Executive Director

Beth Jacob Congregation of Irvine (Beth Jacob) is an over 40-year-old modern-orthodox congregation located in beautiful Irvine, California. We pride ourselves on our highly diverse community, which permeates our environment, and fosters an atmosphere of community, cooperation and mutual respect among Jewish traditions from around the world. We are also the only Shul in Orange County that has services up to three times a day, 365 days a year. 

Beth Jacob is in search of our next Executive Director. The Executive Director is a professional, full-time staff member responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Synagogue, as well as a critical component of the short- and long-term strategic planning and growth of the Synagogue. The Executive Director works in collaboration with the Rabbi, President, Board of Directors, BJI Staff and others to identify the Synagogue’s priorities and align the Synagogue’s limited resources in a way that maximizes benefit to the community and creates sustainable growth.  

The Executive Director must have world-class organization and interpersonal skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities concurrently. The Executive Director must exhibit maturity and sensitivity toward the community with a strong sense of trust and confidentiality.

Representative duties that may be executed, delegated, or supervised include the following:

1. Administrative:

1. Oversee all aspects of day-to-day Synagogue administration in coordination and alignment with the Rabbi, the President and BJI Staff.
2. Effectively lead, manage and evaluate the Synagogue staff.
3. Collaborate with the Director of Olam Jewish Montessori, as well as interface with the board of the Irvine Community Mikveh.
4. Create office procedures and maintains a cooperative, pleasant working environment.
5. Oversee the creation of the synagogue’s annual budget, and the implementation and performance in accordance with the budget.
6. Build and strengthen the synagogue’s volunteer base.
7. Implement policies of the synagogue as approved by the Board.
8. Attend all general board meetings, as well as committee meetings as needed/requested.

1. Membership and Fund Raising:

1. Work with representatives of the board to create, lead and implement short-term and long-term fundraising strategies.
2. Coordinate and administer the Synagogue’s membership drives, aimed at member retention and growth in new membership.
3. Welcome new and prospective members and attempts to integrate them into the synagogue family.
4. Plan and coordinate events, as well as help establish groups, to attract and retain members representing different demographics (e.g., young couples, singles, seniors, women, etc.).
5. Ensure the continued and growing success of annual fundraisers, including Purim baskets, annual calendar, yizkor book and more.

1. Programming and Events:

1. Organize the synagogue’s master calendar and make it available to the community.
2. Work with the Rabbi to maintain and grow adult education programming.
3. Work to ensure the success of the BJI Annual Gala and other annual events, including Purim.
4. Bring new programs and ideas to the shul.

1. Youth Programming

1. Identify and implement new programs to attract and retain youth at the Synagogue, including Shabbat and High Holiday programming for multiple age groups.
2. Work with the Rabbi to maintain and grow existing youth programming, including Youth Enrichment Classes and NCSY.

1. Strategic Planning and Community Outreach:

1. In coordination with the President and Board of Directors, create annual goals for the synagogue that cascade to staff members.
2. Work with the Rabbi, President and board representatives reach out to members and potential members of the synagogue to strengthen relationships and assess needs and desires.
3. Work with the Rabbi, President and board representatives to devise, implement and measure/monitor the synagogue’s 3-5 year strategic plan.
4. Establish and maintain accurate membership data, as well as effective methods of communication and publicity.
5. Attend synagogue activities and events.
6. Connect with the Orthodox Union and peers at other synagogues to bring best practices to the Synagogue and to leverage resources.

1. Facilities Management

1. Responsible for long term and short term maintenance of all synagogue facilities, including janitorial staff and contractors for repairs and grounds maintenance, in coordination with staff and volunteers.
2. In coordination with the Rabbi, develop and oversee the successful operation of the Synagogue’s kitchen facility.
3. Work closely with members, accommodating their needs for their lifecycle events (e.g., schedules, set-up of facilities, building usage fees, catering and any other arrangements).
4. Oversee the development, implementation and maintenance of a disaster plan.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or demonstrated experience in nonprofit management, business administration, Jewish communal service, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership or management experience in nonprofit, educational, religious or community organizations
• Demonstrated experience in operational management of $500k+ organizations. Hands on experience with budgeting, financial management, and organizational operations.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal skills, supervisory and team leadership skills, and problem solving skills.
• Experience working with boards, volunteers, and diverse stakeholders

Requirements

• Strategic thinker with strong operational skills
• Collaborative and relationship-oriented leader 
• High level of integrity, discretion and professionalism
• Ability to balance multiple priorities and manage change effectively
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all individuals and families 

Compensation

• The salary range is $100,000- $120,000
• Benefits include paid time off 

Equal Opportunity Statement

• The synagogue is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community and welcomes applicants of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. We encourage candidates who are committed to building vibrant Jewish life and fostering belonging across our organization.

Contact: Submit resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Resumes will be considered on a rolling basis.