Executive Director: Synagogue and Campus Operations

Reports to: Congregation Kehillath Israel Board of Directors 

Partnership: Works in partnership with the Senior Rabbi and KI’s partner communities

Supervises: Administrative Staff (approx. 4-6 full-time/part-time positions), Operational/ Custodial Staff, Preschool Director, and other non-clergy personnel

Salary range: $175,000 - $200,000 annually (depending on experience)

Overview 

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Kehillath Israel (KI) and its approximately 40,000 sq. ft. Campus in Brookline, Massachusetts (Campus), which currently houses as many as five congregations and minyanim (Congregation Mishkan Tefillah, Washington Square Minyan, Minyan Shaleym and Minyan Alumot) and a thriving preschool, as well as Yachad New England and other Jewish non-profit organizations.

The ED is responsible for the overall business, financial, administrative, and facility management of KI and the Campus, ensuring operational excellence and  supporting the religious and communal mission of the 400-member-family congregation and smooth operation of the Campus for our partner congregations and organizations. This leadership role executes the vision and policies set by the KI Board of Directors and works collaboratively with the Senior Rabbi and KI’s partner communities to foster a warm, welcoming, secure, and financially sustainable Jewish community.

Key Areas of Responsibility 

1. Financial Management & Fundraising

• Fiscal Oversight: Oversee staff bookkeeper and financial systems, accounting, and controls for KI and Campus operations. Work with KI’s Finance Committee to ensure legal compliance, financial integrity, and transparency.
• Budgeting: Develop, propose, and manage annual operating and capital budgets for KI and Campus. Monitor revenue and expenses. Provide monthly financial reports to the Board.
• Dues & Collections: Implement and manage KI membership dues policies, billing, and collection processes. Work with KI members to ensure timely dues payments.
• Resource Development: Collaborate with KI’s Board of Directors, Rabbi and Development Committee to execute fundraising strategies, including annual campaign, major gifts, and capital campaign, as appropriate.

2. Facilities & Campus Management

• Physical Plant Operations: Direct overall operation, maintenance, and security of the Campus, ensuring facilities are clean, safe, and well-maintained.
• Capital Projects: Oversee the ongoing maintenance and lifecycle planning for the renovated Campus building. Manage vendor contracts for custodial, maintenance, and security services.
• Space & Logistics: Oversee scheduling and space allocation for the congregation, preschool, Campus partners and synagogue events, including High Holy Days. 
• Safety & Security: Ensure implementation and management of comprehensive safety and security protocols for the Campus, its occupants, and visitors.
• Day-to-Day Operations: Manage efficient day-to-day operations of the Campus office, including technology, communications, website and data management systems (e.g., CRM, finance).
• Campus Communications: Maintain regular communications with the Campus partners, including space allocation, security coordination, lease negotiation, and Campus partner requests.

3. Human Resources & Staff Management

• Staff Leadership: Recruit, hire, supervise, train, and evaluate the KI and Campus non-clergy professional staff and staffing levels, including administrative team (approx. 4-6), operational/custodial staff, and Preschool Director.
• Culture & Development: Foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performing work culture. Ensure HR practices, compensation, and benefits programs comply with federal and state labor laws.
• Team Coordination: Conduct regular staff meetings to ensure effective cross-departmental coordination of KI and Campus  programs and operations.

4. KI Congregational Administration & Engagement

• Membership & Relations: Serve as key point of contact for KI members and prospective members. Work with KI’s lay leaders to develop and implement strategies for membership engagement, retention, and community building.
• Communications: Oversee KI’s external communications, including website, newsletters, social media, and marketing.
• Lay Leadership Support: Serve as resource and strategic advisor to KI’s Board, officers, and committees, assisting in development and implementation of synagogue policy and strategic goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in related field (e.g., Non-profit Management, Business Administration) preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive management experience in a non-profit, membership organization, or similar executive-level role, preferably within a Jewish communal setting.
• Demonstrated expertise in fiscal management, budgeting, and financial reporting.
• Proven ability to manage complex facilities and operations (experience with multi-use campus is highly desirable).
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to build trust and work collaboratively with clergy, staff, lay leadership, and diverse membership base.
• Strong organizational skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to prioritize, manage and execute upon multiple projects simultaneously, with rigorous attention to detail and ability to delegate responsibility to assure that projects are completed timely and responsibly.
• Knowledge of and commitment to Jewish values, customs, and synagogue life are essential.

Applications

If interested in this position, please send your resume and a cover letter to [email protected]