Mersky, Jaffe & Associates, a national executive search and consulting firm, is conducting a search for the next executive director of Temple Sinai, Washington, DC.

Background

Temple Sinai, a Reform congregation in Washington, DC, has a storied history and vibrant future. For more than 75 years, Temple Sinai has been a leader in

• the Reform Movement's fights for social justice,
• crafting a thoughtful and inclusive approach to worship, and
• creating robust programming to serve the large, growing multi-generational, multi-racial community. 

There is a growing number of members, now more than 1,200 membership units. There are 600+ students in the religious school and about 70 in the nursery school. Temple Sinai combines the rich traditions of Jewish practice and values with innovation and active engagement in the city, nation, and world. The Temple has recently completed a successful capital campaign leading to a large expansion and renovation of the building and the creation of the Davis Center for Social Justice. Temple Sinai is known for its strong sense of community for congregants, clergy and staff, a community that values everyone who enters.

Position Overview

The Executive Director (“ED”) is responsible for the overall management and day-to-day operations of the Temple including human resources, advancement, finance, facilities, membership, communications, security and the cemetery. The ED oversees an annual budget of $6.4 million and directly supervises nine employees plus external contractors. supports the Board of Trustees and other duties that may be assigned by the Board of Trustees. The ED reports to the Board of Trustees through the President, collaborates and coordinates activities with the Senior Rabbi and is a member of the senior staff team.

Essential Functions

Personnel

• Supervise, directly or indirectly, all administrative, advancement, financial, maintenance, security, and library staff—excluding Religious School and Nursery School.
• Work with committees and Board to set policies and procedures for hiring, paying, disciplining and terminating employees, and providing employee benefits. Implement HR policies, assure compliance with tax, labor, and other laws.
• Maintain a safe, efficient, collaborative, and member-friendly workplace that encourages staff cooperation and professional development.

Fiscal and Advancement

• Approve expenditures, budget changes, and contracts.
• Oversee and assure the maintenance of accurate financial records, help prepare and monitor Temple budgets, supervise bills, and assure compliance with tax reporting requirements.
• Coordinate with the auditors and Audit Committee as well as with the Investment Committee.
• Approve contractual agreements with vendors, contractors, consultants, and other service providers.

Membership

• Oversee membership recruitment and retention
• Assure maintenance of accurate membership records.
• Oversee collection of dues, tuition, and fees; aid members seeking dues relief, and help resolve delinquent accounts.

Program and Facilities Coordination

• Assure coordination and scheduling to maximize efficiency and avoid conflicts.
• Assure maintenance, cleanliness, readiness, security, and safety of physical facilities.
• Manage, protect, and improve Temple facilities in collaboration with the Building and Grounds Committee.

Communications

• Oversee all printed and electronic communication from the Temple, including the website.

Religious Services

• Assure proper organization and readiness for all services

Security

• Oversee security, including employed and contract staff, training for staff and members, maintaining target-hardening technology, applying for and administer Homeland Security and other grants.
• Maintain relationships with security partners, including DC Police, JShield (Jewish Federation of Greater Washington).

General Administration

• Evaluate needs, oversee purchase, use, maintenance, and replacement of equipment and systems, including IT, building systems, and live streaming.
• Participate in meetings of the Board of Trustees, Officers, and other committees, including Administration, Building and Grounds, Finance, Membership, and Strategic Planning.
• Coordinate with Religious and Nursery School Leadership on personnel, logistics, and administrative matters.
• Oversee Temple IT functions, both administrative and livestreaming.
• Maintain relationships with vendor/contractor partners including benefits brokers, IT/Network hosting and support, corporate compliance, and HR legal counsel.
• Work with senior leadership and Board to implement Temple’s Strategic Plan.
• Maintain relationships with religious and other non-profit institutions in the Washington area including professional associations and joint-purchasing collectives.

The successful candidate will have

• A Bachelor’s degree required.
• At least eight (8) years of experience in a management role, preferably with populations diverse in age and background with at least four (4) years of proven track record in a supervisory
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• An ability to set priorities, manage projects and meet deadlines.
• The capacity to deal with ambiguity and organizational change.
• A commitment to Jewish values and social justice.
• The ability to delegate and mentor.
• The following characteristics:
  • Creative and innovative.
  • Diplomatic yet decisive.
  • Flexible and forward thinking.
  • Personable and compassionate.
  • Highly organized, big picture vision, yet detail oriented.
  • Direct, honest, trustworthy.
  • Self-aware and self-reflective.
  • Social and emotional intelligence.
  • Patience in interpersonal situations.
  • A sense of humor

Compensation and benefits

• Compensation range of $200,000 - $225,000 based on experience, skills, and
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and competitive benefits package including medical and dental insurance, 403b plan, life insurance, long-term disability, and flexible spending a

This job description is not a comprehensive listing of the ED’s activities, duties, or responsibilities. Other functions and responsibilities may change or may be assigned.

Mersky, Jaffe & Associates is proud of its association with the Temple Sinai, Washington, DC and to be conducting the search for its next Executive Director. If you, or someone you know, might be a suitable candidate for this position, please forward, in confidence, the person’s name, cover letter, resume, and contact information to Katie Moreland at [email protected].