Synagogue Executive Director

About United Orthodox Synagogues of Houston

United Orthodox Synagogues of Houston (UOSH) was founded in 1965, merging three congregations to chart a common future. UOSH, located in the Willow Meadows neighborhood of Houston, has grown over its history in Houston and continues to be a warm, welcoming, modern orthodox community, committed to halachic observance and spiritual growth for all of its members.

Now entering a new era of its history, UOSH is poised for growth with the launch of a new building project set for completion in 2024. UOSH seeks to onboard a new ED to manage the day-to-day management of the synagogue, building projects, and campus, and partner with lay leadership to execute the mission and vision of the organization in compliance with its by-laws and constitution. 

About the Executive Director

The Executive Director (“ED”) serves as the chief administrator and operating officer of the synagogue and is responsible for the implementation of all of the policies of the board of directors. The Executive Director reports to the synagogue's President (lay leader) and works in close partnership with the Rabbi, Executive Officers, the Board of Directors, and committee heads as directed by the president. 

The Executive Director is responsible for the leadership and management oversight of all the synagogue's administration including member relations and services, marketing and communication, financial management, facility oversight and building maintenance, and revenue generation. The ED leads a team of administrative and custodial professionals and vendors to complete the objectives outlined in the Job Description and as directed by the President.

Duties and Responsibilities

Administration and Management

• Oversee staff including hiring, termination, training, scheduling, and bi-weekly approval of payment.
• Create administrative and financial systems that enable lay and rabbinical leadership and staff to implement the synagogue's mission.
• Ensure board meetings are scheduled and lay leadership is provided all necessary materials and notices in a timely manner.
• Participate in committee meetings as necessary. 
• Maintain a calendar of events for all shul programming, lifecycle events (Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Bris, etc.), and room requests/event rentals.
• Coordinate activities of auxiliary and associated organizations as they relate to and interact with the synagogue.
• Manage front office functions and develop procedures to increase effectiveness (answering phones, administrative needs, hall rentals). 
• Assist in developing and identifying new lay leadership, volunteers, and committees. 
• Create a handbook of all programs/procedures/protocols.
• Implement measures and initiatives based on the direction of the BoD.
• Provide support services where necessary.
• Liaise with organizational partners and external organizations as directed by the BoD. 

Marketing and Communications

• Create and manage the weekly distribution of the Shabbat bulletin and community announcements.
• Ensure that the website is current and up to date with a complete listing of all programs and services.
• Work with Marketing Committee to handle ad placements and special initiatives.
• Ensure that all mailings are prepared and sent out on time.

Program Implementation

• Assist Bnei Akiva Shlichim, and Bnot Sherut with their programming, travel, and housing needs.
• Ensure that all personnel and programs have the appropriate equipment and supplies to run effectively and efficiently.

Fiscal Management and Revenue Generation

• Oversee synagogue financial, accounting, and membership reporting systems.   
• With the Treasurer, oversee the preparation and distribution of budget and other financial reports to BoD and congregation.
• Oversee recordkeeping and reporting of income and expenditures for the synagogue and auxiliaries.
• Meet monthly with the treasurer to review the budget and financial reports.
• Ensure that Synagogue tax exemption, sales tax, and corporate papers are filed on time.
• Supervise billing and collection of all dues, fees, and assessments.
• Work with lay leadership on the development and implementation of fundraising opportunities and programs.
• Optimize the facilities rental process to make it more user-friendly and generate revenue for the synagogue. 
• Develop and Implement Kiddush/Program sponsorship programs to increase revenue.
• Ensure that the synagogue retains adequate insurance to carry out its activities (Liability Insurance, Workers’ Compensation Coverage, Umbrella Insurance, Directors & Officers Liability Insurance, Commercial Property Insurance, and Sefer Torah Insurance)

Member Services

• Partner with Membership Committee Chair to maintain and increase current membership numbers. 
• Assist members with dues-related questions and issues.
• Develop and implement processes to ensure members’ lifecycle events (Birth, Brit, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Wedding, Death, and Bereavement) are met with appropriate community support (relevant professionals and committees are notified) and programming needs are met (torahs, shiva needs, sponsored programs).

Facilities Management 

• Partner with Mikvah Committee to manage “non-evening scheduling,” maintenance, cleaning, and laundry.
• Perform regular walkthroughs/inspections of the Synagogue Campus and Buildings with relevant staff and leadership. 
• Ensure that all facilities are properly maintained and issues are solved quickly and in a manner that reflects positively on the Synagogue. 
• Verify that vendors employing personnel on site have certificates of insurance – Liability - (minimum $1M) and Workers' Compensation (or exemption).
• Ensure room requests and audio-visual equipment needs are set up as requested.
• Maintain a complete inventory of shul movable property.
• Ensure that custodial staff has the necessary equipment and instruction to perform their duties. 

• Create lists of specific event-related tasks to be performed by custodians
• Work with local law enforcement, security contractors, and city government, along with the VP of House and Grounds and Security committee to ensure the campus is well maintained and safety is accounted for.
• Be on call for burglar alarm, fire alarm, and other campus emergencies.

Temporary Responsibilities During Construction Project

• Attend bi-weekly construction meetings with the management company and builders on an as-needed basis
• Coordinate with architects, management company, and builders on any questions they have and all UOSH needs, particularly accessibility, and security.
• Complete forms/permits needed for construction.
• Work with UOSH committees on all new building needs such as donations, layout, furniture, etc.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience with a minimum of 5 years in a management role. 
• College degree required; relevant graduate degree preferred.
• Experience in a non-profit environment is preferred but not required.
• Strong leadership ability with a record of success. 
• Strategic, process-oriented thinker with a record of effectively stewarding lay leaders to buy into systems.
• Success in hiring, supervising, developing, and retaining staff members and building effective teams and organizations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to interact effectively with congregants, clergy, staff, and lay leadership in furtherance of the Synagogues’ Mission.
• Ability and dedication to creating a warm, welcoming community at all levels for members, clergy, staff, and visitors.
• A proven track record in fiscal, financial, and budgetary matters, including the establishment of policies and procedures.
• Ability to recognize key issues and develop creative and appropriate solutions, as well as the ability to multitask, understanding the big picture while maintaining a focus on individual duties.
• Must be a team player who strives to provide excellent service and make sure all businesses and programs are run professionally and in compliance with legal, ethical, and Orthodox religious requirements.
• Ability to work effectively under periods of stress and time constraints.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with CRM, Quickbooks, or other financial reporting software, and Shulcloud or Chaverware.
• Strong computer skills with experience in Word, Excel, website and database management, and social media platforms. 
• Synagogue management and fundraising experience is a plus.
• 90% of work time must be in the UOSH facility Monday through Friday. Flexible working hours on Fridays and pre-Jewish holiday days. 
• Certain occasions (events of organizational importance, high holidays, other times as directed by BoD) will require the Executive Director to be on campus during weekends and Jewish Holidays.