Our client, Hebrew Free Burial Association www.hebrewfreeburial.org seeks an Executive Director (ED). Hebrew Free Burial Association is a small but vital organization with a critical and unique halachic mission.
S/He is responsible for the professional leadership and management of the organization, its cemeteries and its affiliated funeral home. The ED oversees over three hundred burials a year.
The ED historically has played a critical role with the financial stability and growth of the organization, its management, staff, Board and committee operations.
The ED and the HFBA staff work closely with government officials (Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and public administrators) and elder-care facilities and their staff relating to referrals of decedents, with the funeral director relating to operations, with contractors regarding the cemeteries, and with a wide range of stakeholders.
Reporting to the President and the Board of Directors, the successful candidate must be a “hands-on” executive and effective relationship and team builder.
Primary Responsibilities
- Ensure administrative operations and staff are effectively managed
- Be the primary fundraiser, including stewardship, cultivation, and solicitation of major donors and applying for and maintaining grant applications, to meet the organization's annual revenue requirements
Ensure fiscal responsibility, oversee expenditures and stay within a balanced budget
- Collaborate with the board and its committees in regard to budget, vision, strategies and goals
- Interact with a diverse set of government officials, social service professionals, community organizations, grounds personnel and religious leaders
- Skilled communicator who serves as a primary spokesperson and public representative
- Ensure the ongoing development of a robust board including a leadership pipeline and maintenance of quality staff
- Chief administrator of two cemeteries and oversight of 300+ funerals annually
Skills
- Excellent problem-solving, research and analytical skills
- Quick grasp of wide-ranging issues – from land use to religious services and complex family dynamics
- Provide inspiring, creative and dynamic leadership
- Proven track record in fundraising
- Excellent communicator, both oral and written
- Excellent interpersonal skills and careful attention to detail
- Tech savvy with business and CRM software
Required Qualifications
Ten+ years of progressively greater responsibility managing within a complex organization, Jewish not-for-profit experience
Strong and diverse experience in Development, including applying for and managing grants, individual gift solicitation and stewardship.
Experience presenting at Board of Director meetings and collaborating with its committees in regard to budget, vision, strategies and goals
Knowledge of and commitment to Jewish customs, traditions, and values.
Energetic, forward-thinking, and creative with high ethical standards.
Expertise with organizational budgets and financial documents.
Demonstrated ability to create and maintain relationships between the organization and outside entities.
Requires in-person office and cemetery management as well as meeting with stakeholders while presenting a professional image.
Visionary with a "big picture" perspective, yet detail oriented.
Flexibility in dealing with the evolving needs of the community, lay leadership and staff.
BA degree is required. Master’s degree preferred.