Congregation Mishkan Israel, a historic and social action-oriented Reform congregation of about 400 families just outside of New Haven, CT, is seeking an Executive Director. The successful candidate will work in sacred partnership with clergy, staff and lay leaders and oversee the day-to-day operations of the synagogue. The Executive Director manages all business systems to create a caring, collaborative environment in which our members and staff thrive.
About Congregation Mishkan Israel
Congregation Mishkan Israel seeks to transform our lives and our world through prayer, learning, and tikkun olam, repairing our world. We are committed to ensuring the continuity of Jewish culture and heritage. Established in 1840, CMI is the oldest synagogue in Connecticut and the oldest continually operating synagogue in New England. We are proud that our beautiful mid-century modern building was added recently to the National Register of Historic Places, and even prouder of our community’s commitment to tikkun olam, which has manifested itself through leadership in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s and, in recent years, an emphasis on immigration and racial justice. CMI welcomes interfaith families and people of any race, background, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or ability. Visit cmihamden.org to learn more about CMI.
Candidate Description
CMI is looking for an Executive Director who brings strong leadership, managerial, organizational, and communication skills. The successful candidate will be able to utilize the strengths of our staff and lay leadership to engage and grow our membership, maintain our beautiful building and cemetery, seek out connections within the larger New Haven community, and ensure that the congregation meets its financial obligations. We are looking for a versatile, resourceful strategic thinker who is personable and open-minded. We seek a candidate who is excellent at building and maintaining relationships, and not afraid to roll up their sleeves with the team. The ability to juggle several responsibilities at once — with optimism, enthusiasm, and a rigorous attention to detail — will create a lasting impact on our congregation and community. Commitment to the ideals of Reform Judaism is a must.
Preferred start date between 6/1-7/1/24.
About the Role
The Executive Director oversees all synagogue operations, including finance, human resources, facilities, cemetery, and program administration and logistics. As part of the senior leadership team, the Executive Director is also responsible for a variety of operational, administrative, and strategic functions, including the creation and management of operating and capital budgets, collaborating on member engagement, identifying opportunities for raising funds and enhancing revenue, and supporting the effectiveness of clergy, staff, and lay leadership. The Executive Director reports to the Board President and works in partnership with the Rabbi, President, and lay leadership.
The Executive Director will represent the congregation and its needs in accordance with the principles, guidelines and objectives set forth by the Board of Trustees, the Bylaws of Congregation Mishkan Israel, and the values of Reform Judaism. The Executive Director supervises office administrative support staff, maintenance personnel (contract) and the Director of the Learning Tree Early Childhood Center.
Key Responsibilities
The Executive Director will collaborate with the clergy and board to further develop CMI’s mission and values, and to put them into practice by setting and meeting goals and objectives.
Financial Management
- Oversee all financial operations to ensure sound financial practices
- Partner with staff and lay leaders to create and manage the budget, providing regular reports to the board
- Manage financial personnel and vendors; maintain appropriate insurance
- Participate in the writing and management of grants related to the management, maintenance and preservation of the congregation and its facilities
- Participate in development and fundraising
- Lead the synagogue's fundraising efforts, including annual campaigns, major gifts, and endowment development.
- Cultivate relationships with potential donors and build a strong donor base.
- Develop and execute fundraising strategies to meet financial goals.
Facilities Management
- Oversee all aspects of the building operations, ensuring that the historic building, grounds, cemetery, and equipment are well-maintained; manage facilities personnel, security, vendors, and utility contracts
- Assess and addresses safety and security needs of the synagogue and cemetery property
- Collaborate with the staff and lay leaders to maximize revenue potential of facilities
- Work closely with the Building and Grounds Committee on capital improvement plans
Member and Community Engagement
- Cultivate and nurture member and community relationships
- Communicate with members as appropriate about dues, fees, and other billing matters
- Manage sales and administration of cemetery plots
- Develop and implement strategies for community connection, engagement, and retention
- Ensure support for fundraising initiatives and donor stewardship
Human Resources
- Manage administrative, financial, and facilities personnel
- Foster a culture of respect, collaboration, transparency, and empowerment
- Manage all employee compensation, benefit programs, policies; ensure legal compliance
Administration
- Manage day-to-day operations
- Oversee activities relating to ritual, education and life-cycle
- Develop and implement policies, best practices, and procedures
- Promote effective information sharing among clergy, staff, and board
- Develop and implement communications strategies across all channels
- Maintain equipment; oversee technology and recommend improvements
- Ensure accuracy of membership and cemetery information, records, and reporting
- Manage relationships with vendors
- Seek out and make recommendations about opportunities for funding via grants, subsidies, and loans
Qualifications
- Educational requirement: Bachelor’s degree plus at least five (5) years’ experience with demonstrated success in organizational management
- Highly organized and self-directed
- Collaborative, reflective leadership style; experience building empowered teams and fostering individual accountability
- Experience in overseeing and supporting teams; ability to identify and implement best practices
- Keen financial acumen with experience managing budgets
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong service orientation toward members and community
- Experience managing facilities and events; availability to participate in events outside standard business hours
- Proficiency with information technology tools, including MS Office Suite and CRM systems
- A commitment to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion
- A passion for and commitment to Reform Jewish values; non-profit experience with a membership-based Jewish organization preferred
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $80,000–$110,000. Benefits include:
- Health, life, and long-term disability insurance
- Retirement savings plan with an 8% employer contribution
- Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick time, personal time, and holidays
- Values-aligned work environment
Hours
The Executive Director will be in-person and onsite at Congregation Mishkan Israel in Hamden, CT, with the flexibility for occasional work-from-home. Preference for candidates who can be present for occasional Shabbat services, Sunday religious school, and community events.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Please email a cover letter and resume to the email address. Include at least two references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
CMI is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do. We invite applicants with diverse backgrounds, identities, and skills, including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, ability, and neurodiversity.