Executive Director – Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation (HNT)

Location: Mercer Island, WA

Reports to: President of the Board of Directors

Works closely with: Clergy, Senior Staff, Board of Directors and its committees, Partner Organizations

About

With over 600 households in our membership, Herzl-Ner Tamid (HNT) has a 120-year history in serving the Conservative Jewish community in the Greater Seattle area. HNT has an administrative staff of eight, plus clergy and religious school staff. HNT is in the process of welcoming new clergy to the synagogue who will bring new religious leadership and energy, as well as inform the priorities of the organization’s administrative team.

Position Summary

HNT seeks a visionary, strategic, and operationally skilled Executive Director (ED) to lead the organization through an exciting transformative period. The ED oversees all operational facets of the synagogue, ensuring that all operational, financial, and programmatic decisions reflect the synagogue’s mission, Jewish values and commitment to inclusivity and community.

In late 2026, the Barnabie Point Project (BPP) will come online. This joint building venture between HNT and the Jewish Day School of Metropolitan Seattle (JDS) will bring additional opportunities and challenges for the incoming ED. Located adjacent to the synagogue this multi-use building will include rental space and require the expertise needed to manage these areas as well as coordinate with our partners in building the infrastructure, culture, and partnerships necessary to support this expanded vision of a Jewish hub.

The Executive Director reports to the President of the Board of Directors and serves as the primary liaison between staff and lay leadership. The Executive Director also has a direct, collaborative relationship with the Rabbi and Cantor. Together they implement synagogue vision.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Development

• Lead HNT through a multi-year process to build a strong and strategic infrastructure that meets the day-to-day needs of the synagogue.

• Oversee HNT’s expanded Barnabie Point operations, including property management functions and partnership coordination.

• Develop and implement organizational design that supports growth, streamlines roles, and clear accountability.

• Lead and model a culture of customer service (serve the members first), collaboration and accountability (elevate the team), positivity/possibility, and grace and kindness. Help create a positive team environment.

Staff Management & Development

• Supervise administrative, facilities, communications, and program staff, including hiring, onboarding, training, and conducting regular performance evaluations.

• Foster a positive work environment that promotes teamwork and professional growth.

Administrative & Operational Management

Ensure that the administrative structure and personnel are strong and effective at executing high quality member experiences and service delivery (such as religious services, member communication and engagement, lifecycle events, B’nai Mitzvah, programs, youth, family, and adult education).

• Ensure that HNT has robust administrative systems, policies and procedures that are proactive and meet compliance and organizational priorities, including administrative support, finance, facilities, technology/data systems, communications, and member service/programs. Design and oversee substantial overhaul of administrative infrastructure.

• Support or lead all aspects of human resources systems and practices, including ensuring legal and ethical compliance, policy development, fostering a positive workplace culture, overseeing onboarding and orientation processes, consulting with HR consultants as appropriate and collaborating with the Finance Director on payroll and benefits administration.

Safety, Security & Risk Management

• Lead and oversee safety and security planning and implementation in partnership with staff, board, and volunteers.

• Serve as the primary liaison with law enforcement and security consultants.

• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and emergency preparedness plans.

• Support leadership team in identifying and managing risk across events, tenants, and visitors.

• Periodically review insurance policies; interact with insurance providers and finance team.

Finance & Fundraising

• Manage the synagogue’s annual budget and oversee financial operations, in collaboration with the Treasurer and HNT senior leadership team.

• Collaborate with the Board, fundraising consultants, and staff to develop and execute innovative fundraising strategies.

• Grant writing experience is helpful.

Relationship & Partnership Development

• Cultivate responsive, compassionate, and high-quality relationships with congregants.

• Partner with clergy, volunteers and lay leadership to deliver consistent, meaningful services and events.

• Serve as a steward of the synagogue to cultivate and manage relationships with BPP partners and other Jewish and community organizations, neighbors, and elected officials.

Governance & Compliance

• Support the Board in strategic decision making, policy development, and operational oversight that models strong governance.

• Partner with Board leadership, committee chairs, and staff to support a robust and effective committee structure.

• Collaborate with and support the Rabbi and Cantor, with emphasis on their vision and programs.

• Ensure legal and regulatory compliance across all operations.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-7 years’ experience in executive leadership, ideally in a nonprofit setting. Experience in a Jewish communal or multi-use community setting is preferred.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to build trust across diverse stakeholders.

• Ability to hire, mentor, delegate, train and manage high-performing teams.

• Proven financial, operational, and administrative skills, including systems-building and organizational design.

• Foundational knowledge of human resources and risk management practices and requirements.

• Experience partnering with and engaging with a Board of Directors.

• Demonstrated success in fundraising, budgeting, and financial oversight.

• Strategic planning expertise.

• Ability to work occasional weekends, Jewish holidays, and evenings, as necessary.

• Respect for, and willingness to learn about, Jewish customs, holidays, and lifecycle events is essential.

• Eligible to work in the United States.

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity and respect for the values, practices and traditions of Conservative Judaism and a desire to work in this synagogue environment.

• Comfort navigating ambiguity, complexity and leading through organizational change.

• Experience with facilities management, safety/security planning, and risk mitigation.

• Experience working with a highly engaged volunteer group.

• Effective use of technology and data for decision making, efficiency, and improving workflows.

Hiring salary range: $145,000-$175,000, depending upon experience and qualifications. Full benefits package included. This is a full-time on-site position.

Herzl-Ner Tamid is an equal opportunity employer

Please submit a cover letter and resume to edsearch@h-nt.org