COO/Executive Director
B’nai Jeshurun Congregation — Pepper Pike, OH
Full-Time | Senior Leadership Position
About Us
B’nai Jeshurun Congregation is a vibrant, welcoming, and mission-driven Jewish community located in suburban Cleveland, Ohio affiliated with the Conservative movement with approximately 900 member households. We are dedicated to engaging religious and spiritual experiences, lifelong learning, community engagement, and tikkun olam. We seek an experienced, strategic, and relationship-centered Executive Director to lead the administrative, financial, and operational functions of our synagogue in close partnership with our clergy, professional staff, and lay leadership.
Position Overview
The Executive Director serves as the chief administrative and operational leader of the synagogue, with responsibility for overseeing a staff of approximately 15 employees including 7 Direct Reports. This role is responsible for ensuring that the synagogue functions efficiently, sustainably, and in alignment with our mission and values. Reporting to the President of the synagogue, and collaborating closely with the Senior Rabbi, the Executive Director oversees all business operations, supervises and manages staff, oversees maintenance and operation of facilities, stewards finances, and ensures exceptional member experience.
This is a highly visible leadership position requiring professionalism, strategic thinking, strong interpersonal skills, and a deep appreciation for Jewish communal life.
The position requires regular evening and weekend availability for Board meetings, High Holy Days, major lifecycle events, and community programs. A typical work week includes 2-3 evening commitments and occasional Shabbat/holiday presence.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Administration
- Partner with the Senior Rabbi, President, Officers, Board of Trustees and committee heads to implement the synagogue’s strategic goals and policies.
- Lead, supervise, and support a team of professional staff, including finance, membership, development, facilities operation, programming, and administrative personnel.
- Maintain a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence in member service.
- Serve as primary liaison between clergy, lay leadership, and professional staff to ensure alignment and effective communication across all constituencies.
Financial Management
- Oversee all financial operations including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and audit coordination.
- Manage synagogue contracts with vendors and third parties, ensuring mutual compliance, tracking renewal/cancellation deadlines, etc.
- Manage revenue streams such as dues, tuition, fees, rentals, and donations.
- Work closely with the Treasurer and Finance Committee on financial oversight and long-term sustainability.
- Ensure adherence to financial best practices and applicable nonprofit regulations.
- Manage annual operating budget in excess of $2.5 Million with responsibility for variance analysis and proactive financial planning
Membership & Community Engagement
- Ensure a warm, responsive, and inclusive member experience.
- Oversee membership engagement, onboarding, communications, and retention initiatives.
- Partner with clergy and lay leaders on major lifecycle events, holidays, and community programs.
Facilities & Operations
- Oversee building operations, security, maintenance, and capital improvements for a large, multi-use building of approximately 70,000 Sq. Ft. of interior space set on a multi-acre campus.
- Manage relationships with vendors, contractors, and service providers.
- Ensure the synagogue is safe, welcoming, and well maintained.
- Coordinate enhanced security protocols in consultation with local law enforcement and the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and affiliated national organizations.
Development & Fundraising Support
- Collaborate with clergy, and supervise both the Development Director and development committee personnel on fundraising campaigns, events, and donor engagement.
- Support grant writing, stewardship, and donor recognition efforts.
- Participate in management of large, special fundraising campaigns.
- Support planning for an anticipated capital campaign targeted to raise in excess of $10 million focused on facility modernization projected to launch within 18-24 months.
Communications & Technology
- Oversee internal and external communications, including newsletters, announcements, website content, and social media presence.
- Ensure effective use of synagogue management software and information system Including MS Office Suite, ShulCloud and Kesef
- Assess overall effectiveness of synagogue’s current information technology platform and identify opportunities for enhancement.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree required; Masters in nonprofit management, business administration, or related field preferred.
- 7+ years of progressively responsible leadership and managerial experience, in nonprofit, Jewish communal, mission-driven organization, or private-sector roles.
- Proven success in operations, finance, staff supervision, and strategic planning.
- Experience with developing, analyzing and monitoring organizational budgets and maintaining fiscal discipline
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a warm, approachable, and professional demeanor.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills; ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Experience working with volunteers and lay leadership.
- Familiarity with Jewish culture, synagogue life, and holiday/lifecycle rhythms (prior experience in a synagogue environment strongly preferred).
- Commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive community.
- Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and Jewish holidays as required
Strongly Preferred
- Prior experience as an Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer, or senior administrator gained through experience with a large synagogue, comparable Jewish communal organization or with private sector employers.
- Working knowledge of Conservative Jewish practice, ritual, and calendar.
- Experience managing capital campaigns or major fundraising initiatives.
- Familiarity with nonprofit accounting, HR compliance, and employment law.
Success Metrics
In the first year, success in this role will be measured by:
- Successful integration with clergy, lay leadership, and staff teams.
- Completion of operational assessment and identification of efficiency improvements.
- Achievement of balanced budget with clear financial reporting and forecasting systems.
- Smooth execution of High Holy Days operations and major synagogue events.
- Development of preliminary planning framework for anticipated capital campaign.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range: $125,000 to $150,000, commensurate with experience
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement plan options
- Paid time off and paid holidays
- Professional development support
- Other benefits as applicable
How to Apply
Please submit your résumé, a cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest in the role, and three professional references to [email protected] with the subject line “Executive Director Application – [Your Name]”.