Synagogue Executive Director
Forest Hills Jewish Center, Queens, NYC
The Forest Hills Jewish Center is an egalitarian synagogue with a rich 90-plus year tenure in the Conservative Jewish movement. With a vibrant new Rabbi and Hazzan, this is a pivotal time in our growth with exciting new initiatives on the horizon.
FHJC seeks a dynamic Executive Director who can partner with professional staff, lay leaders and congregants to support our vision, values and mission. fhjc.org
Are you an experienced, highly organized systems thinker with contract negotiation skills, grant writing experience and budgetary expertise?
The qualified professional will play a pivotal role in overseeing the operations of our synagogue, managing staff, supporting the board of trustees, and serving as a key member of the senior staff team. This position will also oversee budgetary and development efforts, ensuring the financial health and sustainability of our community. Experience with our city-funded programs, including a DOE UPK contract and senior center funded through DFTA is desirable. The Executive Director will report to the Executive Board and President.
Key Responsibilities:
Staff Management:
- Lead and manage a diverse team of professionals, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment
- Supervise the following positions: Office Manager, Bookkeeper, Maintenance, Security and work collaboratively with Rabbi, Hazzan, Religious and Nursery School Director and volunteer lay leaders
- Oversee day-to-day operations and ensure alignment with the synagogue’s mission and goals
Board Support and Engagement:
- Serve as the primary liaison between the staff and the board of trustees
- Support the board in governance and strategic planning initiatives
- Coordinate board meetings, prepare materials, and ensure effective communication
Senior Leadership Team:
- Collaborate with clergy, senior staff, and lay leadership to develop and implement strategic priorities.
- Serve as primary liaison between senior staff team, synagogue office staff, and education department–coordinating and communicating across teams
- Conduct staff reviews, coach staff members, help establish priorities for office staff team, develop and implement new operational systems to improve collaboration, efficiency, and work processes
Budget Management:
- Oversee the development and management of the annual budget in collaboration with the finance team/Treasurer
- Ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency in all financial matters
- Track and monitor expenditures and income to maintain financial health
Development and Fundraising:
- Lead development efforts, in partnership with professional and development team
- Collaborate with lay leaders and staff on fundraising initiatives and campaigns
- Identify and pursue grant opportunities to support programs and operations
Qualifications:
- Proven experience in organizational management, preferably in a nonprofit or synagogue setting
- Strong leadership and team-building skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
- Experience with budget literacy and financial management
- Familiarity with Conservative Judaism and non-profit administration
Personal Attributes:
- A strategic thinker with a passion for mission-driven work.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented
- Adaptable and able to thrive in a dynamic environment
- Collaborative and able to build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders
Compensation: Annual salary range $130,000–$150,000 commensurate with experience. BA required with eight or more years of similar experience. Master’s in Business or nonprofit management is a plus.
To Apply: Please submit a cover letter of interest and resume to [email protected] for the ED Search Committee to review.
Join us in shaping the future of our synagogue community and making a meaningful impact on Jewish life.
FHJC is an equal opportunity employer. EOE M/F/D/V