Job Title: Clergy Assistant

Employee Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Reports to: Rabbi Jeff Saxe

Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9-5:30, Friday 9-3

About Us

Temple Rodef Shalom is a vibrant Reform Jewish congregation located in Northern Virginia, just outside of Washington, DC. Since our founding in 1962, we have grown into the largest Jewish congregation in Virginia, serving nearly 1,800 households. Each week, we are bustling with activity, serving nearly 200 families in our Early Childhood Center, nearly 800 students in our Religious School, and hundreds of people who walk through our doors to pray, sing, learn, connect, and mark life-cycle moments.

We have a dynamic and collaborative clergy team (three rabbis and two cantors), who lead our community in worship, preside over life cycle events, and represent our values in the wider community. They breathe wisdom and vision, spirituality and music into everything we do as a congregation.

About You

The successful candidate is an experienced administrative professional, able to provide a wide range of support to the clergy team and a warm and welcoming face to the congregation. You enjoy being at the center of a community, supporting others, and helping a busy office run smoothly in a meaningful and mission-driven setting. You are personable, reliable and discerning, able to take initiative as a key member of the team and equally comfortable asking questions to ensure tasks are completed accurately and efficiently. You can manage multiple projects with confidence and a "can-do" attitude, even in high-intensity or stressful moments, and you are committed to providing the highest level of service to our members.

Essential Responsibilities

Administration

Triage incoming calls, emails, and requests to and from clergy and direct accordingly
Manage the internal clergy calendar with life cycle events and other appointments, as well as ensuring clergy programs are accurately reflected on the temple’s front-facing calendar
Coordinate setups for various events and services, including weekly worship services, special services, Torah study sessions, and clergy-related gatherings
Draft and produce clergy communications and donation acknowledgements
Maintain inventory of ritual items and order supplies or catering as needed
Assist with special projects such as congregational trips and new clergy initiatives
Manage the emergency phone schedule and provide backup main phone line support
Support the Shabbat Around Town initiative (5 per year): identify locations, serve as point of contact for selected venues, manage logistics and food ordering/deliveries.

Worship

Organize materials for all worship services (Shabbat and holidays): create cue sheets, coordinate guests, and send reminders for special services
Support High Holy Day preparations during the summer months, including compiling the Yizkor book and creating service programs
Ensure a board member attends each worship service, manage their greetings and remarks
Work select Jewish holidays including, but not limited to, Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur.

Life Cycle and Pastoral Care

Coordinate logistics and provide support for life cycle events: births, weddings, conversions, and end-of-life care, including funerals for congregants and their family members
Be present at most funerals, to ensure a seamless and meaningful experience for mourners
Manage clergy's pastoral care database, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality
Other duties may be assigned.

Core Competencies, Required Skills and Abilities

The following qualities are essential for success:

Excellent written and oral communication skills
Self-motivated and independent- takes initiative and anticipates clergy needs
High emotional intelligence, able to interact effectively with diverse personalities
A skilled multi-tasker, able to manage multiple projects with minimal supervision
Highly organized, able to navigate a fast-paced environment and high-expectation culture
Solution-oriented, able to analyze and resolve challenges demonstrating good judgment
Able to maintain confidentiality and discretion in personal and professional matters
Able to work occasional evenings and weekends (1-2 per month, flex time offered), and during the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
An understanding of synagogue life, Jewish holidays, and customs is a plus, curiosity and willingness to learn is required.
Proficient in Microsoft Office, comfortable using a range of technology (Zoom, databases like Shulcloud and FileMaker)

Education and Experience

High School diploma or equivalent, college degree preferred
5-8 years administrative, customer-service, membership, or related work experience

Temple Rodef Shalom is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an accepting and inclusive environment for all employees. The Temple does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $62,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

403(b)
403(b) matching
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Parental leave
Professional development assistance
Retirement plan
Vision insurance

Experience:

administrative: 5 years (Required)
Office: 5 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

Falls Church, VA 22043 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Temple Rodef Shalom jobs

Clergy Assistant

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