Come join a dynamic and thriving Reform Jewish community as our Executive Director. At Congregation Shir Shalom of Westchester and Fairfield Counties, nestled in beautiful Ridgefield, Connecticut, you will manage all aspects of synagogue operations in support of our mission to inspire all with our traditions of enriching cultural and spiritual experiences. You will be a key part of the staff and leadership team. Your role will contribute to the success of our synagogue and sacred community.
Work Schedule & Environment: This is a full-time, on-site position. Although anchored to a traditional Monday-Friday schedule during regular business hours, additional work beyond standard hours on evenings, weekends, and Jewish holidays will be required to fulfill the responsibilities of the role and support the needs of the congregation. Remote work is not a standard component of this position and is subject to supervisor pre-approval.
Role Description
The Executive Director serves as the chief operating leader of Congregation Shir Shalom, responsible for managing all aspects of synagogue operations in support of the congregation’s mission. This role drives organizational vision, aligns operations with Board directives, and oversees financial health, human resources, facilities, administration, and compliance. The Executive Director partners closely with the Rabbi, and Board of Trustees to ensure operational excellence and works collaboratively with all staff to advance the congregation’s strategic priorities. This is a senior leadership position with direct supervisory responsibility over operational staff including the Director of Facilities & Finance, Office Manager & Events Coordinator, Early Childhood Center Director, and Security personnel.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy
- Drive organizational vision and align synagogue operations with Board of Trustees directives and strategic plan priorities
- Serve as a key member of the leadership team alongside the Rabbi, Cantor, and Board President, contributing to the overall direction and health of the congregation
- Represent Congregation Shir Shalom to congregants, prospective congregants, community partners, and the public as the operational face of the organization
- Partner with the Congregational Engagement Manager to advance congregant engagement, programming, and community-building initiatives that strengthen membership retention and growth
- Oversee execution of major projects, capital campaigns, and strategic investments in partnership with the Board of Trustees
- Own and report on organizational key performance indicators (KPIs) to the Board of Trustees, ensuring alignment with strategic plan targets for financial health, congregant engagement, and operational execution
Development & Fundraising
- Lead and be accountable for the organization’s fundraising and development strategy, setting targets and overseeing results in partnership with the Board of Trustees, clergy, Congregational Engagement Manager
- Oversee capital campaigns / annual giving programs / major donor cultivation efforts, in partnership with Rabbi, to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the congregation
- Cultivate and steward congregant commitments, planned giving, and legacy programs in coordination with clergy and lay leadership
- Support the planning and execution of fundraising events and opportunities, in partnership with the Board of Trustees, clergy, and Congregational Engagement Manager
- Develop and maintain relationships with major donors, foundation contacts, and community partners to expand funding opportunities, in partnership and coordination with the Rabbi
Financial Management & Budgeting
- Oversee all financial operations and monitor the financial health of the organization
- Develop overall synagogue budgets and forecasts, including board-approved capital projects and staff compensation, and deliver budget presentations to the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees
- Oversee community commitment schedules (dues), High Holy Days registration, Special Arrangements program for congregants with financial challenges, and other critical financial matters; ensure timely billing cycles and sensitive follow-up on outstanding balances in coordination with the Director of Facilities & Finance
- Ensure all funds are properly received and disbursed and that all donations and revenue are properly tracked, in coordination with the Director of Facilities & Finance
- Oversee audit coordination and external accountant relationships in partnership with the Director of Facilities & Finance
- Establish an audit committee to review congregation’s finances on a regular basis
- Coordinate with the Financial Planning Board and Financial Review Board as it relates to capital projects and investments for the congregation & synagogue
Human Resources
- Directly supervise operational staff roles, including the Director of Facilities & Finance, Office Manager & Events Coordinator, Security, and Custodian; provide additional oversight of the Director of ECC and Education Assistant & Coordinator
- Manage performance evaluations, compliance, onboarding, offboarding, and other personnel matters for synagogue staff
- Maintain and update Employee Manual, overseeing organizational policy adherence and proper documentation
- Ensure clergy, staff, and Board of Trustees are up to date on all licensing, including completion of Connecticut-mandated Sexual Harassment training.
- Coordinate employee benefits, payroll oversight, and HR policy in consultation with and at the direction of the Board of Trustees
- Ensure conformance with relevant labor laws, insurance requirements, safety regulations, and nonprofit compliance standards
Administration & Systems
- Oversee synagogue operations and the strategic purpose and outcomes of IT, ShulCloud, communications, website, social media, newsletter, and other outreach channels
- Integrate all aspects of general administration, including responding to congregant requests, acknowledging donations, and maintaining synagogue records
- Oversee the synagogue calendar and ensure coordination across programming, facilities, and clergy schedules
- Coordinate general insurance coverage and administer office operations
Facilities & Safety Oversight
- Ensure building safety, security, and compliance through coordination with the Director of Facilities & Finance
- Support community programs and collaborate with clergy and staff to ensure operational readiness for current and future needs
- Set facility rental strategy, including pricing and revenue goals, in coordination with the Director of Facilities & Finance and Office Manager & Events Coordinator
- Maintain relationships with local police, fire, and emergency management departments to coordinate security planning, emergency preparedness, and compliance with public safety requirements
Minimum Requirements
- People management experience with demonstrated ability to supervise and develop staff across multiple functional areas
- Strong knowledge of general business management, including familiarity with accounting principles, budget development, payroll systems, and nonprofit financial operations
- Ability to work collaboratively with clergy, staff, service providers, Board leadership, congregants, and the public
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage individuals and groups of varying sizes
- Ability to balance multiple priorities effectively and efficiently in a dynamic community environment
- Strong knowledge of Reform Judaism practices and synagogue operations
Preferred Requirements
- Experience in synagogue management, temple administration, or Jewish communal organizational leadership
- Familiarity with nonprofit governance, board relations, and committee structures
- Experience managing capital campaigns, fundraising initiatives, or development programs
- Experience with HR administration, including benefits, compliance, and performance management in a nonprofit setting
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management, Business Administration, Finance/Accounting, or a related field; advanced degree preferred
- 5+ years in an operational and/or managerial role in a nonprofit setting; experience in synagogue management or temple administration preferred
- Certifications/Licenses: n/a
Legal Disclaimer
This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with it. Congregation Shir Shalom reserves the right to modify duties, responsibilities, and qualifications as needed. Congregation Shir Shalom is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role. Employment with Congregation Shir Shalom is at-will and may be terminated by either party at any time, with or without cause or notice.