Executive Assistant to the Cantor and Social Justice Coordinator

Executive Assistant to the Cantor and Social Justice Coordinator

Temple Israel of Boston is known for offering an array of cutting edge Jewish experiences: spiritual, cultural and social, including interfaith and racial inclusion and social justice activism; and is seeking a warm, enthusiastic, and engaging executive assistant to join our team. This individual will work in two specific areas of justice and music in our congregation as the Executive assistant to our Cantor, who ensures our community’s musical vision and B’nei Mitzvah program, and to our Assistant Rabbi who oversees the justice work of our congregation. The ideal candidate is motivated, organized with work flow, and possesses an ability to interact and connect with our TI community in order to sustain impactful relationships with our clergy. A kind and helpful communication style, and a working knowledge of Jewish life and Hebrew is desired but not necessary.

As a part of the staff team, entrusted by our community members to embody the spirit and enliven the mission of Temple Israel, the Executive Assistant to the Cantor and Social Justice Coordinator will constantly strive to maintain a helpful, supportive attitude toward the work, the organization, and the community. This person will embody the values of openness and inclusion, welcoming people of all gender identities, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, spiritual traditions, and abilities. Finally, they have an appreciation for the diverse roles that a synagogue plays in a Jewish community. 

This position is full time and exempt.

Executive Assistant to the Cantor

The main responsibilities in assisting the Cantor are supporting the B’nei Mitzvah program, facilitating ongoing member engagement, Temple Israel’s musical presence throughout the week and in the larger community, and supporting initiatives for special musical programs and guests. 

 B’nei Mitzvah Coordination:

1. Coordinating and tracking religious school students within the B’nei Mitzvah program:  including events, communication, mailings, and preparing materials and certificates.
2. Facilitate communication, correspondence and appointments for B/M students with their tutors, and with the Cantor.  Manage the Mitzvah Tools database to monitor  students and their information - as they move through the program

Administrative: 

1. Upkeep of member information in the Temple Israel Database.  
2. Manage Cantor’s calendar, including scheduling meetings and appointments
3. Oversee the hiring and payroll administration of B’nei Mitzvah teachers and tutors
4. Oversee the payment of musicians, vendors, and guest artists 
5. Manage J Licence, our licensing program for music usage
6. File management and organization on Dropbox and Soundcloud

Music Team:

1. Organize logistics and communication with musicians, choir members, adult and junior, and help prepare materials for singers and musicians
2. Help keep music organized, neat, accessible for our library as well as musicians
3. Communicate with religious school music program
4. Help to organize/reorganize/catalogue all TI music.

Social Justice Coordinator

The Social Justice coordinator works closely with our Assistant Rabbi who is the Director of Social Justice as well as our Assistant Director of Social Justice Engagement. The main responsibilities of this role include providing support for major social justice related events, managing the Assistant Rabbi’s schedule, and attending meetings with the chairs of Tikkun Central. 

 Tikkun Central/ Social Justice Portfolio:

1. Participate in weekly Tikkun Central leadership meetings. Take meeting notes, assess the next steps involved. 
2. Develop an in-depth knowledge of the congregation’s current justice campaigns, and have an understanding of how they work together. 
3. Provide logistical support before and during social justice events, the primary event being Shabbat Tzedek (held annually on MLK Weekend). Work with lay leaders and staff to ensure that all organizational needs are met. If a program is virtual, this may also include “teching” the event itself (screen sharing, spotlighting). 

Administrative:

1. Manage Assistant Rabbi’s calendar, including scheduling meetings with other Temple Israel staff members, civic leaders in the Boston-area, and members of the Temple Israel community. 
2. Assist in coordinating the communications and activities of various groups and projects.
3. Manage receipts and maintain a knowledge of budget lines associated with the Assistant Rabbi’s roles.

Confirmation Class:

1. Updating and creating communications to interact with the 10th grade Confirmation Class and their families. 
2. Help to create and gather materials (written, video, etc.) for the Confirmation Shabbat Service (Shavuot)
3. Assistance with other Confirmation related activities which may arise (scheduling, reservations, etc). 

Qualifications and Skills: 

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Excellent interpersonal skills, written and verbal communication and phone skills
• Tenacious attention to detail, even under tight deadlines
• High computer literacy: adept in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); Google Suite, and familiarity with databases (particularly Salesforce)
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks even under shifting deadlines
• Professional, mature,  and discreet with confidential matters
• Minimum 5 years work experience in an administrative role.

This position works fully onsite. Hours are generally 9:30am-5:30pm, Monday-Friday, with occasional evening and weekend hours, including major Jewish holidays and some weekend events.