Executive Director

Our Synagogue

Congregation Sons of Israel (CSI), founded in 1891, is an egalitarian Conservative Synagogue with approximately 300 families in Briarcliff Manor, NY, Westchester County, along the Hudson River. CSI is poised for growth with a new energetic Rabbi, a long-serving Cantor and an increasing number of engaged young families. 

CSI is dedicated to a culture of inclusion and belonging. Women are central to all aspects of religious and spiritual life at CSI.  Intermarried families participate in the religious and social life, our Pride Committee ensures  LGBTQ members feel welcome and we embrace individuals of all ages and abilities. We strive to promote and enhance these values.

CSI has strong Nursery and Religious Schools, varied adult education programs, many active volunteer committees and a unique and thriving organic farm on its property.

The Executive Director Role: CSI seeks a proactive, responsive, experienced, and energetic Executive Director for our congregation. This top leadership role is responsible for administration of synagogue operations, including grounds and facilities, financial management, staff management (other than clergy and staff associated with religious content) membership activities and managing the synagogue calendar and programs. Our best candidate will be able to work collaboratively with our clergy, volunteers, vendors, the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee.

The role will report to CSI’s President and Board of Trustees.

The duties of the Executive Director include:

• Execute and implement Board established synagogue policies and procedures. When needed recommend new procedures to ensure effective operations.

• Manage the annual budget and oversee fiscal management of the synagogue including all vendor contracts, working with CSI’s accountants and work with the Treasurer on financial controls and reports.

• Collaborate with the Board and volunteers to develop and implement fundraising strategies, planning and executing campaigns to bolster CSI’s financial stability.

• Ensure cleanliness, maintenance, and timely repair of CSI facilities and grounds. Identify, oversee a bidding process, negotiate with and manage vendors and contractors.

• Administer the day-to-day coordination and communication of activities, services, programs, and events by managing the CSI calendar.  Oversee the CSI bulletin.

• Foster a sense of community by ensuring prospective members receive timely responses to questions, membership applications and onboarding.

• Manage the safety and security of everyone on the CSI campus, in collaboration with the security committee, including but not limited to:  
  • Implementation and supervision of security for CSI including physical security improvements to our facilities, and management of security protocols and procedures and directly working with contracted parties.
  • Strategizing short- and long-term planning for security needs, including researching and applying for security grants.
  • Anticipating risk and proactively researching and implementing solutions that add to the community’s safety.

• Manage human resources, ensure appropriate hiring and labor practices. Direct supervision of CSI staff (other than the clergy, and staff whose roles are directly related to religious content and eductaion) and vendors. This includes background checks, onboarding, tracking attendance, reviews, and oversight.

• Facilitate staff meetings, to foster collaboration and strong communication and  coordination of activities, programs and services at CSI. This includes coordination on programs events, religious services and High Holy Day services.

• Participate in meetings of the Board, Executive Committee, Budget Committee, selected other committees as well as Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services.

• Create and maintain a supportive culture that attracts, retains, empowers and motivates a committed team of engaged employees and volunteers.

• Serve as a synagogue steward, maintain healthy community relations with local Jewish organizations, community groups, neighbors, local police, and officials. 

• Provide monthly and annual written reports to the Board of Trustees.

• Perform additional activities as requested by the President and Board of Trustees.

You are:

• Proven as a leader and manager, preferably for a nonprofit organization.

• Highly collaborative and able to work with individuals with varied backgrounds and disciplines.

• Able to multi-task and switch priorities in a very dynamic environment.

• Skilled at purchasing and contract negotiation.

• Modern in your knowledge of technology, including social media to promote synagogue activities and increase membership.

• Knowledgeable about fundraising and marketing.

• Confident when talking to new, long-time or prospective members, and responsive to inquiries.

Qualifications & Skills:

The ideal candidate is a motivated and inspirational self-starter, who is a highly skilled and organized manager that can effectively manage the complex operations of CSI.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

• 5+ years management experience in a mid-size to large synagogue or non-profit organization with an engaged volunteer leadership.

• Successful track record in budgeting, fiscal management, and fundraising efforts.

• Excellent verbal and written communication. Knowledge of marketing and communication strategy a plus.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, encompassing diplomacy, confidentiality, and exceptional customer relationship management skills.

• Experience managing teams and supervising multiple staff with a foundational understanding of HR rules and policies.

• Effective team builder with the demonstrated ability to hire, train, delegate and create an efficient organization.

• Demonstrated time management and ability to multi-task with excellent skills in strategizing planning, organization, problem-solving, and scheduling.

• Ability to analyze situations, formulate effective solutions, and exercise independent judgment.

• Demonstrated experience in developing and stewarding programs and incentives that facilitate and enhance the vision of the congregation.

• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office, ShulCloud, website and database management, and social media platforms.

• Must be flexible and able to handle unforeseen matters as the synagogue operates seven days a week, including evenings, and responsive members’ emergencies.

• A basic understanding and respect for the values, practices and traditions of Conservative Judaism and a desire to work in this synagogue environment.

Benefits Include 401K match and health insurance reimbrusement