What are the responsibilities and job description for the Synagogue Administrator position at Congregation Or Ami?
Synagogue Administrator
Congregation Or Ami – Richmond, VA
About Congregation Or Ami
Congregation Or Ami is a growing, vibrant Reform synagogue deeply committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive community. We value collaboration, integrity, and creative problem-solving, and we work together to meet the spiritual, cultural, and educational needs of our diverse congregation.
Our Synagogue Administrator plays a pivotal role in ensuring our community runs smoothly, from financial operations and records management to event coordination and facilities oversight.
Position Summary
The Synagogue Administrator is a central, multifaceted role responsible for managing the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of Congregation Or Ami. This position requires a proactive, detail-oriented professional who can balance a variety of tasks including finance, records management, event planning, communication, and facilities coordination. The ideal candidate will embrace the dynamic nature of synagogue life, contribute to community-building efforts, and uphold the values and standards of our congregation. This is the perfect role for someone who wants a flexible role in a meaningful environment – the prior incumbent was here for 38 years if that speaks to the culture!
Key Responsibilities
Administrative & Financial Operations
Mail & Banking: Regularly check mail, make deposits (checks and cash), and handle various finance-related tasks.
Office Management: Order and maintain office supplies (printer paper, stamps, ink, letterhead, etc.) and manage the upkeep of office equipment by coordinating repairs and services (e.g., photocopier, internet/phone issues).
Records Management: Maintain and archive essential documents, manage the membership, yahrzeit, and Mi Shebeirach lists, and prepare printed/email handouts for services.
Synagogue Database Administration: Create and update member accounts, manage weekly financial entries (charges, payments, donations), and prepare monthly and quarterly reports and communications, including donation lists and thank-you letters.
Communication & Community Engagement
Email & Marketing: Create and distribute weekly emails and assist with additional communications such as Religious School or Friday morning emails, including basic graphic design work and maintenance of the website, social media, and Reflector articles.
Event Coordination: Assist in planning, registering, and executing major community events and programs (e.g., Tot Shabbat, B’nei Mitzvah programs). This includes preparing registration forms, flyers, and coordinating with vendors and volunteers.
Religious School & Facility Operations
Religious School Support: Provide operational support during Religious School on Sundays answering phones, managing materials, assisting students, and ensuring a safe and orderly environment.
Facility Management: Oversee the organization and tidiness of our building, ensure security protocols are met (locking doors and windows), and coordinate with contractors for facility maintenance and improvements.
Calendar & Scheduling: Maintain and update Or Ami’s Google calendar to manage classes, meetings, and facility rentals, ensuring no double-bookings occur.
Additional Responsibilities
On-Site Duties: Handle urgent messages for the rabbi and lay leaders, manage emergency contacts (including coordinating with security on Sunday mornings), and assist in facilitating communications between families and the rabbi during pastoral needs.
Special Projects: Support the organization of major events, including purchasing materials and coordinating logistics, and assist with technical needs (e.g., connecting laptops to TVs for presentations).
Other Activities: Participate in security training sessions, hold office hours during the week, and perform other tasks as assigned to support the smooth functioning of the congregation.
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform occasional physical tasks associated with event setup and facility maintenance.
Required Skills & Qualifications
High school diploma or GED (Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required)
Proficiency in basic accounting and finance management
Strong organizational, technical, and communication skills
Experience with digital tools (Google Calendar, email platforms, basic graphic design software, and Excel)
Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and problem-solve effectively
Commitment to the values and mission of a Reform synagogue (but you don’t have to be Jewish!)
Work Culture & Environment
Collaborative: You will work closely with the rabbi, lay leaders, committees, and volunteers, ensuring open lines of communication and teamwork.
Dynamic: No two days are the same! The role involves balancing routine administrative tasks with creative and community-focused projects.
Community-Oriented: You will be the face of Congregation Or Ami’s operations, fostering positive relationships and ensuring that the administrative backbone supports our vibrant communal life.
Adaptable: Flexibility is key—this role often requires adjusting to changing priorities, handling emergency situations, and sometimes working during weekends or evenings as needed.
Details
This position is part-time, and is budgeted for up to 30 hours per week. The hourly rate depends on the candidate’s experience, but is anticipated to be around $20 per hour. The Synagogue Administrator will need to work Sunday mornings 34 weeks per year to assist with the religious school, but is otherwise quite flexible based on the employee’s and congregational needs.
How to Apply
If you are a proactive, detail-oriented individual with a passion for community service and synagogue operations, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your resume, cover letter, and any relevant work samples to president@or-ami.com.
Join us at Congregation Or Ami and become a vital part of our community, where your expertise and commitment will help shape the future of our vibrant, welcoming congregation.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $20.00 per hour
Expected hours: 30 per week
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Ability to Commute:
- Richmond, VA 23235 (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $20