Executive Director

Synagogue Emanu-El has an immediate opportunity available for an Executive Director to ensure that our “trains run on time” and that members and guests receive a “five-star experience” while enjoying all that our synagogue has to offer through daily services, vibrant educational programming (youth and adult) and cultural and social events.

Founded in 1947, Synagogue Emanu-El is a conservative, egalitarian synagogue serving 340 family units. Our synagogue is financially secure and sits on a beautiful 10-acre campus, seven miles from downtown Charleston, SC. Our community consists of long-term multi-generational families, along with newcomers who are attracted to Charleston for its history, year-round pleasant weather and vibrant cultural and culinary scenes.

Successful Executive Director candidates will be well-versed in balancing and meeting the needs of a dynamic synagogue, while considering its 75-year history.

The Executive Director will:

• Report directly to the Board of Trusteesand be responsible for day-to-day management of the synagogue and partnering with the religious and lay leadership to plan and envision the future of the synagogue.
• Provide support to the Board of Trustees.Act as liaison between Board and staff. Provide appropriate materials and resources to the President and Board Committees needed to incite change and promote growth.
• Provide strategic guidance to committeesand staff to include good accounting, fundraising and human resources practices. Articulate vision, mission, theory of change and strategic direction of the synagogue.
• Provide and oversee financial managementthrough good A/R and A/P practices. Ability to read and understand financial documents. 
• Monitor revenues and expenditures. Prepare and oversee payroll, annual dues and congregant invoices.  Report on cash flow, balance statements, tax returns, audits and compliance, etc.
• Assist with development and fundraising. Proven success in enthusiastically assisting in creating, planning, and executing fundraising activities and securing major gifts. Identify, write and obtain grants.
• Hire and supervise staff.Ensure efficient and effective communication between staff members, and allocate staffing resources as needed. Provide ongoing training and continuous development and conduct performance evaluations.
• Encourage new and continuing membership through community outreach. Assist and provide guidance to members through life cycle events to ensure member engagement and satisfaction. Be the “face” of Synagogue Emanu-El to the greater Charleston community and beyond.
• Provide support for synagogue functions.Oversee and provide administrative and logistical support for synagogue religious and community events. Staff events appropriately.
• Communicate events to congregation and board members. Oversee annual, monthly and weekly synagogue bulletins and communications, review all printed and electronic materials sent to congregation and ensure the use of collaborative technologies.  Communicate dates/times of upcoming meetings, events, services and activities through the congregational website, emails and other appropriate social media outlets.
• Ensure the physical building is maintained appropriately. Supervise and provide oversight to ensure ongoing maintenance and health of wear items. Manage vendors, janitorial and contracted staff to ensure cleanliness throughout the grounds, building and kosher kitchens. Interface with Building and Grounds committee for necessary projects.
• Provide excellent communication and liaisewith stakeholders to include the Rabbi, Religious School Board, Sisterhood, Men’s Club and greater Charleston community to enhance internal and external relationships.
• Other duties as necessary.

Qualifications: 

• Five plus (5+) year’s proven leadership ability, with experience managing staff and encouraging/supporting volunteers.
• Solid planning, analytical and conceptual skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to interact with and connect with diverse populations.
• Ability to proactively identify key issues and develop creative and appropriate solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and priorities.
• Knowledge of Jewish ritual, holiday and life-cycle traditions, highly desirable. 
• Ability to work evening and weekend hours as needed to attend synagogue events and meetings.
• Demonstrated ability to proactively manage and optimize financial resources. 
• Experience in facilities management to include physical building and grounds.
• Experience in office technology, including software and hardware systems.
• Knowledge of accounting systems and ShulCloud, a plus.
• Enthusiasm for developing/implementing fundraising programs and securing sponsorships.
• Experience working for or volunteering with a synagogue or other Jewish organization is highly desirable. 

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years management experience in a nonprofit, synagogue or equivalent professional environment.

Compensation:

• Synagogue Emanu-El reasonably expects to offer $90,000.00 - $120,000.00 annually for this position based on skills and experience as required in the position description. Benefits include professional development, insurance and retirement stipends and generous paid time off.