Malibu Jewish Center & Synagogue

Executive Director

ABOUT THE CONGREGATION

Malibu Jewish Center & Synagogue is a warm, close-knit Reconstructionist Jewish community of approximately 150 member households. We are a congregation rooted in Jewish values, community, and committed to meaningful worship, Jewish education, and lifecycle celebration. As a small synagogue, we rely on strong lay leadership, the dedication of our members, the vision of our clergy — and a mission-driven Executive Director to serve as our professional administrator. MJCS is currently completing a major construction project. This is a defining moment for the community, and the Executive Director will play a central role in bringing it to life alongside the Board and Clergy

POSITION SUMMARY

The Executive Director (ED) is the senior-most operating executive of the congregation and serves as the operational backbone of synagogue life. Reporting directly to the President of the Board of Directors and serving as a genuine strategic partner to the Rabbi, the ED has ultimate professional responsibility for the full range of administrative, financial, facilities, communications, membership, and programmatic functions of the synagogue.

This role requires a resourceful, self-directed professional who thrives in a small organization, wears many hats with grace, and brings genuine love for Jewish community to their work. This is a hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves position.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Administration & Operations

· Manage all day-to-day administrative functions of the synagogue

· Maintain congregational records, membership database, and filing systems

· Oversee all calendaring, room scheduling, and facility use logistics

· Procure supplies, manage vendor relationships, and oversee service contracts

· Ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations

· Partner with the Board and Clergy on strategic planning to ensure MJCS can successfully fulfil its mission over the long term, including anticipating organizational, facilities, ang programmatic needs as the congregation grows

Financial Management

· Prepare, manage, and monitor the annual operating budget in partnership with the Board Treasurer

· Process accounts payable and receivable, payroll, billing, and financial record-keeping for all departments including Early Childhood Center & Religious School

· Oversee membership dues billing, payment tracking, and sensitive financial communications

· Review and oversee monthly financial reports for the Board of Directors

· Support the Board with major gift cultivation, solicitation, stewardship and collections. Manage High Holy Day appeals and annual fundraising campaigns.

· Exercise active expense management, including the authority to decline requests for expenditures that are not within the approved budget

Membership & Community Engagement

· Serve as a point of contact for current and prospective members

· Together with Membership Committee, develop and implement membership recruitment and retention strategies

· Coordinate logistics for lifecycle events including B'nai Mitzvah, weddings, and funerals

· Plan and execute High Holy Day services logistics, seating, and hospitality

· Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and warm community culture

Adult Education & Synagogue Programming

· Oversee the execution of adult education programs, including scheduling, coordination of instructors, and participant communications

· Support planning and logistics for MJCS community programming, ensuring events are well-organized, staffed, and aligned with congregational values

· Partner with the Rabbi and lay leaders to develop and expand educational and programmatic offerings

· Track participation, evaluate program effectiveness, and provide regular updates to the Board of Directors

Facilities Management

· Oversee the ongoing maintenance, cleanliness, and security of synagogue buildings and grounds

· Coordinate day-to-day repairs and smaller capital-improvement projects with contractors

· Manage facility rental agreements and ensure a positive experience for renters

· Maintain compliance with safety, accessibility, and insurance requirements

· Work in consultation with the Board of Directors to ensure that adequate insurance coverages are in place for the synagogue, its facilities, staff, and programming

Communications & Technology

· Oversee the production and distribution of all weekly e-newsletters, announcements, and event communications

· Oversee the synagogue website and social media presence

· Manage congregational database and membership management software

· Prepare materials for board meetings, including agendas and minutes

Clergy & Lay Leadership Support

· Serve as a strategic partner to the Rabbi and Board of Directors

· Provide administrative support

· Negotiate and secure contracts with part-time clergy, ensuring terms are aligned with congregational needs and budget

· Assist with grant research, writing, and reporting as needed

· Participate in Board and committee meetings; record and distribute minutes

Staff Hiring & Management

· Recruit, hire, onboard, and manage synagogue staff, including but not limited to the Office Manager, administrative assistants, Facilities Manager, Religious School Director, Preschool Director, and other positions as needs arise

· Set clear performance expectations, conduct regular evaluations, and provide ongoing coaching and professional development support

· Foster a positive, mission-aligned workplace culture consistent with the values of MJCS

· Manage staff scheduling, compensation, and HR compliance in accordance with applicable employment laws

QUALIFICATIONS

· 5+ years of senior nonprofit, synagogue, or comparable institutional management experience within a Jewish communal or religious organization strongly preferred

· Demonstrated major-gift and/or capital campaign fundraising experience, including direct donor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship

· Proven staff supervision and HR management experience

· Strong fiscal management skills, including operating budget development, monitoring and enforcement

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills

· Comfort operating in a small, hand-on organizational environment where the ED performs strategic and operations tasks daily

· Bachelor’s degree required, advance degree in nonprofit management, Jewish communal service, or a related field is a plus