Executive Director – Ohavay Zion Synagogue (Lexington, KY)
About Ohavay Zion Synagogue
Ohavay Zion Synagogue (OZS) is a warm, inclusive Conservative Jewish community serving approximately 175 families in beautiful Lexington, Kentucky. We are proud of our rich history, vibrant spiritual life, and commitment to Jewish learning, social justice, and community engagement. As we look to the future, we are excited to hire our first Executive Director to help us grow and thrive.
Lexington offers the charm of a small city with the culture, natural beauty, and progressive spirit that may surprise you—horse country meets college town, with rolling hills, world-class bourbon, and a tight-knit, welcoming Jewish community.
Position Overview
OZS is hiring our first Executive Director—a unique opportunity to shape and grow a warm, inclusive, and mission-driven Conservative congregation serving 175 households in Central Kentucky.
The Executive Director will serve as our chief administrative leader, overseeing day-to-day operations, supervising staff, supporting the rabbi and board, and guiding the business and organizational side of synagogue life. This includes financial management, fundraising coordination, communications, facilities oversight, member relations, and partnership-building within the broader Jewish and interfaith community.
We’re looking for a strategic and relationship-oriented professional who can build systems, support people, and help our congregation thrive. If you’re excited to build something new, grow into leadership, and make a lasting impact in Jewish life—this is your chance.
What We’re Looking For:
- Bachelor’s degree required
- 7–10 years of relevant experience preferred—but we also welcome early-career candidates who are eager to grow
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Excellent interpersonal and written communication abilities
- Comfort with budgeting, financial systems, and donor engagement
- Experience in nonprofit, synagogue, or small business operations
- Familiarity with Jewish life, customs, and calendar—or a willingness to learn
- Tech-savvy and detail-oriented with a collaborative mindset
Bonus Points For:
- Experience supervising staff or volunteers
- A warm and welcoming presence with a passion for community-building
- Desire to be part of a thoughtful, forward-looking congregation in a small but mighty Jewish community
Compensation
We anticipate a salary range of $60,000–$70,000, commensurate with experience. This range reflects local nonprofit benchmarks and the scope of responsibilities. Benefits include:
- Health insurance contribution
- Paid time off and holidays
- Professional development opportunities