Executive Director

Congregation Shomrei Torah (CST)
Santa Rosa, California | Full-Time | Exempt
Salary: $120,000–$140,000

Help Shape the Future of Reform Jewish Life in Sonoma County

Congregation Shomrei Torah (CST), a vibrant, nearly 500-family Union for Reform Judaism (URJ)-affiliated synagogue, is seeking an entrepreneurial, relationship-centered Executive Director to help lead our community into its next chapter.

Our next Executive Director will partner closely with our Senior Rabbi, Jeremy Morrison; our Board of Directors; professional staff; and congregants to strengthen our visibility throughout Sonoma County, deepen member engagement, cultivate philanthropy, develop future leaders, and help shape a thriving, values-driven Jewish community.

Operations are supported by an experienced administrative and operations team, allowing this position to focus on strategic leadership, relationships, organizational growth, and community impact.

If you are energized by building organizations, cultivating relationships, mentoring staff, and helping communities live their mission, we'd love to hear from you.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Senior Rabbi and working closely with the President of the Board of Directors, the Executive Director serves as the congregation's chief administrative and strategic partner.

Success in this role is measured not simply by keeping the synagogue running smoothly, but by helping Congregation Shomrei Torah become an increasingly visible, connected, and engaged Jewish community.

The Executive Director will strengthen organizational capacity, expand community relationships, oversee administrative operations, supervise staff, and help build systems that support meaningful lifelong Jewish engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Partner with the Senior Rabbi and Board to articulate and execute the congregation's long-term strategic vision.

• Translate organizational priorities into measurable initiatives.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to clergy and lay leadership.

• Help align staff, volunteers, committees, and leadership around shared goals.

Membership Engagement & Leadership Development

Lead the congregation's efforts to create a relationship-centered culture where members build meaningful connections, deepen their engagement with Jewish life, and grow as active participants and leaders within the community by:

• Building authentic relationships with current and prospective members.

• Designing and implementing a relationship-centered membership engagement strategy.

• Create and oversee a relationship-centered member engagement system that tracks individuals throughout their synagogue journey, using personalized touchpoints and data-informed relationship management to deepen connection, foster belonging, and strengthen member recruitment, engagement, and retention. 

• Partnering with clergy, staff, and volunteer leaders to cultivate the next generation of synagogue leadership.

• Supporting committee chairs and volunteer leaders in building collaborative, mission-driven teams that advance the congregation's vision.

Communications & Public Presence

Help ensure CST becomes a well-known and welcoming Jewish home throughout Sonoma County by:

• Developing and implementing a comprehensive communications strategy.

• Strengthening storytelling, marketing, and social media.

• Clearly communicating the congregation's identity and mission.

• Serving as one of the synagogue's public ambassadors within the broader community.

Community Partnerships

Develop meaningful relationships with organizations whose work advances the congregation's mission, including:

• Civic organizations

• Educational institutions

• Social justice organizations

• Jewish communal partners

• Community leaders and philanthropic organizations

Development & Philanthropy

Support a culture of generosity by:

• Cultivating donor relationships.

• Identifying and pursuing grant opportunities.

• Supporting fundraising campaigns and special initiatives.

• Partnering with clergy and volunteer leadership on donor stewardship.

• Exploring innovative revenue opportunities aligned with the congregation's mission.

Staff Leadership & Organizational Development

Lead and develop a talented professional team through:

• Coaching, mentoring, and regular supervision

• Thoughtful onboarding, employee development, and continuous learning opportunities

• Performance management and annual review processes

• Building a culture where reflection, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement are expected and supported

• The Executive Director supervises the Administration and Operations Team (currently five employees) and contracted personnel, including security and catering staff.

Administration & Operations

Provide executive oversight for the synagogue's administrative functions, including:

• Financial stewardship and budget management

• Facilities and vendor relationships

• Human resources

• Operational planning

• High Holy Days and major congregational events

• Life-cycle logistics, including B'nei Mitzvah and funerals

• Board and Executive Committee support

• Volunteer coordination

• Organizational policies and procedures

Qualifications

The strongest candidates will bring:

• Four or more years of leadership experience in a nonprofit, synagogue, or other mission-driven organization.

• Demonstrated success in leading and developing professional staff.

• Experience in fundraising, donor cultivation, grant management, or organizational development.

• Strong financial, operational, and organizational management skills.

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build relationships with clergy, staff, volunteers, and lay leaders.

• Experience working with volunteer boards and committees.

• Understanding of, or enthusiasm for learning about, Reform Jewish life, traditions, and the Jewish calendar.

• A collaborative, reflective leader who demonstrates integrity, sound judgment, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning and growth.

Don't Meet Every Qualification?

Research consistently shows that many talented candidates, particularly women and historically underrepresented professionals, are less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. If this opportunity excites you and you believe you could thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $120,000–$140,000

Benefits include:

• Health benefits

• Paid vacation

• Professional development opportunities

• A supportive and collaborative workplace

• The opportunity to partner with visionary clergy, dedicated lay leaders, and an engaged congregation

• The chance to help shape the future of one of Northern California's leading Reform Jewish communities

About Congregation Shomrei Torah

Rabbi Jeremy Morrison joined CST in July 2025, beginning an exciting new chapter in our congregation's 50-year history.

Rabbi Morrison envisions CST as a "sanctuary for imperfect practice," a place where individuals and families strive toward spiritual, ethical, and communal growth with honesty, curiosity, and humility.

We are a congregation devoted to lifelong learning, for our congregants, clergy, volunteers, and staff alike. We celebrate our successes while continually asking how we can become a more diverse, welcoming, socially conscious, and spiritually vibrant community that helps repair our world through Reform Jewish values.