Executive Director Job Description 2025
Ahavath Achim Synagogue
Atlanta, Georgia
Ahavath Achim (AA), founded in 1887, is rooted in traditional Conservative Jewish observance, while also embracing novel approaches to prayer and practices. Our core values are spirituality, inclusivity and community. We create a warm, welcoming environment where everyone—regardless of background, belief, or life stage—feels valued and empowered to engage fully in Jewish life. We are a growing 673+ member synagogue and our membership mirrors demographic trends in Atlanta showing young families moving into the city to be closer to work and take advantage of all that Atlanta offers.
Ahavath Achim’s operating budget is comprised of dues income, fundraisers, fundraisers such as the Yom Kippur Appeal, revenue from our Endowment Fund, and rent from the Suzuki School which occupies our education building. Due to our central location and large sanctuary, Ahavath Achim is often the organizer and location for city-wide Jewish events.
Our current Executive Director is relocating to Florida after 15 years. Additional information about Ahavath Achim Synagogue can be found on our website: https://aasynagogue.org/welcome/about/
Job Description
Ahavath Achim’s Executive Director (ED) is responsible for leadership and oversight of non-clergy staff in finance, administration, membership relations and engagement, technology, security and facilities management, strategic planning and philanthropy. The ED, in collaboration with staff and lay leaders, prepares and executes the annual operating budget. The ED reports to the Board President, is an ex-officio member of the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees. The Executive Director supports the clergy, lay leaders and their committees. The Executive Director fosters a warm and caring environment for congregants, lay leaders, volunteers, staff, and prospective members and is the liaison to Jewish organizations, other faith communities and community organizations.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
Specific duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
- Collaborate with Clergy and Board members to implement AA’s mission, strategic goals, and vision
- Provide timely and accurate reports, maintain records, and ensure compliance with AA’s policies, procedures, and by-laws
- Collaborate with Budget and Finance Committee to formulate the annual operating budget, monitor financial status, oversee billing and collections, plan and implement fundraising campaigns and provide accurate monthly reports to the Board
- Ensure leadership coverage and support during synagogue programs and services by being accessible for urgent needs and coordinating response to unexpected events, medical situations, or facility issues as they arise
- Collaborate with the Legacy and Endowment Committee to build a culture of philanthropy, identify and cultivate potential donors
- Manage the AA building's security, maintenance and improvement projects, technology and management systems, including vendor relationships and contract oversight, and collaborate with Greening Committee to develop sustainability plans
- Work closely with clergy, Board members and staff to grow and engage membership
- Develop and maintain strong relationships and alliances with key strategic partners and all relevant public and private sector officials
- Hire, supervise, and train administrative staff who are responsible for synagogue operations including Membership and Engagement, Programming, Publicity and Marketing, Budget and Finance and Security.
The above job duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of the work for an employee in this position, but this is not intended as an exclusive or all-inclusive inventory of all duties required of the employee in this job.
Qualities for a Successful Candidate
As a prerequisite, the successful candidate must believe in Ahavath Achim’s core values and mission, show appreciation for religious tradition, Jewish rituals and holidays, and work collaboratively with clergy, staff, Board of Director leadership, volunteers and members. Additionally, the successful candidate demonstrates:
- Demonstrates strategic thinking by identifying technology process improvements and implementing efficient workflows
- Communicates clearly and plans thoughtfully when leading organizational change in a congregational environment
- Lead and strengthen the skills of a bright, diverse team
- Operate with a high degree of integrity
- Demonstrate excellent interpersonal communication skills, both oral and written
- Anticipate issues and opportunities and identifies areas of need for both short-term and long-term planning
- Use existing and new technologies, including but not limited to security equipment, website, social media, Microsoft Office, and all synagogue software (ShulCloud)
Minimum Qualifications:
- Proven experience as executive director or in other managerial positions in a Jewish non-profit organization.
- Minimum 7 years of experience in progressive management role(s) that specifically includes managing personnel, programs, services, and operations.
- Bachelor's Degree in business, marketing or other related fields preferred
- Understanding of nonprofit organizational or synagogue management experience preferred
- Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
- Experience in developing and executing strategic plans and initiatives.
- Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong understanding of finance and development.
- Project management, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
- Experience with facility management and building renovations
- Experience with creating and managing budgets, fundraising, and budget forecasting to include construction, and capital campaign management
- Experience managing buildings and maintaining relationships with professional and administrative staff
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, during major Jewish holidays and events
The AA Synagogue offers comprehensive benefits to include participation in the AA medical insurance program. Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience and education.
All resumes to be forwarded to the President of Ahavath Achim Synagogue, Mark Stern at [email protected]