Deputy Executive Director

About Stephen Wise Free Synagogue

Stephen Wise Free Synagogue is a forward-thinking Reform Jewish community located in the heart of Manhattan. The synagogue has served as a catalyst for progressive Jewish thought, committed social action in the local community and beyond, and support for Israel for 118 years.

Stephen Wise Free Synagogue is committed to learning, worship, acts of lovingkindness and support for Israel. It was the first synagogue in the world to install a woman rabbi, the first in New York to open an on-site homeless shelter, and one of the earliest adopters of livestreaming technology. Through its nursery/pre-K Early Childhood Center and Religious School, it fosters the Jewish identities of some 300 children every year and it engages congregants of all ages through learning, social action and community service. The Amplify Israel initiative of Stephen Wise seeks to grow support for the Jewish homeland through educational programs, grassroots initiatives, public relations campaigns and new media efforts.

The synagogue budget of approximately $12 million is funded through membership, tuition, fees, fundraising events, unrestricted donations, and grants restricted for specific purposes.

Deputy Executive Director Position Overview

The Deputy Executive Director is a new role reporting to the Executive Director that will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations and alignment of operating goals with the overall organizational mission. The Deputy ED will progressively manage a growing portfolio of responsibilities now handled by the Executive Director. This new role will enable the Executive Director to focus on major long-term strategic objectives.

The Office of the Executive Director is responsible for the administration and operations of Stephen Wise Free Synagogue and provides direction and support in implementing the vision and plans of the Board of Trustees and Senior Rabbi. It is responsible for the overall management of the congregation’s administrative, legal, and financial affairs, including supervisory responsibility for all administrative, accounting, fundraising, communications, maintenance, and human resources including the hiring and firing of staff and outside contractors.

This position requires an experienced nonprofit executive with management and fundraising experience, and exceptional organizational, communication and interpersonal skills to supervise staff, interact with members, advisors and consultants. Candidates must excel at juggling multiple priorities, simultaneously delivering results within tight and/or conflicting priorities and deadlines.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee daily operations of the synagogue, supervising an administrative team who handle:

• Office management

• Event calendar / Operations and service setups

• Data management, gift processing, donor acknowledgements

• Facilities operations

• Records management

• Staff onboarding

• Security

• Outside vendors

· Manage operational workflows coordinating daily operations of the synagogue including Early Childhood Center, Religious School, worship, celebrations, community programs and Westchester Hills Cemetery to ensure all run smoothly. This fulltime in-person role often requires extended working hours during special events, holidays or committee meetings.

· Oversee logistics for religious services, community events and catering.

· Support and develop administrative staff, fostering a collaborative and positive workplace.

· Collaborate with clergy, lay leadership, and the executive director on key initiatives and events.

· Maintain and oversee data management systems, including Salesforce (strong proficiency preferred).

· Develop and implement administrative policies and procedures to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

· Serve as a point of contact for congregants, staff and external partners, ensuring exceptional customer service and a welcoming environment.

· Oversee rentals of space within the synagogue.

· Oversee the development and monitoring of a coordinated synagogue calendar that will allow for programmatic priorities and needs and make the best use of available space and resources.

· Address emergencies that occur in the building.

· Support deepening member and outside funding relationships to support annual giving.

· Interface with lay leadership, staffing selected board committees.

Supporting the Executive Director:

The Deputy Executive Director will assist the Executive Director in executing the following work, and will take increasing responsibility as their experience within the organization deepens:

· Implementing the organization's mission, vision, and strategic goals.

· Supervising staff, managing operations, and ensuring effective program implementation.

· Contributing to the development and execution of strategic plans.

· Building relationships with donors, partners, and other stakeholders.

· Raising funds to support ongoing operations and special projects.

· Facilitating communication between departments and stakeholders.

· Monitoring program performance, providing feedback, and conducting performance reviews.

· Ensuring compliance with relevant policies and regulations.

· Identifying and implementing process improvements to enhance operational efficiency.

· Building a supportive community of staff, members and volunteers.

· Pursuing fundraising opportunities.

· Assisting with financial oversight and budget management in collaboration with the director of finance.

Qualifications

• Professional track record advancing Jewish life.
• Strong operational and administrative management experience, preferably in a synagogue, non-profit or camp environment.
• Experience managing a team of reports from various functional departments.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead and support a diverse team.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects, and work both independently and collaboratively.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Stephen Wise Free Synagogue.
• Master’s degree in business, nonprofit management or Jewish communal service.
• Proficiency in Salesforce and other data management/CRM systems a plus.

Compensation and benefits

• Salary commensurate with experience, in the range of $185,000–$220,000 annually.
• Excellent benefits include generous paid vacation/sick/personal leave; employer coverage of 100% of health plan (medical); flexible spending account including transit. Dental/Vision plans are available at the employee’s expense.

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter and résumé to jobs@swfs.org.