Congregation Ohev Shalom, an egalitarian and inclusive congregation located just outside Philadelphia in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Executive Director to join our leadership team.
Rooted in Conservative Judaism, Ohev Shalom is an independent congregation committed to egalitarian worship, learning, and community. Our engaged and diverse Jewish community creates shared experiences for prayer, ritual, life-long learning, celebration, and comfort. Our members seek friendship, spirituality, enrichment, and fulfillment as we adapt traditional Jewish observance and custom to our ever-changing world. Our rabbi studied at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, and she brings a modern and energetic perspective to her teachings, and harmony and soul to leading prayer.
Our synagogue leadership team is committed to creating a warm and welcoming environment that fosters connection and belonging, making it a home to people across the spectrum of religious observance, and to their family members of other faiths. We aim to welcome, connect, support, and value all those who wish to experience Judaism at any stage along their personal journeys.
Position Summary
The Executive Director serves as a key leader in the synagogue, reporting directly to the President and Board of Directors. This role oversees all day-to-day operations, including financial management, human resources, staff supervision, communications, facilities, rentals, security, and membership engagement. The Executive Director is a strategic thinker and skilled administrator, utilizing independent judgment to make operational decisions while advising and assisting the Board with long-term planning, policy, and governance.
Success in this role requires strong interpersonal skills and the emotional intelligence to work collaboratively with members, lay leaders, and professional staff. The Executive Director is charged with leveraging every available resource and innovative practice to ensure Congregation Ohev Shalom continues to meet the needs of its members, the local Jewish community, as well as the broader community. This is a unique opportunity for a motivated professional to make a meaningful impact on a vibrant and dynamic congregation.
Primary Responsibilities
Organizational Leadership & Strategic Planning
- Collaborate with the Rabbi, Board, Education Director and lay leaders to implement systems and processes aligned with the synagogue’s mission.
- Identify and pursue alternative funding sources, including grants and endowments.
- Support Board committees with policy development and execution.
Financial Management
- Collaborate with the Treasurer and Finance Committee to develop and manage the budget and ensure long-term fiscal health.
- Oversee financial operations, including dues, vendor payments, payroll, audits, and reporting to the Board.
Membership Relations & Communications
- Partner with leadership to develop outreach, recruitment, and retention strategies.
- Sensitively address member concerns and serve as the primary contact for prospective members.
- Foster relationships with local Jewish organizations and the wider community.
Facilities Management
- Oversee facility operations, including maintenance, security, insurance, and rentals.
- Supervise facility staff and collaborate with vendors and committees to ensure safe, functional property management.
Program Management & Logistics
- Support clergy, staff, and lay leaders in planning and executing programs, events, and High Holiday logistics.
- Oversee the synagogue calendar and provide administrative support for life cycle events.
Staff Supervision & Human Resources
- Supervise administrative and facilities staff, ensuring a positive workplace culture.
- Manage vendor relationships, benefits programs, and external contractors.
Communications & Community Relations
- Act as the primary representative for inquiries and a liaison with local Jewish agencies.
- Oversee external communications, including the monthly newsletter, website, social media, and marketing strategies.
Desired Qualifications:
- Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience.
- Nonprofit experience
- Detail-oriented, proactive, and technologically savvy
- Bachelor’s degree
- 3 to 5 years of leadership experience that includes robust financial management skills, including budgeting and reporting.
- Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with diverse stakeholders and foster collaboration.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Some familiarity with human resources management.
- Detail-oriented, proactive, and technologically proficient, including hardware, software (Microsoft 365 Office Suite, Quickbooks, Shul Cloud experience a plus), and security.
- Ability to excel in a fast-paced environment.
- Familiarity with or willingness to learn Jewish traditions and communal life.
Salary range: $70-95K, commensurate with experience
Benefits:
- Paid time off and sick leave
- Paid Jewish and federal holidays
- Contribution to health insurance
- Courtesy membership to Congregation Ohev Shalom
Guidelines for Applicants
Interested candidates are encouraged to email their resume and cover letter outlining their qualifications for this position to: s[email protected].