A Rare Opportunity to Lead a Thriving Reform Jewish Community into its Future
Are you ready to lead a growing, vibrant, financially strong Jewish community
that’s redefining what it means to be a modern Reform congregation?!
Welcome to Congregation Ahavath Chesed, affectionately known as The Temple. We
are located in Jacksonville, Florida — one of the country’s most livable and
family-friendly cities — and we're on a mission: to double our membership and become
a leading hub of Jewish life in the Southeast. And we’re looking for the right Executive
Director to help lead us there.
This is not just a job. This is a calling. A movement. A mission.
Why This Role Is Different
- We're Growing — Fast. With over 30% membership growth in recent years, our congregation is dynamic and energized. We’re not trying to survive—we’re building a model of what’s possible.
- We Get Things Done. Our staff and board are collaborative, agile, and forward-thinking. You'll have the tools, the support, and the freedom to lead with creativity and impact—without the red tape that stifles so many congregational leaders.
- We’re Financially Strong. Our budget is balanced. Our members are generous. And we’re investing wisely in our people, systems, and future.
- We Dream Big. Our strategic vision is bold: grow from 530+ member units to 1,000+. We have a 40,000 square foot facility in one of Jacksonville’s most desirable neighborhoods, surrounded by opportunity (47,000 Jewish families in the Jacksonville, Florida area per the last URJ survey) —and we’re ready to transform.
- People Love Working Here. Most of our staff have been with us 10+ years. Why? Because we treat our people like family, offer flexible scheduling, excellent pay, amazing benefits,
and work hard to create a culture of purpose, collaboration, and joy.
What You’ll Do
As our Executive Director, you’ll be the chief administrative and operational leader of
the temple, guiding our professional staff, supporting our clergy, and collaborating with
our lay leaders to implement our strategic vision and foster an exceptional member
experience.
You will:
- Lead operations with excellence — from facilities and finance to HR and technology
- Supervise and inspire a dedicated professional team (Ops, Finance, Communications, Maintenance, Admin).
- Implement and improve systems, SOPs, and performance metrics to keep our operations best-in-class.
- Collaborate deeply with our board, clergy, and members to support engagement, retention, and growth.
- Champion a welcoming, inclusive culture where everyone feels they belong.
Key Qualifications
- 5+ years leading in nonprofit or congregational settings. This is not an entry level organization. We are looking for an experienced Executive Director with a proven track record of success who is ready to take on our bold vision of growth andoperational transformation and improvement.
- Strong operational and financial management experience.
- Proven ability to lead and coach staff teams with empathy and accountability.
- Familiarity with Reform Judaism, URJ values, and best practices.
- Experience using CRM, SOPs, and performance systems to drive results.
- Strategic thinker with a hands-on, can-do leadership style.
Why Jacksonville?
Jacksonville is a gem. It’s Florida’s largest city by land, and one of the most affordable, family-friendly places to live:
- Top-rated schools, vibrant Jewish community, and no state income tax.
- Professional sports, cultural events, outdoor adventures, the river, the beach, an amazing airport, and St. Augustine just down the road.
- Whether you're a beach lover, foodie, golfer, or urban explorer — you’ll find your niche and a high quality of life here.
Our Commitment to You
- Competitive compensation and best-in-class benefits
- Flexible work hours and a supportive work culture
- A collaborative environment that values innovation, transparency, and joy
- A team that wants you to succeed in a big way including supportive clergy, an active and involved board, large volunteer base, and an organization that is aligned around it’s strategic vision.
- The opportunity to leave a lasting legacy in one of Reform Judaism’s most exciting success stories
About Us
Congregation Ahavath Chesed (Love of Compassion) is a thriving Reform
Jewish congregation affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ). We are
proud to be an inclusive, welcoming, and mission-driven community rooted in
compassion, spiritual exploration, and Jewish tradition. Together, we are building a
vibrant Jewish future—and we’d love for you to join us.