Community Engagement Program Associate

Since its founding in 1825, B’nai Jeshurun (BJ), a non-affiliated synagogue on the Upper West Side, has been at the forefront of the American Jewish experience. As it approaches its third century, our vision remains focused on the spiritual work of transformation and on the creation of a Jewish path that is authentic, profound, and helps all members of the community seek and live their purpose to the fullest. 

BJ’s spiritual leaders, Rabbis Rolando Matalon, Felicia Sol, and Rebecca Weintraub, and Hazzan Ari Priven, as well as BJ’s nearly 1,800 member families, share a vision of a diverse, dynamic, and inclusive community that offers many paths to Jewish religious life while supporting one another in their spiritual quests. BJ is committed to honoring tradition while re-imagining and innovating its practices and programs to create a vibrant, contemporary, and relevant Jewish life for all who seek it.

Job Overview

We are excited to welcome a new Program Associate to the team.  

B’nai Jeshurun seeks a talented Jewish community builder to join its Adult Programming and Engagement department as a Program Associate. The mission of this department is to support BJ members in developing a meaningful Jewish community they call home by building connections and caring for each other, here at BJ and in the world. The Program Associate will contribute to this mission by supporting several key programs within the department. 

The successful candidate will have a passion for building meaningful Jewish life; excellent communications and project management skills; the flexibility to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment; and the experience to partner with colleagues across the organization. This is an excellent opportunity for someone at the start of a career in the Jewish non-profit sector, who has demonstrated aptitude in a previous work position or in a substantial volunteer role (eg: leadership of a college student group), and is ready to take their next step.

This is a dual-reporting position to the Senior Rabbinic Fellow for work related to Aviv (BJ’s 20s/30s program), and to the Chief Program and Engagement Officer for all other work.

Key Responsibilities

50%: Aviv (BJ’s 20s and 30s Program)

• Provide support for Aviv, BJ’s rapidly growing 20s/30s program. Manage the experience of Aviv community members for events, including communications and administrative elements of program execution, including but not limited to: 
  • communications requests, acquiring program materials, processing invoices and expenses, and troubleshooting on the go
• As needed, provide on-site program coordination for specific Aviv events 
• Work with the Senior Rabbinic Fellow to create a connected and engaged community through communications, events, and personal interactions
• Based on experience and passions, possibility to lead smaller events and programs for the Aviv demographic

50%: Adult Programming and Engagement 

• Serve as staff liaison to BJ’s social groups for 30s/40s and 55+
• Provide administrative support as described above for other program areas, including:
  • Israel-related programming, including trips
  • Holiday programming
  • Special projects/community events such as a community retreat, Shabbaton
• Support the institutionalization of BJ’s leadership development initiative 
• Manage the promotion, registration, and coordination of BJ’s Havurah (small groups) Initiative 
• As needed, serve as department staff member on-site for program coordination for community programs
• Based on experience and passions, possibility to lead smaller events and programs for BJ’s adult community
• Participate in and support major BJ-wide programs and experiences, including but not limited to:
  • Staffing select High Holy Day services
  • Supporting membership department as needed during membership season
  • Participating in significant community events (in recent years this has included Sanctuary Centennial Celebration and Building Rededication)

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• 1-2+ years experience in program/events management, preferably in a Jewish context. This could be professional experience, or serving in a substantial volunteer role such as leading a campus student group;
• Experience working in an office environment (as staff or volunteer);
• Highly organized and detail oriented;
• Personal commitment to building meaningful Jewish community and the ability to communicate that meaning to others;
• Excellent collaboration and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks under tight deadlines in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Personal Qualities and Values

• Self starter with an entrepreneurial spirit;
• High emotional intelligence and maturity;
• Relational orientation and team player;
• Flexibility and willingness to listen effectively, seek and receive feedback;
• Humble confidence, openness to being mentored;
• Commitment to life-long journey of learning, including diversity, equity and inclusion, and social justice;
• Belief in stretching oneself and growing as a spiritual practice; and
• Sense of humor.

Schedule

The Community Engagement Program Associate is a hybrid position, with the current expectation of 2-3 days in the office from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, and the remainder of the week working remotely. In addition, you will need to be flexible, to staff select evening programs as noted above, and to be able to attend additional on-site monthly staff and/or other/regular departmental meetings, holidays, and various community-wide programs. Note: There is no guarantee of any remote work schedule; as the organization’s needs evolve, so too may one’s schedule, necessitating more days in the office.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time non-exempt position, with a starting salary between $45,000 to $55,000 for those who meet the minimum job requirements. BJ offers medical, dental, and vision insurance policies, as well as vacation and sick days, over 20 paid (National and Jewish) holidays, a 403b retirement plan, and many other benefits. 

To Apply

Please send your resume and cover letter to Human Resources at hr@bj.org with the subject line “Community Engagement Program Associate.”

B’nai Jeshurun is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in recognition of its values, commitment to social justice, and responsibility to its spiritual leaders and staff, congregants, and the communities within which it lives and works. It strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, veterans, immigrants, and LGBTQIA+ applicants.