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 Associate Rabbi and Cantor.

Qualities of Ideal Candidates

CBE’s B’nei Mitzvah Coordinator and Clergy Assistant should possess the following qualities:

• 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; 
• Desire to see themselves as an essential face of the B’nei Mitzvah program at CBE.

Qualifications Expected

• Experience working with youth and teens in a congregational and/or camp setting
• Bachelors Degree 
• Ability to create and maintain authentic relationships with kids and adults of all ages
• Ability to engage parents and congregational leadership as partners in youth work
• Ability to bring and implement new, creative ideas
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills
• Comfort with Hebrew, Reform Jewish liturgy, and work in a Reform synagogue setting
• Good sense of humor, passion for learning, proven reliability and responsibility, and a desire to work collaboratively with a professional team

This is a full-time position with Sundays and Mondays off. This position requires flexibility to work Saturday mornings, some weekday evenings, and select holidays. 

Salary Range: $55,000-$65,000. 

To apply, please send your resume, cover letter, and contact information for 3 professional references to Maribeth Batcha at mbatcha@cbebk.org. In the subject line please put “B’nei Mitzvah and Clergy Assistant – YOUR NAME.” 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.