Temple Emanu-El seeks a visionary, collaborative, and strategic Executive Director to serve as the congregation’s chief administrative and operational leader. Working in partnership with clergy, lay leadership, staff, and congregants, the Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the synagogue’s business operations, financial management, human resources, facilities, membership services, communications, and long-range planning.

Temple Emanu-El is Birmingham's historic Reform Jewish congregation, founded in the 1880s and serving around 600 member-family units through worship, education, community engagement, and lifelong Jewish learning. [ourtemple.org]

Reporting Relationships

• Reports to the Board President.
• Works closely with clergy, senior staff, committee chairs, and volunteer leadership.
• Supervises administrative, facilities, operations, and support staff.

Essential Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Partner with clergy and lay leadership to implement the congregation’s mission, vision, and strategic goals.
• Provide operational leadership and organizational management for all synagogue functions.
• Support board governance through planning, reporting, and policy implementation.
• Lead organizational improvement initiatives and long-term planning efforts.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage the annual operating budget.
• Monitor financial performance and provide regular reporting to leadership.
• Oversee accounting, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, banking relationships, and financial controls.
• Coordinate annual budget preparation with clergy, staff, and finance committees.
• Support fundraising initiatives, capital campaigns, and stewardship efforts.
• Works closely with Grafman Endowment Fund for budgeting and allocations.

Human Resources

• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate administrative and operational staff.
• Maintain personnel policies, employee records, and compliance requirements in conjunction with Accounting Department.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and inclusive workplace culture.
• Administer compensation, benefits, and performance management programs.

Operations and Facilities Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations of synagogue facilities and activities, in conjunction with Facilities Manager.
• Manage contracts, vendors, maintenance, security, and risk management programs.
• Ensure facilities are safe, welcoming, and well-maintained.
• Coordinate facility usage and scheduling.

Membership and Engagement

• Support membership growth, engagement, and retention efforts, in conjunction with Membership & Engagement Director.
• Ensure excellent customer service for congregants, visitors, and community partners.
• Oversee membership administration and database management.
• Collaborate with clergy and staff to enhance congregational experiences.

Communications and Community Relations

• Oversee internal and external communications strategies, in conjunction with Communications Director.
• Ensure consistent messaging across digital, print, and social media platforms.
• Represent the congregation in professional and community settings.
• Strengthen relationships with local Jewish and civic organizations.

Program and Event Support

• Partner with clergy and staff to ensure successful implementation of worship services, educational programs, holidays, lifecycle events, and special initiatives.
• Oversee administrative support, logistics, and resources for congregational programming.

Governance Support

• Serve as a resource to the Board of Directors and committees.
• Prepare board reports, presentations, budgets, and supporting materials.
• Support committee work and implementation of board decisions.
• Ensure compliance with Policies & Procedures and legal requirements.

Qualifications Required

• Minimum 5-7 years of progressive leadership and management experience.
• Demonstrated experience in financial oversight, budgeting, and organizational management.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong project management and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and organizational management software.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, Finance, or related field.
• Experience in nonprofit, educational, or membership organizations.
• Understanding of Jewish communal life and Reform Judaism.
• Experience working with boards, volunteers, and donor communities.

Core Competencies • Strategic thinking • Financial acumen • Leadership and supervision • Organizational management • Relationship building • Communication and diplomacy • Change management • Decision-making and accountability • Customer-service orientation • Mission-driven leadership

Physical and Work Requirements

• Full-time exempt position.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours required for services, holidays, board meetings, and special events.
• Ability to move throughout the synagogue and attend community events.
• Participation in major congregational celebrations and observances as needed.

Mission Alignment: The Executive Director serves as the chief operational steward of Temple Emanu-El, ensuring the congregation's resources, people, and programs support its mission of worship, learning, service, and community while preserving its historic role as a leading Reform Jewish congregation in Birmingham.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: Temple Emanu-El is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merits, and business needs.

The salary range for this position is $85,000 - $95,000.