Director of Facilities and Operations

Thriving Reform synagogue in San Mateo, CA seeks an experienced professional for a full-time role managing the daily operations and the physical plant of a busy 700-family congregation. This position plays a critical role in ensuring that the synagogue’s physical environment reflects its values of community, hospitality, stewardship, safety, and excellence, enabling meaningful worship, learning, and engagement for all who enter its doors. We are proud of our unique workplace with a small, dedicated team.

This position reports to the Executive Director.

PTBE, a non-profit organization, is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Position Summary

The Director of Facilities and Operations is responsible for the overall management, maintenance, safety, and operational excellence of the synagogue’s physical campus. This position ensures that all facilities, grounds, events, and operational systems effectively support the synagogue’s religious, educational, cultural, and community activities. The Director serves as a strategic partner to Executive Director, clergy, staff, and lay leadership in creating a welcoming, safe, and efficient environment for congregants, visitors, students, and staff.

Key Responsibilities

Facilities Management

·         Oversee the maintenance, repair, and improvement of all synagogue buildings, grounds, parking areas, and related infrastructure.

·         Develop and implement preventive maintenance programs to ensure facilities remain in excellent condition.

·         Manage relationships with contractors, vendors, and service providers.

·         Coordinate capital improvement projects, renovations, and construction activities.

·         Monitor building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, security, fire safety, and technology infrastructure.

·         Develop and implement preventive maintenance programs to ensure facilities remain in excellent condition.

Operations and Event Support

·         Direct day-to-day campus operations to support worship services, lifecycle events, educational programs, community gatherings, and special events.

·         Coordinate facility scheduling and space utilization with clergy, staff, and lay program leaders.

·         Ensure appropriate room setups, equipment availability, and logistical support for all events.

Safety and Security

·         Lead synagogue safety and security initiatives in partnership with Executive Director, outsourced security providers, law enforcement agencies, and community partners

·         Maintain emergency preparedness plans, evacuation procedures, and crisis response protocols.

·         Conduct regular safety inspections and risk assessments.

·         Oversee security personnel, access control systems, surveillance systems, and visitor management procedures.

Staff Leadership

·         Supervise facilities, maintenance, custodial, security, and operational staff.

·         Recruit, train, schedule, and evaluate team members.

·         Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and customer service.

·         Manage outsourced service providers as needed.

Financial Management

·         Develop and manage facilities and operations budgets.

·         Monitor expenditures and identify opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies.

·         Prepare bid specifications and evaluate vendor proposals.

·         Manage contracts and ensure vendor performance standards are met.

Cemetery Administration and Plot Management

·         Oversee the administration and management of synagogue-owned cemetery burial plot inventory.

·         Serve as the primary point of contact for congregants and families regarding cemetery plot availability, pricing, policies, and purchase procedures.

·         Coordinate and manage the sale of cemetery plots, including preparation and execution of purchase agreements and related documentation.

·         Maintain cemetery records, ownership files, maps, and databases to ensure accuracy and compliance with legal requirements.

·         Coordinate the preparation, recording, and transfer of deeds, certificates of ownership, and other cemetery-related legal documents.

·         Prepare reports on cemetery inventory, plot sales, revenue, and future capacity planning for synagogue leadership.

Strategic Planning

·         Participate in long-range facility planning and campus development initiatives.

·         Assess facility needs and recommend improvements aligned with the synagogue’s mission and growth objectives.

·         Support sustainability and energy-efficiency initiatives where appropriate.

Qualifications

Required

·         Bachelor’s degree in Facilities Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

·         Five to ten years of progressively responsible facilities and operations management experience.

·         Demonstrated experience managing staff, budgets, vendors, and facility projects.

·         Knowledge of building systems, maintenance practices, and safety regulations.

·         Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.

·         Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

·         Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays in support of synagogue programs and events.

Preferred

·         Experience in a synagogue, church, school, nonprofit, community center, or similar mission-driven organization.

·         Facilities management certification (CFM, FMP, or equivalent).

·         Experience with security planning and emergency preparedness.

·         Experience with cemetery administration, burial societies, memorial parks, or related end-of-life services, including deed management, recordkeeping, and plot sales administration.

·         Familiarity with Jewish communal life, customs, and religious practices.

Key Competencies

·         Project and vendor management

·         Budget administration

·         Customer service orientation

·         Risk management and safety oversight

·         Leadership and team development

·         Strategic and operational planning

·         Collaboration and relationship building

·         Adaptability and discretion

Sensitivity to Jewish traditions, customs, and lifecycle events

Physical Requirements

• Ability to inspect facilities and grounds, including walking, climbing stairs, and lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally.

• Ability to respond to facility emergencies outside normal business hours.

Salary

$110,000 - $120,000, commensurate with experience

Benefits

Medical, Denta/Vision, Voluntary 401K, Federal Holidays, Jewish Holidays. Limited evening and weekend work.