Congregation Beth Israel—Executive Director

Congregation Beth Israel (CBI), a thriving Conservative synagogue in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, seeks a passionate Executive Director to serve as its senior staff leader working in partnership with clergy and lay leadership to meet the religious, educational and communal needs of its growing congregation.

The Executive Director will lead and oversee strategic planning, program and project execution, and will lead the day-to-day administrative management of the synagogue.  The Executive Director is responsible for leading a small professional staff and managing outside vendors and contractors to provide effective business and financial operations, consistent with the policies and procedures established by the Board.

The Executive Director has a broad range of responsibilities that require a high level of professional competence in the following areas:

HUMAN RESOURCES & STAFF LEADERSHIP:

• Collaborate with the clergy and lay leadership to plan and lead CBI’s future. Support the work of the Board and its committees.

• Hire, lead, develop, support, and manage performance of professional office staff. Establish and document appropriate policies and procedures with the Board.  

ACCOUNTING & FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT:

• Work closely with the Finance Committee of the Board to balance use of financial resources related to annual budget as well as long-term fiscal health.  Negotiate with and manage outside vendors, suppliers, and contractors. Participate in CBI’s development efforts, in partnership with staff, lay leadership, and volunteers. Cultivate innovative strategies for CBI’s development needs. 

• Ensure effective record keeping and stewardship.

MEMBERSHIP/COMMUNICATIONS:

• Partner with the Membership and Communications Committees and Board leadership to engage and support current and prospective members; onboard and retain congregants; and keep the community informed through the weekly newsletter and an up-to-date website.

• In collaboration with clergy, staff, and volunteers, coordinate and oversee logistics for synagogue events (religious services, holiday celebrations, community programs, and fundraising initiatives), including staffing, scheduling, setup, and congregant communications.

• Serve as liaison among office staff, senior staff, lay leadership, and congregants to foster a respectful, collaborative environment.

• Attend meetings of the Executive Board, Board of Directors, senior staff, committees, and congregation as requested by the Rabbi, President, or Board.

FACILITIES

• Oversee day-to-day building operations to keep the campus clean, safe, well maintained, and used effectively.  This includes management of cemetery plot purchases related to membership lifecycle needs.

• Hire and manage maintenance and custodial staff, coordinate maintenance schedules, and address facility issues in partnership with the Board. Solicit and manage revenue-generating long-term rentals and events.

• Participate in strategic facilities evolution and building development in conjunction with long range planning function.

SECURITY/ TECHNOLOGY

• Oversee technology needs in a cost-effective way that maintains data security. 

• Champion synagogue security by coordinating with agencies and law enforcement, managing contractors and safety training, and recommending and implementing security improvements (including pursuing grant funding).

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree and at least ten years’ experience, with 5+ in a relevant leadership role, in a nonprofit and/or membership and/or religious organization; master’s degree or certificate in nonprofit management,  business administration, or related field is a plus.

• People Leadership: Exceptional people leader with experience hiring, developing, disciplining, and supporting staff members. 

• Communication and Relationship Skills: Excellent relationship-building as well as written and verbal communication skills with diverse stakeholders.

• Organizational Skills: Highly organized, data-driven decision maker with the ability to organize others, ideally in membership and/or volunteer-driven institutions.

• Business Acumen: Thorough understanding of how to effectively plan and manage budgets and finances, contracts, and human resources.   

• Facilities Management: Experience overseeing facilities operations including safety and security, building operations, third-party tenants, and events.

• Fundraising/Development: Experience with annual fundraising and planned giving, including record-keeping and stewardship.

• Technology Experience: Experience evaluating and using technology tools, including web-based systems and social media, to support administration, events, membership, communications and marketing.  Knowledge of Shul Cloud is a plus.

• Willingness to work nights and weekends as needed. 

• Knowledge of Jewish life cycle and ritual/communal practices is a plus.

COMPENSATION

• Compensation will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience and qualifications, with an expected salary between $100,000-120,000.

• Generous benefit package available.

To apply for the position, please send a cover letter and résumé by email to cbiexecvp@cbisp.org.

ABOUT CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL:

Congregation Beth Israel (CBI) is a warm, vibrant, and thriving 375+ member unit synagogue located in Scotch Plains, New Jersey.  CBI serves the needs of a diverse community, providing religious services and educational and social programming for people of all ages and backgrounds. As a fully egalitarian synagogue, CBI is a proud member of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, balancing traditional liturgy and practices with modern innovations and perspectives.  Website:  https://www.cbinj.org/home