Chief of Staff to the Rabbi

The Jewish Community Project (JCP) of Lower Manhattan was founded in 2002 as a grassroots effort to grow Jewish life in downtown NYC. Based in Tribeca, JCP is an open and organic Jewish community that enables individuals and families to become a creative force in the life of the organization through educational, cultural, social, and spiritual experiences. The organization now serves approximately 300 downtown families and individuals, and also operates a prominent Early Childhood Center (ECC) and Hebrew School Project (HSP).

JCP is seeking a proactive and highly organized Chief of Staff to join the Jewish Community Project team, serving as the primary support and right-hand person to our Rabbi. As our first Chief of Staff, your mission will be to empower our Rabbi to focus on the spiritual and social aspects of their role while ensuring a best-in-class experience for community members. You will be responsible for the smooth execution of a range of JCP programs, processes, and projects that are essential to the continued growth and development of our community.

The ideal candidate will be an enthusiastic self-starter who can confidently manage up, anticipate needs, and seek out ways to enhance and improve the status quo. 

What you’ll do:

• Own and maintain the master events calendar, ensuring accuracy and timely updates.
• Manage all aspects of the B’nai Mitzvah process for 25 candidates annually, including scheduling ceremonies, liaising with staff, tutors, and families, and overseeing communications and logistics.
• Act as the liaison for multiple board committees, including the Kindness Committee and Shabbat Committee, facilitating communication and coordination of initiatives.
• Serve as the forward-facing contact for all inquiries about lifecycle events and membership, providing information and support as needed.
• Coordinate logistics for High Holy Day services, including venue arrangements, staffing, and youth program coordination.
• Organize an annual community trip to Israel, coordinating with participants and collaborating with tour companies.
• Supervise the Community Events Manager, setting them up for success in their role and enabling them to be efficient and independent in their work. 

How your success will be measured:

• Smooth running of the events calendar with minimal need for intervention.
• Positive feedback from post-event surveys and debrief sessions.
• Community members report seamless interactions and support throughout their lifecycle events and other JCP experiences.

Requirements

• 3-5 years of professional experience, preferably in a non-profit or Jewish communal setting, with at least 1 year experience managing at least 1 direct report.
• Basic knowledge of Judaism, Jewish customs and culture, with an interest in learning and expanding your understanding. 
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with a polished and professional demeanor. Ability to read Hebrew is a plus!
• Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving, with the ability to make decisions on the fly.
• Proficiency in a CRM tool (Blackbaud, Fellowship One), Constant Contact, and G-Suite.
• Alignment with our core values of community, collaboration, and inclusivity.
• Please note: this position requires some work on the evenings and weekends (including Shabbat and Jewish holidays) to support community events as needed.

Benefits

Why you should be excited:

• Join a unique and vibrant Jewish community that is passionate about inclusivity and pluralism and make a meaningful impact on our continued growth in downtown NYC.
• Be the first in this role and have the opportunity to help define its scope and impact.
• Work closely with a collaborative and passionate Rabbi and learn about non-profit management and Jewish communal dynamics.
• Engage in diverse tasks every day, from program management to community engagement, in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to take on additional projects and responsibilities as you grow in the role, including building out our youth and young professionals programming.
• Eventually have the opportunity to travel to Israel annually with community members.

The details:

• Salary: $78,000 - $85,000, commensurate with experience.
• Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance (fully subsidized) for individuals, vision and dental coverage
• Time Off: 2 weeks PTO, sick days, 10 US holidays (incl. Fri after Thanksgiving) and a number of Jewish holidays
• Flexible Working: Hybrid model, with 2 - 3 days in office required and micro-flexibility built into your schedule

JCP Downtown is an Equal Opportunity Employer.