Executive Director – Congregation Beth Emeth, Albany, NY
Introduction
Congregation Beth Emeth, a welcoming and inclusive Reform synagogue in Albany, NY, seeks a dynamic and experienced Executive Director to join our leadership team. Founded in 1838, Beth Emeth is the oldest Jewish congregation in upstate New York and the fourth-oldest Reform congregation in the United States. With a rich history and a vibrant, growing, engaged membership of approximately 650 households, Congregation Beth Emeth is committed to fostering Jewish learning, community connection, and innovative growth.
With the retirement of a long-serving Executive Director and the addition of several new staff members, Beth Emeth is undergoing a period of transition. An Interim Executive Director is currently in place, providing stability as we search for a long-term leader to ensure continuity, strategic growth, and community engagement. The Executive Director will work to strengthen Beth Emeth's governance, enhance its financial stability, and foster meaningful relationships among clergy, lay leadership, and members.
This role offers an opportunity to make a lasting impact on a historic and thriving congregation, fostering growth, innovation, and deep community connections.
Position Summary
The Executive Director is a key strategic and operational leader who reports directly to the Board of Trustees. This role oversees all aspects of synagogue administration, including financial management, human resources, facilities, security, membership engagement, and communications.
The Executive Director is expected to work outside regular business hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed to support synagogue events, programs, and community engagement.
The ideal candidate will be an entrepreneurial and mission-driven leader with experience in nonprofit management, community engagement, and fundraising. They should also bring governance, organizational leadership, and relationship-building skills to help Beth Emeth expand its impact in the Jewish and broader Albany communities.
A passion for Jewish communal life and a commitment to Beth Emeth’s values of inclusivity, learning, and engagement are essential.
Key Responsibilities
Organizational Leadership & Strategic Growth
- Serve as a thought partner to the Board, Rabbinic, Cantorial, and lay leaders, helping to identify and model best practices and ensuring alignment between operations and Beth Emeth’s mission and long-term vision.
- Establish a transparent collaboration model with clergy to strengthen governance and operational stability.
- Support the Board in leadership transitions, helping to standardize future processes for presidents and lay leaders.
- Support leadership development for lay leaders and board members.
- Enhance synagogue programming, services, and community-building efforts through partnerships with local Jewish organizations (e.g., Jewish Federation, Jewish Family Services).
- Develop and execute a comprehensive capital campaign strategy, providing leadership to staff and lay leaders. This strategy includes donor cultivation, grant acquisition, and financial planning to achieve fundraising goals.
- Develop a comprehensive annual project plan of recurring tasks and implement it to maximize efficiency, as a guide for new lay leaders and staff.
Financial Management & Fundraising
- Ensure long-term fiscal stability, collaborating with the Treasurer and Finance Committee to develop and oversee budgets.
- Supervise financial operations, including dues collection, vendor payments, payroll, audits, and reporting.
- Actively lead and support fundraising and philanthropic engagement, securing alternative revenue streams such as grants, endowments, rental income, and community giving initiatives.
- Evaluate and oversee membership financial commitments, including financial aid considerations for dues.
Membership Engagement & Community Relations
- Develop and execute outreach, recruitment, and retention strategies to foster engagement across all demographics.
- Strengthen relationships with local Jewish organizations, interfaith communities, and civic leaders.
- Ensure members feel valued and connected through community-building initiatives and direct engagement.
Facilities & Security Management
- Oversee synagogue facilities, including property, security, and rental management, in coordination with the Facilities Director.
- Supervise cemetery operations and staff to ensure maintenance, regulatory compliance, and high service standards.
- Coordinate with local authorities and security partners to implement and maintain security measures that ensure the safety of the congregation and cemetery.
Human Resources & Staff Leadership
- Supervise and support administrative and facilities staff (approximately 10 FTEs), fostering a positive and collaborative workplace culture.
- Collaborate with the Director of Administration on the preparation of Board of Trustees materials, the evaluation of administrative workflows, and the supervision of office support personnel.
- Oversee HR functions by established practices, including hiring, employee benefits administration, vacation time, and performance management.
- Maintain an annual review process for all employees, except for the Clergy.
- Guide the educator in implementing performance reviews for education staff.
Communications & Marketing
- Manage external communications, including website, social media, and marketing strategies to enhance Beth Emeth’s visibility.
- Serve as a spokesperson for the synagogue, ensuring messaging aligns with Beth Emeth’s mission and values.
Relationship Between the Executive Director and the Clergy of Congregation Beth Emeth
- The Executive Director (ED) and the clergy of Congregation Beth Emeth share a collaborative and respectful partnership rooted in a shared commitment to the congregation’s mission. While the clergy lead in spiritual and religious matters, the ED ensures operational and financial health, creating a strong foundation for communal growth. Each supports the other’s work, enabling effective programming, community-building, and spiritual enrichment. Each strives to resolve differences privately with respect for each other's roles.
Shared Mission and Collaboration
- The ED and clergy align on key goals—fostering a vibrant Jewish community and maintaining a sustainable institution. Regular, open communication ensures their work is cohesive and mission-driven.
- An experienced ED can serve as a confidential mentor and partner to the clergy.
Boundaries and Mutual Respect
- Clear role definitions and respect for each other’s expertise allow informed, collaborative decision-making. While responsibilities may intersect, boundaries are honored to maintain trust and effectiveness.
Strategic Vision and Growth
- Together, they develop long-term strategies that support both spiritual vitality and organizational sustainability, advocating for the congregation's and each other's needs.
Desired Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or higher.
- Experience in leadership roles with budgetary and community engagement responsibilities.
- Proven track record in fundraising and capital campaigns.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
- Proficiency in financial management, HR, and operational oversight.
- Knowledge of Jewish traditions and communal life, with the ability to engage meaningfully with congregants.
- Entrepreneurial mindset to develop and execute new initiatives in alignment with Beth Emeth’s mission and vision.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $100,000-$118,000
- Benefits Include:
- Employer contribution towards health insurance, disability insurance, and pension plan
- Professional development allowance
- NATA Dues
- Relocation assistance available for out-of-town candidates, subject to negotiation and board approval.
- Initial three-year contract.
Application Process
Interested candidates should email a resume and cover letter outlining their qualifications to: [email protected]. Please, no phone calls.
Beth Emeth is committed to diversity, inclusion, and building a vibrant Jewish community. We encourage applications from individuals passionate about Jewish communal leadership, nonprofit management, and synagogue growth.
Why Join Beth Emeth?
Beth Emeth is a congregation with deep roots and a bright future. Our rich history, engaged membership, and strong leadership team create a welcoming and inspiring workplace. Our leadership values innovation, collaboration, and tradition, ensuring that every team member has the support to make a meaningful contribution.
We are located in Albany, NY, a city known for its affordable cost of living, vibrant Jewish community, and cultural offerings. Join us as we embark on this next exciting chapter and play a vital role in shaping Beth Emeth’s future!