Executive Director

Congregation B’nai Israel (CBI) is a Conservative egalitarian congregation located in Millburn, New Jersey, approximately 20 miles outside of New York City. Under the leadership of Rabbi Ari Isenberg and Cantor Lorna Wallach, CBI offers many ways to enrich Jewish life through its worship services, preschool, religious school, adult learning programs, social action committees, holiday observances and special events. Celebrating its centennial anniversary, CBI is devoted to making our members feel comfortable participating fully in all aspects of synagogue life, including learning, prayer, social opportunities, and the holy work of chesed (acts of loving kindness). Our preschool and religious school are thriving and growing.

CBI is seeking an experienced strong, energetic, organized and compassionate leader to serve as our next Executive Director (ED). The ED is responsible for the overall management and day-to-day administration and operations of the synagogue. We are seeking an individual who has a track record of success in similar roles and is passionate about delivering upon our exciting vision for the future, including contributing new, creative ways for achieving our goals.

As a leading member of the staff team, the ED shares with lay leadership responsibility and oversight for personnel and human resources management, facilities management (including the safety and security of the building and its occupants), membership engagement, communications, finances and development. This is a full-time position with occasional nights and/or weekends (for example to attend Board Meetings, Religious Services and other synagogue events, etc.). Along with the clergy, the ED serves as the “face” of the synagogue, internally to the membership and externally to the community-at-large. Accordingly, it is very important that the ED be able to easily liaise with staff, members, clergy and the community and must maintain a high level of discretion when dealing with sensitive information. The ED reports to the President and Board of Trustees and attends monthly evening Board meetings.

Key Responsibilities:

Staff Management: Hire, supervise, train and evaluate performance of the office and maintenance staff to ensure the successful execution of their responsibilities and duties. Develop and maintain an efficient, professional and collegial organizational environment among congregational clergy, staff, volunteers and vendors.

Operations Management: Develop, manage, and oversee policies and procedures that ensure effective day-to-day operation of the synagogue including, but not limited to, facilities scheduling and use, membership recruitment and retention, cemetery oversight, maintenance of physical plant, property and equipment, as well as community relations.

Financial Management: Have a strong understanding of non-profit financing and budgeting in order to help manage the synagogue’s finances including preparation of and adherence to annual budget, oversight of income and expenses, dues collection and work with bookkeeper to maintain financial records. Develop and implement, along with lay leaders, fundraising goals.

Membership Management: Serve as an ambassador and advocate for the synagogue to both existing and potential new members. Maintain accurate records of synagogue members and produce reports as needed by clergy, staff and lay leadership.

Communications Management: Produce regular communications to synagogue membership and ensure accuracy, tone and appropriateness of website, e-mail, social media and printed communications that motivate and engage members in Synagogue programs and services, encourage their ongoing affiliation as members of CBI, and stimulate positive word-of-mouth in the broader community about how we enrich the greater Millburn/Maplewood and surrounding area.

Qualifications and Skills:
– Bachelor’s degree required.
– Demonstrated leadership experience, preferably as an ED. Ability to lead and motivate a team, and work collaboratively and effectively across the entire CBI staff.
– Demonstrated knowledge of financial and budgeting practices.
– Demonstrated ability to work with other professional staff and lay leaders.
– Demonstrated ability to manage facilities.
– Demonstrated ability to create and implement an effective and innovative engagement strategy for current and prospective members and build awareness of CBI in the broader community as relevant, including use of digital, direct marketing, and other critical media.
– Strong fundraising background with demonstrable results.
– Exhibit excellent written, oral, and presentation communication skills. Ensure high quality and accurate, communications that achieve member engagement, fundraising, member acquisition, and other critical goals.
– Proficiency with using digital channels and apps, including social media, Microsoft Office, Google Drive and other synagogue technology such as ShulCloud.
– Working knowledge of Jewish religious practice, observance and traditions.
– Ability to keep sensitive matters confidential.
– Willingness to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends.