Synagogue Administrator

A vibrant, warm, growing, and inclusive Conservative synagogue in Howard County, MD seeks a dynamic Synagogue Administrator for our congregation of approximately 250 families.

The Synagogue Administrator serves as the Chief Administrative Officer of the congregation and provides the day to day management of synagogue affairs.  The Synagogue Administrator works as a team and collaborates with the Senior Rabbi, staff, and Board of Trustees as well as supervises office personnel.  The Administrator is the primary interface between the synagogue and its members and prospective members as well as the public through in-person, phone, and e-communications. The position sometimes requires duties to be performed outside the normal office schedule. 

Primary responsibilities for our Synagogue Administrator include:

 Office Management 

• Supervise the day to day operations of the synagogue office
• Supervise all non-professional office staff.
• Perform human resources functions such as assisting in hiring, terminations, coordinating vacation schedules, performance management, coaching, and training of adminstrative staff in collaboration with the Senior Rabbi and Personnel Chair.
• Develop and implement office policies and procedures.
• Serve as contact for maintenance of our IT system and regularly back-up computer data.  

Administrative and General 

• Provide and oversee all communications with the synagogue membership as well as external mailings, including weekly and monthly electronic newsletters, Shabbat bulletins, ShulCloud messages, bereavement and shiva announcements, publicity, and registrations.
• Oversee and perform administrative duties, including answering telephones, mailing, filing, and data entry.
• Provide office support, as needed, to the Senior Rabbi, Board of Trustees, and committees.
• Interface with callers, members, and prospective members.
• Serve as a liaison between the Congregation and the community to promote the synagogue's visibility.
• Maintain and continously update the website; coordinate the calendar and scheduling of activites for synagogue groups.
• Provide administrative and logistical support of all Shabbat and life cycle services, High Holy Day services, and festivals.
• Maintain office supplies and maintain and manage office equipment.
• Assist the Treasurer and Bookkeeper in fiscal and financial duties including, but not limited to maintaining fiscal records, creating financial reports, monitoring expenditures, preparing the annual budget, and monitoring and collecting dues.
• Oversee the rental of the facilities, including contracts, collections, and scheduling of staff.
• Implement, enforce, and assist with development of synagogue policies with regard to vendors (e.g., caterers, photographers, musicians); serve as a liason with vendors.
• Complete synagogue errands, as required.
• Assure meeting space is available and set up for committee meetings and adult education classes and programs.
• Maintain ongoing contact with the local media.
• Maintain the various synagogue records, e.g. membership data, newsletters, minutes, and all historic and archival records.
• Serve as the administrator for the Hebrew Young Men's Cemetery which includes maintaining physical and electronic records; acting as primary contact for purchases, funeral homes, and services; coordinating cemetery sales; and creating contracts and documents. 

Property and Equipment

• Coordinate security and general maintence.
• Maintain the property by identifying necessary repairs, replacements, and maintenance, and by working with the Building Committee to implement the needed or desired actions. 
• Negotiate, hire, and fire custodial contractors as appropriate; supervise custodial staff. 
• Provide on-site supervision of repair, grounds maintenance, and renovation and expansion projects.
• As appropriate, obtain competitive bids for services, projects, and contracts.
• Develop and implement a program of preventive periodic maintenance.
• Monitor utilities usage and identify areas for improvement and corrective action.

Membership 

• Provide initial contact with prospective and new members, offering information on services, programs, and dues structure.
• Maintain accurate membership records and occupational lists.
• Assist the Membership committee in planning of strategies for growth and membership retention.
• Promote membership engagement.
• Periodically assist the Membership and Long Range committee in conducting surveys and gathering data in membership related areas.
• Responsible for working with families for life cycle events with respect to onegs, kiddushes, parties, coordination of calendar, facilities set up, and multiple family needs and events. 

Board Committees and Auxiliaries

• Serve as a resource for all committees and auxiliaries (Sisterhood/Men's Club).
• Assist the Board of Trustees, officers, and committees with the planning and execution of programs, activities, and decisions.
• Attend special or standing committee meetings, as warranted.
• Assist with the development and implementation of fundraising campaigns.
• Collaborate with and support the Religious School, when needed.

Events, Dinners, and Programs

• Provide administrative and logistical support required for the smooth running of events, adult education classes, and on-going programs.
• Send out event invitations and reminders; compile RSVP counts and lists.
• Engage in marketing for synagogue programs and events.  
• Coordinate holiday observance events (High Holidays, Sukkot, Chanukah, Purim, Yom Hashoah, etc.).
• Support committees and the Board of Trustees, as needed.
• Coordinate with caterers for Onegs, Kiddushes, and special events, and maintain the calendar for such.
• Manage paper products and food inventory.

Desired Competencies, Skills and Experience

• Working knowledge of Jewish practice, traditions, and familiarity with the Jewish calendar of celebrations and holidays.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to reinforce our warm, friendly, and comfortable environment.
• Strong Information Technology skills or a proven record of learning new software and technologies quickly.
• Experience using ShulCloud preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Google workspaces.
• Excellent writing and proofreading skills.
• Ability to multitask, pay attention to detail, and strong organizational skills. 
• Prior supervisory experience a must.
• Five or more years experience in an administrative role preferred.
• A college degree is required.
• Hebrew knowledge a plus.

Please submit a resume and cover letter.