Position Title: Executive Director
Location: Stamford, CT
Organization: Temple Beth El
About the Temple:
Temple Beth El is a Conservative, egalitarian, spiritual community that challenges itself to sanctify each day through prayer, action, study, and mitzvot. We honor our Jewish traditions and infuse them with renewed meaning by practicing them in both traditional and innovative ways. We pray together combining music, ritual, dialogue, and reflection. We strive to place Tikkun Olam at the center of our daily lives. We welcome all to join our inclusive community as we aspire to fill the world with spirituality, learning and social justice for all humankind.
Temple Beth El, founded in 1920, has a rich history and a strong presence in Stamford, CT. Located just a 45-minute drive from New York City and near the Westchester County border, Stamford is the second most populous city in Connecticut. Notably, one of its neighborhoods is the fastest-growing zip code in the United States. Stamford boasts a dynamic and engaging Jewish population, supported by numerous Jewish institutions, including a vibrant Jewish day school, a JCC, and the United Jewish Federation.
Position Summary: The Executive Director (ED) will provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and financial management to ensure the temple's mission and goals are effectively achieved. The ED will work closely with the Board of Directors, clergy, staff, and volunteers to foster a dynamic and thriving community. This role requires a visionary leader with strong organizational skills, financial acumen, and the ability to engage and inspire a diverse congregation. The ED will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the organization as it transitions from our retiring Rabbi to a new spiritual leader. This individual will also assist the Board in further evolving sound organizational operating and financial principles for long-term sustainability.
Reporting to the Board President and Directors, the ED is responsible for the comprehensive overall management of Temple Beth El’s daily and long-term operations, human resources, facility, special projects, and finances. As TBE’s administrative and operational leader, the ED manages all operations, finances, and personnel and is the primary contact and “face of the synagogue,” engaging prospective members, responding to established members, and managing external relationships and community partnerships. The ED works closely with, and provides both counsel and staff support for, TBE’s Board of Directors, Rabbi and Cantor.
Key Responsibilities: Areas of responsibility and duties are many, broad and varied, but include the following:
- Operations Management:
- Oversee the daily operations of the temple, ensuring efficient and effective administration.
- Supervise and support staff, promoting professional development and high performance.
- Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and safety requirements.
- Financial Management:
- Develop and manage the annual budget in collaboration with the Finance Committee.
- Oversee financial operations, including accounting, payroll, and financial reporting.
- Implement fundraising strategies and initiatives to ensure financial sustainability.
- Community Engagement:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with temple members, donors, and community partners.
- Develop and implement programs and events that enhance community involvement and engagement.
- Developing, implementing and participating in events with temple committees, and coordinating and working with volunteers.
- Serve as a representative of the temple in the broader community.
- Leadership and Strategic Planning:
- Develop and implement strategic plans in collaboration with the Board of Directors and clergy.
- Provide visionary leadership to advance the temple’s mission and goals.
- Foster a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and community engagement.
- Communication and Public Relations:
- Develop and implement effective communication strategies to promote the temple’s activities and initiatives.
- Ensure consistent and transparent communication with the congregation and stakeholders.
- Oversee the temple’s marketing, social media, and public relations efforts.
- Facility Management:
- Oversee the maintenance and operation of the temple’s facilities and grounds.
- Ensure the temple is a safe, welcoming, and well-maintained environment for all activities and events.
The Candidate:
The right Executive Director candidate must possess a solid understanding of synagogue life, experience in managing staff, operations, and finances for a membership organization, and the temperament to interface effectively across diverse generations, perspectives and traditions. They will demonstrate a genuine interest/passion for Jewish life and community. TBE’s next ED must also effectively integrate “best practice” principles in guiding the synagogue through inevitable changes in the environment so that it may continue to thrive.
Qualities for a successful candidate:
- Is a self-starter who can balance multiple priorities simultaneously with attention to detail.
- Works collaboratively with clergy, staff, lay leaders, volunteers, members of the congregation, and other community organizations.
- Demonstrates excellent interpersonal communication skills, both oral and written.
- Has knowledge of and understanding of Jewish traditions, rituals, and holidays.
- Uses existing and new technologies, including but not limited to website, social media, Microsoft Office, and all synagogue software, in particular ShulCloud.
- Forward thinking and driven, able to take initiative and anticipate issues and opportunities and identifies areas of need for both short-term and long-term planning
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Proven experience in a senior leadership role, preferably in a nonprofit or religious organization.
- Strong financial management skills, including budgeting and fundraising.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups and individuals.
- Commitment to the mission and values of the temple.
- Knowledge of Jewish traditions and culture is required.
Compensation:
- This is a full-time position with some night or weekend hours.
- The salary range is $110,000 – 140,000, commensurate with experience.
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plan, and paid time off.
Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and references to [email protected] by September 30, 2024.
Start Date: Flexible (can be after the High Holidays)