Special Projects Manager 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 Projects Manager 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 Projects Manager, 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 Projects Manager 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 flex