What are the responsibilities and job description for the Synagogue Initiatives Executive Fellow position at Orthodox Union?
Who We Are:
The Orthodox Union (OU) is one of the largest Orthodox Jewish organizations in the United States. Founded in 1898, the OU supports a network of synagogues, youth programs, Jewish and Religious Zionist advocacy programs, programs for the disabled, localized religious study programs, and international units. The OU maintains a kosher certification service, whose circled U symbol, Ⓤ, is found on the labels of many kosher commercial and consumer food products.
About the OU Executive Fellowship:
The OU Executive Fellowship is a 10-month professional development program for a selective cohort of post-college Jewish adults eager to explore and invest in initiatives that serve the Jewish community – locally and globally. The Fellowship experience is full-time, paid, and blends OU department-specific work with cohort-based, hands-on learning opportunities beyond the walls of Headquarters. The Fellowship runs from September 1, 2026, to June 24, 2027.
Position Summary:
The Orthodox Union Department of Synagogue Initiatives seeks a motivated fellow to support our mission of strengthening the spiritual connection of the Jewish community by empowering Rabbis, shul leaders, and boards. The fellow will play an integral role in departmental projects, assist with gatherings and communications, and support shul consulting and operational initiatives under the guidance of the Department Director.
Responsibilities:
The salary range for this position is $43,000.
Health, Dental & Vision Insurance:
The OU offers health insurance through an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA). Instead of a single group plan, employees have the freedom to choose their own health insurance plan that fits their personal and family needs. The OU contributes a generous monthly amount directly toward your premium, making coverage more flexible, affordable, and tailored to you.
Employees enrolled in our health plan also receive an annual BeniComp stipend, a supplemental benefit that reimburses eligible medical, pharmaceutical, dental, and vision expenses.
In addition, the OU offers employees group dental and vision insurance through MetLife.
Additional Benefits and Perks:
The Orthodox Union (OU) is one of the largest Orthodox Jewish organizations in the United States. Founded in 1898, the OU supports a network of synagogues, youth programs, Jewish and Religious Zionist advocacy programs, programs for the disabled, localized religious study programs, and international units. The OU maintains a kosher certification service, whose circled U symbol, Ⓤ, is found on the labels of many kosher commercial and consumer food products.
About the OU Executive Fellowship:
The OU Executive Fellowship is a 10-month professional development program for a selective cohort of post-college Jewish adults eager to explore and invest in initiatives that serve the Jewish community – locally and globally. The Fellowship experience is full-time, paid, and blends OU department-specific work with cohort-based, hands-on learning opportunities beyond the walls of Headquarters. The Fellowship runs from September 1, 2026, to June 24, 2027.
Position Summary:
The Orthodox Union Department of Synagogue Initiatives seeks a motivated fellow to support our mission of strengthening the spiritual connection of the Jewish community by empowering Rabbis, shul leaders, and boards. The fellow will play an integral role in departmental projects, assist with gatherings and communications, and support shul consulting and operational initiatives under the guidance of the Department Director.
Responsibilities:
- Assist in planning and coordinating logistics for rabbinic and shul leader gatherings, including curriculum development and event execution
- Lead the curation and development of departmental communications, providing timely, relevant information and best practices to shul leadership
- Support shul consulting efforts by triaging operational queries and assisting with board training and consulting visits
- Collaborate closely with the department head on strategic initiatives and projects across multiple areas of synagogue operations
- Contribute to the department’s role as an operational resource hub for shuls, assisting with research, content preparation, and administrative support
- Self-starter with the ability to work independently and see tasks through to completion
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong knowledge of Orthodox Jewish life and communal structures
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to quickly adapt to new technologies
- Willingness to travel as needed to support departmental activities and events
The salary range for this position is $43,000.
Health, Dental & Vision Insurance:
The OU offers health insurance through an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA). Instead of a single group plan, employees have the freedom to choose their own health insurance plan that fits their personal and family needs. The OU contributes a generous monthly amount directly toward your premium, making coverage more flexible, affordable, and tailored to you.
Employees enrolled in our health plan also receive an annual BeniComp stipend, a supplemental benefit that reimburses eligible medical, pharmaceutical, dental, and vision expenses.
In addition, the OU offers employees group dental and vision insurance through MetLife.
Additional Benefits and Perks:
- 10 Paid sick days
- 10 Paid vacation days
- Paid Jewish and Federal holidays
- Short Fridays to accommodate for Sabbath observance
- Free life and disability insurance
- Discounted continuing education opportunities
- 403(b) retirement plan with a 5% employer match after 3 years (requires a minimum 2% employee contribution)
Salary : $43,000