About Our Congregation Central Synagogue – Beth Emeth (CSBE) is a home for Progressive Judaism. A vibrant and engaged community with a rich history of leadership in the local community, the national institutions of Reform and Reconstructionist Judaism. CSBE provides innovative religious, spiritual and cultural programming designed for congregants and community alike. Our synagogue provides a Jewish education for our children from pre-school through high school. We offer a varied and intellectually stimulating continuing education program for our adult congregants. Our Shabbat, festivals, and High Holy Days services connect us to God, our history, and each other. We put our religious values into practice in our community, state, nation, and world through our Social Action program and through our comprehensive Caring Community program. Our Sisterhood, Young Families and youth programs provide an opportunity for all congregants to participate in the life of the community and help ensure its future. The synagogue serves as our community center, with its beautiful sanctuary, school building, meeting rooms, and library.

Position Summary

Our synagogue is seeking an experienced Interim Executive Director / Administrative Manager for a six-month, full-time engagement. This role is primarily onsite, with potential flexibility for a limited hybrid schedule as appropriate.

The Interim Executive Director will immerse themselves in the synagogue’s administrative office to assess current operations, implement key process improvements, and ensure organizational stability and effectiveness during a period of transition. Working closely with the operations team, educators, clergy, and lay leadership, this individual will gain a deep understanding of how all parts of the organization function together and will deliver a thoughtful review with clear, actionable recommendations.

There may also be an opportunity to transition to a permanent position or to assist with evaluating or onboarding a permanent hire.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, collaborative, and service-oriented, with strong communication skills and a commitment to fostering a welcoming, well-run, and secure synagogue environment.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Assessment & Leadership

• Immerse in the administrative office to assess workflows, systems, and organizational structure
• Establish clear, reliable processes that can be sustained beyond the interim period
• Identify operational areas requiring attention and develop strategic, practical solutions
• Oversee HR policies and HR tasks including PTO tracking, onboarding paperwork, required compliance trainings
• Clarify staff roles and responsibilities
• Prepare and deliver a review of the organization with recommendations for improvement
• Attend Board meetings and provide regular progress updates

Communications & Membership Support

• Serve as a welcoming first point of contact for phone, email, and in-person inquiries. Route questions and requests to appropriate staff, clergy, or board members
• Assist with preparing and distributing weekly emails, announcements
• Accountable for the synagogue calendar and scheduling of events, programs, committee meetings.
• Oversight of internal and external communications including the synagogue website and social media, as needed
• Support membership inquiries, onboarding, and renewals
• Maintain yahrzeit and lifecycle records with care, accuracy, and sensitivity

Lifecycle, Programs & Holiday Support

• Coordinate logistics for lifecycle events (B’nai Mitzvah, weddings, funerals) in partnership with clergy and families
• Support program and event logistics, including registrations and materials
• Partner with clergy to lead High Holy Day preparations, including ticketing, seating, and honors

Facilities Management

• Oversee routine maintenance, repairs, and upkeep of synagogue facilities and equipment
• Coordinate vendor services and procurement in accordance with approved budgets and policies
• Serve as the primary administrative contact for vendors and service providers
• Track facilities-related issues and ensure timely resolution
• Serve as a primary point of contact with local police and fire departments
• Oversee implementation of security grants and coordination of safety drills

Financial Oversight

• Monitor office spending to ensure responsible fiscal management
• Compare supplier pricing and negotiate cost-effective purchasing options
• Support the Treasurer with budget preparation and reporting
• Identify grant opportunities and help manage grant applications

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7+ years of experience managing office administration in a synagogue, Jewish communal organization, or nonprofit required.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and follow-through skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, in-person work environment
• Collaborative, approachable, and service-minded professional
• Demonstrated discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; familiarity with Google Workspace and Canva is a plus
• Comfort with basic audiovisual equipment setup and troubleshooting