Temple Beth Shalom’s Executive Director will be someone who believes that synagogues matter and that Jewish life is meaningful. Our Executive Director will partner with our clergy, staff, and lay leaders to imagine the 21st century American synagogue – and will be instrumental in helping us actualize our vision.
Who We Are
Temple Beth Shalom is a dynamic, creative, engaged Jewish congregation of 400 households in the Rivertowns of Westchester, New York, affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism.
Our location in the Rivertowns – a collection of four villages (Hastings-on-Hudson, Dobbs Ferry, Ardsley, and Irvington) a short distance north of New York City – is a core aspect of our identity. The villages are home to artists, writers, scientists, entrepreneurs, psychologists, activists, doctors, and other professionals who believe in the power of ideas and stories. This community of interesting, talented, and passionate people is the life-force that makes our synagogue strong and unique.
For the past 51 years, the congregation has been led by a beloved Rabbi, Rabbi Edward Schechter. In July of 2022, we began an 18-month transition (which will formally conclude in January 2024) – welcoming Rabbi Daniel Reiser as the congregation’s new rabbi, as Rabbi Schechter shifts towards his role as Rabbi Emeritus. It is an exciting time of growth and change in the congregation – as we honor the legacy of the past five decades, and dream about the future.
Who We’re Looking For
Someone who also believes in the power of ideas and stories – and who can partner with us to actualize our future.
Additionally, we are looking for someone who:
- is passionate, open-minded and likes to dream big and try new things
- is energized by being around people, is a team player and a good listener
- is organized and strategic with great follow-through skills
- likes to juggle a lot of different projects and is careful not to drop the ball, and who also understands that the details matter
- enjoys the challenge of doing a lot with a little and someone who wants to grow along with our congregation
- is highly motivated and likes to learn new skills, to research new solutions and new technologies
- is self-reflective, is aware of their areas for growth and is not afraid to cast a dissenting vote
Portfolio of Responsibilities
Our Executive Director will take ownership of:
Organizational development
- Revamp our communications strategy (digital and print, email and social media) – partnering with board members who have professional expertise in this area
- Revamp our member enrollment process
- Make better use of our database system (or help us find a new one!) so that we can keep track of and call upon our congregants’ passions and talents
- Develop and implement HR practices and procedures, including a clear supervisory structure, mechanisms for regular observation, feedback and evaluation, and clear pathways for reporting and resolving grievances – partnering with board members who have professional expertise
Programmatic and life-cycle implementation
- Take the lead – and/or supervise others who will take the lead – on all administrative aspects of our programmatic calendar and life-cycle observances
- Manage the calendar
- Create program write-ups and planning documents
- Create processes for program evaluation
- Oversee room set-up and supplies requests
- In partnership with our Finance Administrator, order supplies for programs, life-cycles, and office use
- Create flyers and marketing materials (and/or oversee graphic designer to do so)
- Create registration forms and payment sites
Budget (in partnership with our Finance Administrator and Board Treasurer)
- Maintain a high-resolution understanding of all expenses and incomes
- Develop clear, detailed budgets for individual programs/initiatives
- Manage our capacity for staffing and salaries
- In partnership with our clergy, begin to articulate and execute development (fundraising) priorities and strategies
Facilities
- Oversee building upkeep and capital improvements, in partnership with lay leaders who have professional expertise
- Supervise Facilities Staff (custodians), providing clear workflow expectations
- Maintain relationship with security company and advisors; implement regular security trainings for staff and lay leaders
- Oversee security improvements to our physical plant; arrange for police presence as needed (High Holidays, other high traffic times)
- In coordination with Facilities Staff, maintain relationship with contractors (electrician, HVAC, plumber, tree removal/maintenance, snow removal, florist, caterers, sound and livestream systems, exterminator, IT support, others)
Board governance
- Meet weekly with Board President and Rabbi
- Attend monthly board meetings and provide Executive Director’s report
- Provide support and information to empower board leadership to set policies
- Enact board policies
Supervision
- The executive director reports to the Board President and works in close collaboration with the Rabbi.
- Direct reports:
- Finance Administrator
- Facilities Staff
- Director of Early Childhood Center
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $120K - $140K
Benefits include 4 weeks vacation (to be coordinated with Synagogue schedule) and available health insurance and pension pre-tax contribution plans (employer/employee split to be negotiated).
Hours
Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm (with realistic flexibility), in-person (non-remote) work – plus:
- Monthly Monday evening board meetings
- Occasional weekday evening or Sunday morning meetings with key lay leaders
- Additional hours for large-scale congregational events (eg. High Holidays, Galas, and other programs for more than 200 people)
Applications Due By
November 30, 2023
Contact Information
Please email or send all resumes and information to: [email protected]
Temple Beth Shalom is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.