Special Assistant to the Executive Director at Atra: Center for Rabbinic Innovation

Special Assistant to the Executive Director at Atra: Center for Rabbinic Innovation

Who We Are

Working at Atra: Center for Rabbinic Innovation means joining a lean, dynamic team passionate about visionary spiritual leadership and fostering a thriving Jewish future. Atra empowers rabbis to lead with purpose and adapt to the evolving needs of the Jewish community, driving transformational change.

As a central platform and network, we train and support rabbinic leaders from all backgrounds and denominations, providing career growth, adaptive practice training, and evidence-based research to elevate the field of rabbinic leadership. With exponential growth in our programs and reach, we are entering the final year of our three-year strategic plan. At this pivotal stage, Atra is transitioning from a start-up to a structured organization, building the tools and systems to support sustainable, long-term impact.

We seek a Special Assistant who can seamlessly balance strategic project management, executive support, and stakeholder engagement to drive organizational impact while fostering a collaborative and dynamic culture. 

*Atra is fiscally sponsored by Hillel International which means that you will be managed and report to Atra, but your legal employment and benefits will be through Hillel International.

Who You Are and What You'll Do

You’re a quick thinker and proactive problem solver energized by Atra’s mission. You thrive in a start-up environment where growth and change are constant, combining exceptional relational skills with strong organizational abilities. You’re equally comfortable building high-level relationships and managing detailed administrative tasks, capable of working with creatives to bring structure and clarity to visionary ideas. You excel at collaborating with senior leaders, stakeholders, and institutions while fostering an open, flexible, and collaborative culture.

As Special Assistant, you’ll be a key strategic partner to the Executive Director, seamlessly balancing project management, stakeholder engagement, and executive assistant responsibilities to drive organizational impact. Your role will be essential in advancing special initiatives, including the Rabbinic Pipeline Initiative, supporting Atra’s growth, and maintaining our dynamic and mission-driven culture.

This role works closely with our Director of Operations, who focuses on organizational infrastructure and operational development.

The Special Assistant will report directly to the Executive Director. This is a hybrid position with at least 1 day a week in our midtown NYC offices; could be remote with some travel for the right candidate (US-based).

You’re a Strategic Partner and Relationship Builder:

• Support the Executive Director by managing their schedule, communications, and priorities, ensuring their time is focused on high-impact work.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to advance key organizational initiatives and strengthen partnerships.

You’re a Detail-Oriented Project Manager:

• Oversee the Rabbinic Pipeline Initiative: In partnership with the Executive Director, manage the initiative across its three interdependent stages—foundational research, validation and development, and dissemination and collaboration—ensuring cross-departmental workflows are aligned and executed effectively.
• Coordinate Key Initiative Components: Establish and manage the Rabbinic Advisory Council, oversee logistics and communications, and work closely with consultants and staff to implement strategies that elevate the initiative’s impact.
• Track progress against initiative goals, ensuring timely completion of deliverables and alignment with organizational priorities.
• Lead new special projects in partnership with the Executive Director, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and strategy.
• Working with the Director of Operations, develop and implement processes to track and measure progress, creating clear structures for project accountability.

You’re a Skilled Organizer and Communicator:

• Draft, edit, and manage correspondence, presentations, and reports on behalf of the Executive Director.
• Plan and coordinate meetings, ensuring agendas, follow-ups, and action items are clear and well-executed and reflected in CRM and project management systems.
• Support seamless internal communication and collaboration, fostering alignment across teams and initiatives.

You’re a Culture Builder and Problem Solver:

• Help maintain and enhance Atra’s open, dynamic, and collaborative culture, ensuring flexibility while establishing sustainable processes.
• Work closely with the Executive Director to anticipate organizational needs, proactively solving challenges and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Balance creative and strategic priorities, translating visionary ideas into actionable plans that align with organizational goals.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 8+ years of relevant experience in nonprofit management, project management, executive support, or similar fields.

Skills and Abilities:

• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Outstanding relational and interpersonal skills, with experience engaging donors, rabbis, and institutional stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft high-quality correspondence and presentations.
• Proactive problem solver who can anticipate needs and take initiative without waiting for direction.
• Experience with or a willingness to quickly learn the Jewish communal landscape.
• Ability to work effectively with creatives to structure and operationalize vision and ideas.

Work Style and Values:

• Thrives in a dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth.
• Brings a sense of humor and positive energy to foster a collaborative and enjoyable team culture.
• Committed to maintaining Atra’s open, flexible, and generative culture while supporting organizational growth.
• What do you bring to the table that we didn’t even know we needed? We want to know about you!

Salary

• $85,000 to $95,000 commensurate with experience

How Atra Takes Care of You 

• Health, vision, dental, and mental health benefits through Hillel International 
• Flexible Spending Account options 
• LTD and Life Insurance Options 
• Unlimited PTO policy 
• Up to 18 weeks of parental leave (after one year of employment) 
• Flexible, remote work hours 
• Office closures for Jewish and US holidays 
• 403(b) 5% Employer Contribution after two years of employment 
• Highly qualified, creative, and go-getter teammates and supervisor 
• A start-up culture that uplifts spiritual leadership, experimentation and reflection, strong feedback loops, calculated risk-taking, transparency, and compassion

Atra is fiscally sponsored by Hillel International. This means that while we are not a program of Hillel, Hillel International serves as Atra’s administrative "home.” Atra employees are part of Hillel International’s payroll and benefits program. Our central headquarters are in New York City with a secondary hub in San Diego, and our national team works remotely, with occasional gatherings in-person. The Director of Operations will have weekly in-person time in our offices in NYC. 

Application Process

The anticipated start date is mid-Feburary 2024. We encourage applicants from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds to apply.

To apply for this position, submit your resume and interest in this work in a cover letter.  Please note in your cover letter which relevant experiences and skills you bring to this role.

Applications are rolling.

Due to the volume of applicants, we will only be able to contact those we will invite to an interview.

• Atra is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that brings varied perspectives and skills to our work. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and experiences who are passionate about our mission and eager to contribute to a thriving, visionary future. We believe that a range of perspectives strengthens our work and drives meaningful impact in the communities we serve.
• Atra strongly encourages applications from individuals with every identity and background, including people of color, women, people with disabilities, immigrants, LGBTQIA+ people, and people who come from low-income or working-class backgrounds.
• Research shows that women and individuals who hold underrepresented identities tend to only apply to jobs that they believe they meet all of the qualifications for. Job descriptions are aspirational and no one fully meets every bullet listed. If you’ve read this and thought this is you, this might be you -- please apply. We know not everyone who would excel in the position yet has 100% of the skills and qualifications we’ve listed. 

Email hr@atrarabbis.org with any questions.