Executive Director - The Community Synagogue
About The Community Synagogue:
The Community Synagogue is a growing community of 800+ Reform Jewish families, founded in 1952, located in Port Washington, NY. Over the past 5 years we have added more than 50 families, expanded our clergy team from three to five, and are one of the largest synagogues on Long Island.
Website: www.commsyn.org
The Community Synagogue is an integral part of Port Washington and serves as a spiritual home for families from diverse backgrounds and traditions. Our community is characterized by its warmth, inclusivity, and commitment to Jewish values. We take great pride in our dedication to fostering a sense of belonging and genuine kinship among our members.
From engaging worship services and dynamic educational programs to meaningful social action initiatives and stimulating cultural events, we offer a wide range of opportunities for individuals of all ages to deepen their connection to Judaism and to each other. We are committed to creating meaningful connections not only with one another but also to establish God’s presence within our lives to develop a deeper understanding of Torah and a broader connection to Israel - the people, the land and the state.
The Community Synagogue is an innovative congregation that is continuously growing, deeply committed to making sacred connections, and financially secure. We pride ourselves on making all feel seen, welcome, respected, and valued. We dedicate ourselves to forming a covenantal relationship with all our staff and believe deeply in a brit Kodesh with our clergy partners, professional staff, lay leaders and volunteers. We have found that working together allows us to focus on our collective mission of enriching the lives of our congregants through Torah, Avodah/Tefilah and Gemilut Chasadim.
With a five-person clergy team, dedicated professional staff, a year-round Early Childhood Center (ECC), bustling religious school, and a historic property, The Community Synagogue is a dynamic place that looks to fulfill its mission of being a vibrant, caring and inclusive Reform congregation that inspires meaningful relationships with one another, the larger community and with God.
Position Summary:
The Executive Director of The Community Synagogue is a key leadership role responsible for implementing the strategic vision of the Board of Trustees (BOT) and overseeing all administrative and operational functions of the Synagogue. As a central figure in our community, the Executive Director collaborates closely with Clergy, Senior Staff, and lay leadership to support the operational, spiritual, and communal life of the congregation.
- This year also marks an important turning point in the synagogue’s history, with a new senior rabbi starting on July 1, providing the new Executive Director with an opportunity to help drive the success of the synagogue as it moves through this transitional moment.
Primary Responsibilities:
Strategic and Organizational Leadership
- Implement the overall strategic direction and vision as outlined by the BOT.
- Serve as a senior member of the leadership team, working in close collaboration with Clergy, Senior Staff, and the Synagogue President
- Provide guidance on administrative and business procedures and best practices and oversee successful implementation and management of those practices and procedures.
- Work closely with lay leadership of the synagogue, including the Executive Board, BOT, Committee Chairs, and volunteers
Administrative and Personnel Management
- Supervise and manage the entire administrative, operations, finance, engagement, and communication teams.
- Promote a positive, mission-driven organizational culture.
- Oversee human resources and employee benefits administration alongside VP of Member Finance/Human Services and HR Committee
- Support employee development and ensure effective internal communication.
Financial Oversight
- Oversee day-to-day financial management of the over $6 million budget, including managing the finance team.
- Ensure timely and accurate financial monitoring and reporting.
- Lead annual budget development in coordination with the Treasurer and Finance Committee
- Ensure responsible financial management and long-term fiscal health of the organization.
- Work with VP of Member Finance/Human Services on collecting membership information and coordinating arrangements for congregants who may need financial assistance
Operational Oversight
- Manage all physical plant operations for the building and surrounding grounds, including facility & systems maintenance and construction projects
- Includes Early Childhood Center (ECC)
- Also includes an off-premises cemetery.
- Manage the staff that oversee facility rentals, including calendaring and policies, and ensure that staff facilitate communication between administration and maintenance staff so that the facilities are properly set up for all functions
- Oversee safety and security protocols in coordination with the VP of Facilities and Security Committee
- Implement security protocols and manage security systems and personnel
- Serve as primary liaison with local law enforcement
- Ensure staff, congregants, and guests are safe when on the premises
- Maintain and advance the Synagogue’s technology infrastructure
- Includes sanctuary livestream and audio capabilities
Program and Event Support
- Provide logistical oversight and coordination for major Synagogue endeavors, including:
- High Holy Days
- Attendance at High Holy Days is expected
- Life cycle events
- Special programs and other worship experiences
Communications and Community Engagement
- Direct external and internal communications, including managing the communications professionals on staff. Communications topics include:
- Fundraising
- Membership engagement
- Community partnerships
- Oversee membership engagement, including managing engagement professionals on staff
- Implement engagement programs and strategies alongside VP of Member Engagement and Membership Committee
- Attend critical membership and engagement events
- Work with new member families to get them acclimated to the congregation
- Serve as a resource and partner for congregants, lay leaders, committees, and BOT members
Governance and Committee Support
- Staff and support numerous committees to facilitate lay involvement and governance.
- Attend Executive Board and BOT meetings
- Present a monthly report to the BOT
- Maintain repository of synagogue policies, contracts, and other key documentation
- Implement and execute records management process
Qualifications:
- Proven experience in nonprofit or synagogue management, leading organizations of similar size
- Strong leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to manage and coordinate multiple teams
- Expertise in budgeting, operations, and organizational development.
- Experience in ShulCloud, the synagogue’s financial and membership management software
- Experience in sourcing, negotiating, and overseeing outside vendor relationships
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to interact with a wide variety of stakeholders.
- Commitment to the mission and values of The Community Synagogue.