Special Projects Assistant

Position Summary
University Synagogue is seeking a highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented Special Projects Assistant to support the Executive Director in advancing the synagogue's strategic initiatives, administrative priorities, and community engagement efforts.

This position is designed for a college student, recent graduate, or early-career professional interested in nonprofit management, communications, event planning, or organizational leadership. No two days are the same. The Special Projects Assistant will help move important initiatives forward by providing administrative support, conducting research, coordinating follow-up, managing data, and assisting with communications and member outreach.

Primary Responsibilities
Executive Support
Provide administrative support to the Executive Director on a variety of projects and organizational priorities.
Assist in tracking projects, timelines, and follow-up tasks.
Organize digital files, documents, and project materials.
Prepare meeting materials, agendas, and notes as requested.
Special Projects
Assist with planning and implementing strategic initiatives and special projects.
Conduct research and compile information to support decision-making.
Follow up with vendors, consultants, volunteers, and community partners.
Help coordinate project logistics and ensure deadlines are met.
Support board, committee, and organizational initiatives as assigned.
Membership & Community Engagement
Make membership and community outreach phone calls on behalf of the Executive Director.
Assist with welcoming new members and supporting member engagement efforts.
Help maintain accurate member records and track outreach activities.
Follow up on inquiries, registrations, and community connections.
Communications & Administrative Support
Assist with maintaining accurate program information across organizational platforms.
Update website and calendar information as needed.
Help proofread communications and verify event details.
Support email communications, newsletters, and marketing projects.
Perform data entry and maintain organizational databases, including ShulCloud.
Qualifications
Excellent organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Friendly, professional, and comfortable speaking with members and community partners by phone.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.
Strong problem-solving skills and initiative.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
Comfortable learning new technology and database systems.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with customer service, administrative support, or nonprofit organizations.
Familiarity with website editing or CRM/database systems (ShulCloud experience is a plus).
Interest in nonprofit leadership, communications, event planning, or community engagement.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a curious, dependable, resourceful self-starter, and eager to learn. They enjoy solving problems, keeping projects organized, and helping an organization accomplish meaningful work. They are comfortable shifting between administrative tasks, research, communications, and member outreach while maintaining a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.

Learning Opportunities
This position offers hands-on experience in:

Executive leadership and nonprofit management
Project coordination
Community and membership engagement
Strategic planning
Communications and marketing
Board and committee support
Database management and CRM systems
Event administration
Organizational operations