Executive Director
Congregation Beth Emeth
Hudson River Career Resources is partnering with Congregation Beth Emeth in Albany, NY to identify its next Executive Director, during an exciting time of transition and growth. The position is a blend of operational and strategic leadership, reporting directly to the Board of Trustees. This unique, multi-faceted role holds responsibility for all aspects of synagogue administration, including member and community engagement, financial management, staff leadership, facility and security oversight, and communications.
We are seeking an entrepreneurial and mission-driven leader, who can foster meaningful relationships among members, clergy, staff, the Board, and throughout the community. As a representative of the synagogue, you will 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.
ABOUT CONGREGATION BETH EMETH
Founded in 1838, Beth Emeth, located in Albany, NY, 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, it is committed to fostering Jewish learning, community connection, and innovative growth.. Its rich history, engaged membership, and strong leadership team create a welcoming and inspiring workplace – it is a congregation with deep roots and a bright future. For more information, please visit Beth Emeth’s website: Congregation Beth Emeth ¦ www.cbealbany.org/
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND OVERSIGHT
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 true partnership with the clergy, built upon transparent collaboration and mutual respect. Work together to develop long-term strategies that support both spiritual vitality and organizational sustainability and strengthen governance.
- Support the Board in leadership transition and development; standardize processes for presidents, lay leaders, and staff
- Enhance programming, services, and community-building efforts through partnerships with local Jewish organizations
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
- Administratively support fundraising and philanthropic engagement, and helping to secure alternative revenue streams
- Evaluate and oversee membership financial commitments with consistency, including financial aid considerations for dues
Membership Engagement & Community Relations
- Develop and execute outreach, recruitment, and retention strategies to foster member engagement across all demographics
- Ensure members feel valued and connected through community-building initiatives and direct engagement
- Provide the highest level of service and attention to every member, with confidentiality, sensitivity, energy, and empathy
- Strengthen relationships with local Jewish organizations, interfaith communities, and civic leaders
Facilities & Security Management
- Oversee 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 security measures that ensure congregational safety
Staff Leadership
- Supervise and support staff of approximately 10 FTEs, fostering a positive and collaborative workplace culture
- Collaborate with the Director of Administration to evaluate administrative workflows, and supervise office support team
- Continually review and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and in alignment with HR policies
- Oversee and guide the annual performance appraisal process for the administrative, facilities, and education staff
Communications & Marketing
- Manage external communications, including website, social media, newsletter, and marketing strategies
- Serve as a spokesperson for the synagogue, ensuring messaging aligns with Beth Emeth’s mission and values
LEADERSHIP QUALITIES
Balance is a critical attribute in this role - operationally, strategically, and interpersonally.
The right candidate will have a true passion for leading a nonprofit and is seeking longevity in the role. We are seeking someone who will find personal and professional gratification, community connection, and a sense of loyalty and fulfillment.
- An approach blending sound business acumen and a commitment to nurturing, growing, and protecting the temple is critical
- Decisiveness, incorporating the right timing, communication, and judgement, with a keen awareness of the impacts
- High emotional intelligence, with an understanding of, and appreciation for, the dynamics and styles of leaders and members
- It is extremely important to promote and foster a cohesive and unified team atmosphere, recognizing and welcoming everyone’s contributions and potential
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree or higher
- Nonprofit senior leadership roles with budgetary and community engagement responsibilities
- Proficiency in financial management, HR, and operational oversight, including physical space
- Direct staff management experience
- 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
- Ability to exercise discretion and sound judgement particularly with confidential situations
LOCATION AND COMPENSATION
This is an onsite position in Albany, NY. To best serve the membership, we ask for accessibility and flexibility outside regular business hours as needed, to support synagogue events, programs, and community engagement.
- Salary: $100,000-$118,000 with an initial three-year contract
- Employer contribution towards health insurance, disability insurance, and pension plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development allowance and NATA dues
- Relocation assistance available for out-of-town candidates, subject to negotiation and board approval
APPLY
-A full position profile is available upon request-
We welcome your resume, cover letter, and any additional information you’d like to share.
Alison Johnson, MBA ¦Hudson River Career Resources, LLC ¦[email protected]
Hudson River Career Resources and Congregation Beth Emeth are Equal Opportunity Employers