Executive Director and Chief Community Officer

Overview

Peninsula Temple Sholom (PTS) in Burlingame, California is a diverse and vibrant Jewish Reform synagogue of 2,000 adults and children united in our purpose to:

Create a Sukkat Shalom – a shelter of peace – where everyone can find sanctuary, community and their own connection to Judaism.

PTS is enthusiastically searching for our next Executive Director/Chief Community Officer (ED/CCO) to oversee the financial health, operations, and administration of our organization and elevate our vision and mission in all areas of PTS life. The ED/CCO works in partnership with the senior rabbi, senior staff team, and board of trustees to set congregational priorities that align with purpose and mission.

We value innovation and are looking for an ED/CCO who can help us meet the evolving needs of our community with integrity, vision, and inspiration. This position is varied, requiring a range of responsibilities. Priorities among responsibilities may shift over time based on the community’s needs and the strengths of the ED/CCO. This full-time position reports to the president of PTS. 

Community Building

ED/CCO is expected to execute each functional responsibility with community building and belonging at the core. ED/CCO plays an integral role in developing an environment where communal relationships flourish. In addition, ED/CCO has an opportunity to build meaningful personal relationships through frequent and deep interactions with members of our community. It is our vision that ED/CCO will fulfill every functional responsibility in a way that makes congregants feel cared for and connected.

Specific functional areas of responsibility include:

Finance, Operations, and Team Management

Manage the main office administrative team, including setting priorities for daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. Serve as a partner for the president, senior colleagues, and lay leaders. Manage the financial operations, monthly reporting, and budget creation for the long-term health and wellbeing of the congregation. Seek opportunities for revenue enhancement. 

Membership

Supervise/manage membership renewal and other membership processes. Assist congregants with their administrative needs. Design and implement membership renewal, prospective member, and new member programs, in partnership with colleagues and lay leaders where appropriate. 

Human Resources

Manage seasonal processes of onboarding and offboarding employees, implement staff training across a variety of areas, and maintain employment policies. Manage payroll and other regular employment processes. 

Facilities Management

Oversee the beauty and ongoing care of our sacred space, including implementing recommendations highlighted in our facility reserve study. Oversee and manage large-scale facility projects.

Safety & Security

Manage issues related to safety and security of our campus and the people in it. On an ongoing basis, oversee staffing and training to create an environment where our community feels safe. Look for opportunities for meaningful improvements and manage implementation as appropriate. Apply for grants. Seek internal funding. 

Communications

Manage a compelling program that includes web, electronic communications, print, and social media. Ensure that PTS communications are well written and meet the standards expected by our community today. Current communications portfolio includes the weekly Schmooze, monthly Voices, periodic print publications, social media and website, and special communications. Grow these areas or add new ones as appropriate. 

Programming and special projects

Manage production for the annual High Holy Days. Ensure that programs and initiatives have the support they need for success. Serve as a thought partner and support for lay leaders who introduce programs and develop infrastructure for new ongoing programs and initiatives. Implement creative programs to meet the needs of our evolving community (e.g., young adult or other cohort, small groups program) as staffing and lay support make possible. 

Philanthropy and donor cultivation

Continue to build our culture of philanthropy, where we value each individual’s priorities and appreciate each one’s gifts. Manage annual High Holy Day appeal and philanthropy associated with the annual membership renewal process. Oversee and/or support special fundraising projects, including endowment, capital, or other special campaigns. Enhance our program of appreciation and donor cultivation. 

The ideal candidate will possess the following core competencies: 

• Strategic thinking
• Human relations and community building
• Writing/presentation
• Independent thought and ability to collaborate
• Finance and accounting
• Programming, process and event design
• Project management
• HR management
• Facilities management
• Safety & security management 

In addition, we view the following core competencies to be critical for all employees of PTS: time management, emotional intelligence, customer service, ego maturity (ability to put needs of organization before self), and adaptability. 

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree (with minimum 6 years relevant management experience)
• Master’s degree a plus
• Deep knowledge of, and appreciation for, Reform Jewish customs, traditions, rituals, and culture or a desire to learn
• Ability to articulate success in the primary areas of responsibilities and competencies outlined in this job posting 

This position requires participation in evening meetings and periodic Friday night or weekend event participation. This is a meaningful leadership position and the ED/CCO is expected to demonstrate good judgment as it relates to periodic changes in their work schedule. Even so, the position offers flexibility regarding weekly hours. Details will be discussed later. 

Benefits

15% pension contribution
Medical
Disability
5 weeks vacation
2 weeks paid sick leave
Cell phone allowance 

About PTS

Founded in 1955, PTS is an inviting and safe place where we come together to pray, to learn, to heal, and to share our lives. 

At PTS, we consider our strong collaboration between clergy, staff, and lay leadership, our multi-generational membership, our beautiful physical space, and our financially secure position to be core strengths. Our congregation’s location allows us to draw upon the innovative spirit of Silicon Valley, as well as the cultural richness of San Francisco. 

Senior Rabbi Dan Feder, who has been at PTS for nearly 19 years, leads our clergy team, in partnership with Assistant Rabbi Julia Berg, and Cantor Yonah Kliger. Our senior staff is rounded out by Karen Wisialowski, retiring Chief Community Officer; Allison Steckley, Director of Early Childhood Engagement; and Rosa Whitten, Director of Education. We are eager to welcome the ED/CCO as an integral part of this team. 

We invite you to learn more about PTS at www.sholom.org.