Executive Director

Congregation Shaarey Zedek (CSZ) is seeking a skilled and passionate individual to serve as Executive Director. The Executive Director will be a critical player in shaping our mission to reinvent modern synagogue life for upcoming generations. As Executive Director, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the congregation, guiding staff, clergy, and lay leaders in advancing our shared vision. This role ensures the organization runs efficiently, communicates clearly, and operates as a cohesive, accountable, and mission driven community.

• Drive Organizational Clarity: Align staff, clergy, volunteers, and lay leadership around shared goals and priorities.

• Ensure Operational Excellence: Build effective systems to support daily operations, communication, and accountability.

• Set Standards and Deliver Results: Define expectations, delegate responsibly, and ensure timely completion of projects.

• Promote Continuous Improvement: Evaluate and refine processes to strengthen performance and sustainability.

• Model Values Based Leadership: Cultivate a professional, inclusive, and mission centered workplace culture.

• Develop and Empower Staff: Provide guidance, coaching, and resources that encourage growth and high performance.

• Lead with Clarity: Maintain consistent HR practices—recruitment, onboarding, evaluation, and compliance—that support fairness and collaboration.

• Build Communication and Trust: Maintain current job descriptions and clear internal communication systems across teams.

Community Engagement & Membership Experience

• Strengthen Congregant Relationships: Partner with clergy and staff to welcome, engage, and retain members through meaningful connections.

• Foster a Culture of Belonging: Ensure all congregants experience warmth, respect, and inclusion.

• Enhance Community Presence: Represent CSZ in the broader community and cultivate partnerships that extend its reach and influence.

• Oversee Communications: Lead membership systems, marketing, and outreach to maintain consistent, high quality engagement.

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Champion the Vision: Collaborate with clergy, officers, and the Board to translate strategic goals into actionable plans.

• Guide Data Informed Decisions: Provide timely reporting and analysis to support planning and oversight.

• Empower Lay Leadership: Equip committees and volunteers with clear information and guidance to lead effectively.

• Advance Innovation: Identify and implement opportunities to improve operations and expand community impact.

• Ensure Fiscal Integrity: Oversee budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting with accuracy and transparency.

• Optimize Operational Resources: Manage facilities, technology, and vendor relationships to ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability.

• Lead Development Efforts: Partner with clergy and lay leadership to drive fundraising, donor engagement, and grant initiatives.

• Foster Financial Sustainability: Strengthen revenue generation through responsible budgeting and stewardship practices.

Shared Goals & Key Outcomes

The Executive Director will help CSZ achieve operational excellence and organizational health through measurable outcomes in community, staff, facilities, and finances:

Community & Engagement

• Increasing member connection, satisfaction, and participation across demographics.
• A diverse programming calendar reflecting the spiritual, educational, and social needs of both existing and prospective members.
• Strong partnerships with community organizations that expand CSZ’s visibility and role in the broader community.

Staff & Culture

• A cohesive, mission-driven culture where staff are supported, empowered, and held accountable.
• Collaboration between staff, clergy, and lay leadership that encourages creativity, unity, and mutual respect.

Operations & Facilities

• Safe, well-maintained, and fully utilized facilities that reflect pride in the synagogue’s physical space.
• Timely, efficient attention to building maintenance and repairs.
• Strong risk management and campus security practices ensuring the safety of all congregants and visitors.

Finance & Development

• Balanced budgets developed collaboratively with leadership and monitored responsibly.
• Clear financial communication and analysis leading to informed decisions and cost-saving recommendations.
• Growth in philanthropic support through stewardship, donor recognition, and strategic fundraising partnerships.

Qualifications & Attributes

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following qualifications and attributes:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s or other advanced degree in business, nonprofit management, or related field preferred.
• Leadership Experience: Demonstrated success overseeing staff, operations, and financial systems within a sizable organization, bringing strong business and management skills that translate effectively to a congregational setting.
• Operational Expertise: Experience implementing systems, managing teams, and achieving results through collaboration and accountability.
• Financial Acumen: Skilled in budgeting, reporting, and managing organizational resources.
• Collaborative Partnership: Ability to build strong relationships with clergy, lay leaders, donors, staff, and volunteers.
• Interpersonal Strength: Excellent communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Cultural Understanding: Familiarity with Jewish customs, rituals, and traditions or willingness to learn.
• Resource Oversight: Knowledge of facilities, technology, and security management in a congregational or similar environment.
• Integrity and Professionalism: Exercises sound judgment, discretion, and ethical leadership.

In this role, the Executive Director serves as both a strategic leader and an operational anchor—guiding people and systems toward excellence, unity, and lasting impact within the CSZ community.

Excellent salary and benefit package.