Careers at Emanu-El

Congregation Emanu-El of the City of New York is the oldest Reform synagogue in New York City, in a historic, landmarked building with nearly 2,200 household members. While rooted in its legacy, Temple Emanu-El is also fueled by a sense of purpose, justice, and innovation to invigorate Jewish life today. Whether through its Streicker Center for adult engagement; its exceptional nursery school, religious school, and young families programming; Gather: Small Groups community; its work with those seeking conversion; Tikkun Olam programming and the Philanthropic Fund; or its vibrant affinity group network (Men’s Club, Women’s Auxiliary, Chavurah: Women’s Study Group, New Members, Fifth & 65^th), Temple Emanu-El is known for the quality of its engagement. Emanu-El is a bold community which sets itself apart from others due to its warmth and majesty.

In Fall 2022 the Temple launched Emanu-El Downtown, a satellite location for Young Families in Chelsea. Emanu-El Downtown is a vibrant, welcoming community geared towards babies, kids, and their grown-ups. Exploration, playing, and learning are at the center of everything we do and is infused into all aspects of Emanu-El Downtown.

Program & Events Associate Overview

The ideal Program and Events Associate will be an energetic, positive professional who brings experience in running programs and working in an educational environment.  The Program and Events Associate will develop relationships with current members and the downtown community.  The Program and Events Associate will have a vital role in creating innovative programs and collaborating with various members and staff of the Emanu-El Downtown community. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who enjoys working with children, and learners of all ages. In addition to programmatic work, the Program and Events Associate will assist in administrative tasks to support the Director and the programs of Emanu-El Downtown.  The Program and Events Associate must be empathetic, kind, and energetic. Candidates should also demonstrate organization, patience, even temperament, flexibility, initiative, spontaneity, and enthusiasm.

Program and Event Production & Management

• Planning & Vendor Management

  • Venue research for off-site events
  • Create agendas for meetings with venue management to ensure needs are met and questions are addressed
  • Venue coordination for technical and logistical needs
  • Coordination with site partners for on-site events, including event schedule/timing, furniture needs and setup instructions, access card requests, COIs, and event timelines
  • Vendor research and identification of vendors who meet our programmatic needs
  • Maintain and grow existing vendor databases (250+ professionals) spanning arts & crafts teachers, food/catering, event spaces, bus companies, and more
  • Vendor coordination, including receipt and review of contracts prior to signing, coordination of payment, fulfilling vendor needs, and coordinating COIs with appropriate additional-insured language for the Temple and site partners

    Day-of Execution

    • Welcome and support vendors on site
    • Prepare event documentation, including space layout/setup diagrams, event timelines, setup instructions for support staff, and security lists
    • Order, organize, and pack needed supplies for easy load-in to event spaces
    • Support day-of space setup
    • Monitor event activities, providing support to staff and vendors to ensure smooth event flow

      Wrap-Up & Ongoing Support

      • Support load-out and handle unpacking and storage of remaining event supplies
      • Track and report on event expenditures
      • Support lifecycle events run at Emanu-El Downtown, including coordinating with vendors and families
        
        Systems & Policy Development for Emanu-El Downtown Operations
      • Develop and maintain documents to facilitate event coordination with site partners and uptown staff
      • Assist in creating processes and an annual calendar for Emanu-El Downtown
      • Maintain an inventory spreadsheet of all Emanu-El Downtown supplies, organized by category and location for easy access
      • Take regular inventory of supplies to identify ordering needs
      • Purchase snacks and program supplies for weekly programs in coordination with teachers
      • Ensure allergy awareness, and help create a welcoming environment for participants of all abilities
      • Support guerilla marketing campaigns and other marketing/outreach efforts for Emanu-El Downtown

      
      Qualifications

      • Experience in event planning, program development, administration, or education
      • Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
      • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Salesforce
      • Familiarity with or interest in learning about Jewish community and culture
      • Ability to represent the Synagogue in public settings
      • Must be available to periodically work evenings and weekends; provide support during the High Holy Days; and attend worship services, events, and meetings as necessary

      
      Physical Requirements

      • Ability to lift a minimum of 30 lbs.
      • Ability to stand for extended periods during event setup, execution, and breakdown

      Congregation Emanu-El of the City of New York is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. The Congregation 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.