Baltimore Jewish Life

Executive Director

Kemp Mill Synagogue

About the Position

The Executive Director ensures the success of all synagogue activities by coordinating with the Executive Committee, rabbinic leadership, and membership committees, and by leading the synagogue professional staff in the planning, preparation, and execution of all synagogue efforts, programs, and events. The Executive Director is responsible for the management and supervision of the synagogue’s day-to-day operations and works in conjunction with the Executive Committee and the Rabbi on event planning, scheduling, budgeting, and fundraising. The Executive Director partners with the President, Rabbi, and Vice Presidents in the strategic planning and development of the synagogue.

Community/Volunteer Engagement
Ensure that the synagogue office is perceived by congregants as congregant-friendly—a place to go to find answers to questions, general assistance, and problem resolution.
Extend good will and understanding to all individuals who interact with the synagogue in both official and unofficial capacities.
Oversee contact for synagogue members with regard to life-cycle events and the planning of Smachot.
Support volunteers and work with Rabbi, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors to infuse a culture of volunteerism and of member engagement.

Member Relations
Serve as the point of contact for potential or new members, educating them about the functioning of the congregation, the services that can be provided, and the obligations of membership. Coordinate introductory meetings with professional staff as appropriate.
Work with Hospitality committee to integrate new members into the synagogue community.
Serve as resource person for Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and committees, and provide office assistance when necessary.
Oversee the processing of new member applications and maintenance of accurate membership records.
Work with members on payment plans for hardships and delinquent accounts, handle member concerns regarding these and other matters in a sensitive matter; delegate appropriately.

Communications
Meet with the President weekly or bi-weekly
Attend and staff Executive Committee and Board of Directors meetings, as well as other meetings as necessary.
Organize and coordinate the flow of communication among professional/office staff, volunteers, and lay leadership. Prepare and/or review all synagogue notices, announcements, and publications.
Oversee synagogue and communal events placed in the weekly announcements, newsletters, flyers, list serves, and in local media.
Coordinate dissemination of digital and printed synagogue news (i.e., announcements, emails, flyers, website, etc.).
Manage and maintain external organizational relationships.

Logistics Management
Oversee the management of the master synagogue calendar for all events, programs, Smachot, etc.
Proactively review calendar on an ongoing basis to manage scheduling and identify and resolve conflicts.
Work with Vice Presidents to plan out programming, contribute ideas, and offer support in terms of defining dates, costs, space availability, and other programming logistics.
Oversee interface with synagogue members for life cycle events and other needs.

Office/Operations Management
Manage oversight of office and maintenance staff day-to-day tasks including all HR functions (i.e., job descriptions, schedules, reviews, contracts)
Communicate updates on all status changes (i.e., salary, performance, job description changes, etc.) of office/maintenance staff with President and VP-Administration.
Employment decisions for office and maintenance staff are to be made collaboratively by the President, VP-Administration, and Executive Director.

Finance
In collaboration with the Treasurer and Finance committee, maintain financial oversight of:
Accounts Payable / Accounts Receivable
Member Accounts
Payroll
P&L Statements
Purchasing / Contracting / Insurance
Budget planning and formulation
Work with VP’s to develop an annual budget for their centers; provide guidance on best practices, etc. to ensure events are funded and VP’s know how much they have to spend on each event.
Work with VP’s on any major adjustments/deviations from initial annual budget plan.

Development
Coordinate with VP-Development to:
Ensure membership donation requests are appropriately spaced throughout the year
Collaborate on operating budget fundraising efforts – programs, SIRs, publications, gifts, community-wide projects
Assist in the execution of annual and ad hoc development activities
Fundraise for capital and other largescale projects
Provide summary data of past years’ fundraising sources and amounts to VP Development and advise VP Development on potential donors
Oversee administrative aspects of large scale development efforts, such as the banquet, high holiday seating, and appeals.

Large Event Management
Work with lay leadership (VP’s, Board, Members) on all major programming initiatives including High Holidays coordination (with VP-Ritual), banquet (with VP-Development and Banquet Chairs), large Shabbatonim and/or Scholar-In-Residence Shabbatot (with VP-Limmud Torah). This includes sharing updates, event details, etc. with event point person (lay member).
Coordinate all routine annual programming (Purim Seudah, Pre-Pesach lunch, Yom Ha’Atzmaut barbecue, etc.) with volunteer support
Ad-hoc programming in conjunction with Rabbi and/or Vice Presidents (i.e. Winter Kollel, summer lecture series, Elul lecture series, etc.)

Building Maintenance
Responsible for setting a proactive maintenance and repair schedule for all building systems and functions, including but not limited to landscaping, HVAC, plumbing, caulking, painting, duct work, mold removal, storm water retention pond
Manage and oversee all major repairs/replacement initiatives and consult with the VP-Administration when appropriate
Set appointments/meet with contractors
Obtain competitive quotes and input from member experts to present proposals to the board
Work with vendors on planning of projects to completion

Minimum Education Required:
Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:
3-5 years of experience in synagogue administration strongly preferred. Experience in Jewish non-profit organizations may be considered in lieu.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, along with strong interpersonal abilities that foster a welcoming culture of volunteerism, and demonstrates a desire to serve as the public face of the synagogue, while bridging volunteers and staff.
Superior customer relationship management and organizational skills and experience. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with all members of the synagogue staff, synagogue members, synagogue lay leaders, and other parties.
Demonstrated leadership ability and a record of managing team-oriented relationships
Ability to manage staff with frequent changes in departmental priorities, while also functioning as an individual contributor.
Ability to recognize necessary changes in priority of tasks and allocation of resources, and act upon them as required to meet workload demands.
Must possess strong organizational and analytical skills in order to identify and resolve problems using sound judgment and effective communication.
Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office. Experience with ShulCloud preferred.

Working Conditions:
Must be able to thrive in a fast-paced, multi-customer environment, with conflicting needs which some may find stressful. May warrant varied and/or extended hours, with changes in workload and priorities to keep pace with office needs.
Must be able to manage multiple workplace demands and set realistic and attainable priorities.
Must often convey detailed, important spoken instructions to others accurately and quickly.
Must have ability to receive and understand detailed critical information through oral and/or written communication
This position requires regular on-site work.

Salary: Commensurate with Experience

To Apply: Please submit a resume, cover letter and references to jobs@kmsynagogue.org