Synagogue Overview
Congregation Habonim is an egalitarian and liberal synagogue with traditional values, a contemporary culture and modern-day attitudes towards Judaism’s spiritual fabric and community. Habonim welcomes families and individuals regardless of age, background, orientation or level of observance. In 2019, the congregation moved into a newly built synagogue, providing a larger and updated space for services and programs. Current congregation membership includes 600 membership units. Interest in new memberships is high with a sustained waitlist. There is one Shabbat evening service each month (typically with a break over the summer months), followed by a congregational catered meal or potluck dinner. Congregational Shabbat Services take place on Saturday mornings when Bar Mitzvahs or Bat Mitzvahs are scheduled. In addition to the High Holidays, services are held on festival holidays (Yizkor, Shemini Atzeret, Pesach, Shavuot). Habonim organizes and hosts many programs throughout the year focused on music, education, storytelling and current events.
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced and team-oriented Head of Strategy and Community Development who will collaborate with the Board and Clergy to set and achieve strategic directions in keeping with Habonim’s vision and mission. The Head of Strategy and Community Development will be a leader, an effective spokesperson for the organization, and will help raise Habonim’s significance with its members and its visibility in the community to ensure our sustainability and impact. They will also be responsible for the strategic management of the organization, including operations, administration, and human resources functions. The Head of Strategy and Community Development will work closely with the General Manager who is responsible for day-to-day operations, program implementation and facilities. The successful candidate will be a proven leader with mature judgement, exceptional interpersonal and communications skills, a strong executive presence, strong time management skills, technologically proficient, and the ability to prioritize goals for self and staff. These skills are balanced with a sensitivity to the needs of Clergy, the Board, and the community. The Head of Strategy and Community Development is accountable to the President of the Congregation. They take direction from the Senior Religious Leader and Board of Directors, and collaborates with all Clergy, staff and volunteers in carrying out the responsibilities outlined below.
Key Responsibilities:
Member Relations • Take on a leadership role in membership engagement and retention. • Working with the General Manager, develop a digital communications and social media strategy that maximizes engagement across different target audiences via appropriate platforms and messaging. • Engage with prospective members about the congregation and with existing members about dues, life cycle events, and other issues.
Services, Programming and Other Initiatives • Together with the General Manager, oversee all aspects of the High Holidays from June to October, including Marketing/Communication, Seating Selection, Ticket Requests and Distribution, Service Logistics, Aliyot, Security, Staffing, Streaming etc. • Work with Clergy, General Manager, Board, other volunteers, and third parties on idea generation and development of programming, services and other special events. • Working with General Manager, assist with planning, coordinating and supporting services, programs and events. • With Senior Spiritual Leader consider and plan a meaningful cadence of value-based programs and events on an annual basis. • Identify methods to increase Hebrew school enrolment and build ties to synagogue. Work in conjunction with Hebrew School Principal and Volunteer Director to identify, develop and implement new programs for youth, adult and senior education.
Broader Community Relations
• Promote booking of synagogue space by outside parties (i.e. use of lower level by school, rental of kitchen by caterers) where possible. Solicit building rentals, community partnerships and other sources of revenue(s).
• Promote the synagogue and its activities in the Jewish (and secular, as appropriate) community.
• Attend umbrella and/or other relevant Jewish communal events and organizations.
Strategic Planning
• Lead development and updating of a rolling strategic plan, which includes events, initiatives and financial forecasts.
• Together with Clergy, General Manager, Board, and community leadership, develop engagement strategies and programming from inception to execution.
• Build operational plans to support delivery of all Habonim’s programs. Identify resources required in the functional areas needed to execute the growth strategy.
Capital Projects and Fundraising
• Initiate and lead annual fundraising campaign in collaboration with the Board.
• Consider other meaningful avenues for fundraising and work on development and implementation of high impact programs (i.e. legacy giving, endowment funds).
• Work in connection with Board, Clergy and General Manager to ensure the successful planning and execution of campaigns and corresponding capital projects.
• Work with Clergy to manage donor relations. Maintain the highest level of contact with key congregants.
Board Leadership and Governance
• Attend all Board meetings, serving as a resource to the Board by providing reports and information as required. Deliver a report to the Board at each meeting, as relevant.
• Actively participate in strategic planning with the Board, taking on a leadership role.
• Advise the President, Senior Religious Leader and Board of Directors on congregation-related operations and communications at a strategic level.
• Attend various committee meetings, as requested, providing input and taking initiative to bring new ideas forward.
• Take responsibility, in coordination with the General Manager, for the administrative implementation of the programs, policies, and strategy envisioned by the Board and volunteers.
Financial Management
• Develop annual operating and capital budgets in collaboration with the treasurer.
• Assist the Finance committee and the Board in maintaining the financial health of the synagogue, and the administration of synagogue finances, ensuring financial procedures are in place and consistent with current legislation.
Human Resources Management
• Work closely with the General Manager and together supervise custodians, security staff, bookkeeper and other staff hired to support shul operations.
• Proactively identify opportunities for service improvement, staffing/vendor/subcontractor changes, cost savings, etc. and report to Board regularly.
• Provide strategic leadership and collaborative oversight for the General Manager, whose role includes responsibility for day-to-day operations, administration and coordination of Habonim activities and facilities.
Qualifications and Skills:
• Undergraduate degree, preferably in business, non-profit management, or a related field, with formalized training in the management of people and/or property. • Six+ years of experience in organizational leadership, non-profit management, or synagogue operations.
• Strong skills in communication, program development, and community outreach. Ability to think strategically while supporting operational management of the synagogue.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills, with a focus on collaboration and problem-solving. Ability to deal with a broad range of people with sensitivity, respect, compassion, and confidentiality.
• Financial acumen and experience with budgeting and financial management.
• Strong office computer skills, and experience with data management software.
•Ability to delegate and empower other staff, volunteers and others to tackle tasks to free up Head of Strategy and Community Development time for strategic priorities.
• Familiarity with Jewish customs, holidays, and synagogue life is beneficial. Experience in a Jewish community or synagogue environment is preferred but not required.
Compensation
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience, consistent with compensation levels for leadership roles in comparable non-profit organizations.
Working Environment
The Head of Strategy and Community Development will primarily work onsite in the synagogue’s office environment. As a senior leadership position, regular attendance at synagogue programs and events is expected, including some evenings and weekends, though not all events require the presence of the Head of Strategy and Community Development.
Interested candidates may submit their CV and cover letter to the Habonim Office at [email protected]; Attention: Executive Leadership Committee. Resumes accepted through June 30, 2025.