Hours: Part-time, 12 hours (Monday & Wednesday).
About the Role:
Southend & Westcliff Hebrew Congregation is looking for a friendly, organised and adaptable Community & Administrative Assistant to join our office team.
Working closely with the Office Manager, another part-time Office Assistant and members of the Board of Management, you will play a key role in the smooth day-to-day running of the synagogue office, providing a warm and professional service to our members while supporting a wide range of administrative functions.
This is a varied, community-facing role requiring excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, discretion and compassion, particularly when supporting families through bereavement.
Key Responsibilities:
• Provide a welcoming and professional first point of contact for members, visitors and external organisations.
• Answer telephone calls, respond to emails and deal with member enquiries.
• Provide administrative support for funerals (Levayot) and bereaved families, ensuring processes are completed efficiently and sensitively.
• Process membership payments and maintain accurate records using the synagogue's membership database (Rakefet).
• Produce reports and maintain digital filing systems.
• Prepare Yahrzeit lists and notices.
• Process orders for memorial plaques, Tree of Life leaves, cemetery grave markers, shrouds and other memorial items.
• Coordinate school visits and community administration.
• Order stationery, office supplies and seasonal items, including Arba Minim.
• Assist with the production and postage of the Community Voice magazine.
• Complete end-of-day card payment reconciliation.
• Support the Office Manager with general office administration and undertake other duties as required.
Person Specification:
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
• Friendly, approachable and committed to delivering excellent customer service.
• Compassionate, discreet and able to handle sensitive matters with professionalism.
• Able to manage multiple priorities and work independently using your own initiative.
• Flexible, adaptable and quick to learn new systems and processes.
• Confident using Google Calendar, Google Sheets and Microsoft Outlook.
• A good understanding of Orthodox Jewish traditions, festivals and lifecycle events is essential.
• Experience of synagogue administration or using Rakefet would be an advantage, although training will be provided.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a supportive team and make a meaningful contribution to the life of our synagogue and its community.
For more information about the role, or to receive a personal recommendation, please contact our recruitment team. Melissa – melissa@theworkavenue.org.uk or Yael – yb@theworkavenue.org.uk
Code: J-02
