Executive Director - Synagogue (New Position)

Background
Or Shalom is a warm, welcoming community of Jews and non-Jews, diverse yet united in the desire to support one another and mend the world. Incorporated in 1991, Or Shalom affiliated with the Reconstructing Judaism movement in 2008.

Or Shalom’s members share a commitment to deep mutual acceptance, progressive values, the spirit of questioning, and a dynamic balance between tradition and innovation in its approach to Judaism. Or Shalom currently consists of about 160 member households, and is led by a board of directors (with a core executive committee), an administrator, and Rabbi Katie Mizrahi, who joined Or Shalom in 2007.

Or Shalom began as a group of San Franciscans who wanted a form of Judaism for their children that teaches peace, welcomes interfaith families, and allows diverse, questioning voices to be heard. From its founders’ aspirations came the name Or Shalom, Light of Peace. In its early days, members met for prayer in each other’s homes. While Or Shalom has grown, hired staff, and adopted more formal structural elements over the years, its founding principles and mission are still very much unchanged, as its members continue to practice Judaism in a way that enriches life and makes the world more peaceful.

We are seeking an Executive Director who will help Or Shalom grow and evolve. Or Shalom is currently engaged in a strategic planning process with an outside consultant, and we expect the Executive Director to play a critical role in contributing to and implementing a new Strategic Plan derived from that process.

Supervisory Responsibilities
The Executive Director will be responsible for overseeing the work of education, musical, administrative, and bookkeeping staff, as well as guiding and coordinating the work of Or Shalom’s many volunteers. Our congregation follows local, state and federal safety and health guidelines, including those for Covid-19.

Reporting
The Executive Director will report to the Or Shalom Executive Committee (subcommittee of the Board of Directors).

Scope of Responsibilities
The Executive Director is responsible for overall management of the congregation's administrative and financial affairs, including supervisory responsibility for all administrative, accounting, maintenance and outside contracted personnel. The Executive Director will work closely with the Rabbi, Board of Directors, education and music directors, administrative staff, and volunteers to realize Or Shalom’s long-range vision and help ensure our future growth and success. The Executive Director will collaborate with the Board and staff to coordinate and facilitate religious services, holidays, and other programming, provide operational oversight, and maintain congregational fiscal discipline. In particular, we are looking to the Executive Director to develop and lead an engagement strategy for increasing membership, as well as contribute to financial planning and fundraising strategy and tactics. Successful candidates will have a proven track record of organizational development.

General Functions

Leadership
Collaborate with the Rabbi, Board, and Executive Committee to define and meet Or Shalom’s mission, vision, and values
Implement and contribute to the vision, strategic plan and policies, and ensure goals and objectives are met
Attend, report, and present at Board meetings
Be an involved leader of our community: attend our events, services, and committee meetings, and get to know our congregants by name. We want our ED to be a recognizable face!

Operational and Financial Management
Ensure sound financial management for the synagogue; use appropriate financial systems and controls to ensure: legal compliance, management of risk (including maintaining appropriate insurance), fiduciary integrity, and transparency
Consult with and report to the Treasurer concerning financial issues, analysis and planning
Oversee the financial activities (accounts payable, accounts receivable, Quickbooks entries)
Optimize our use of ShulCloud to the benefit of engagement and fundraising initiatives, as well as other sustainability goals (paperless!)
In partnership with staff and Finance Committee, drive the process to create annual and program budgets
Oversee the implementation of the budget including financial management systems, spending, and reporting, providing regular reports to the board
Supervise part-time bookkeeper and vendors

Fundraising
Lead the congregation’s efforts to strengthen a “culture of giving” throughout Or Shalom that honors the values of our inclusive community, including by devising and implementing fundraising strategies in cooperation with clergy, staff, and Board to adopt and meet annual fundraising goals
Cultivate individual donors, including small, medium, and major member-donors; mobilize volunteers in fundraising events and campaigns; identify and pursue grant opportunities
Support the development of fundraising skills of staff and board to enable them to be comfortable with making direct asks
Manage all aspects of Annual Fund and High Holy Days giving and multi-year fundraising campaigns, including direct mail, digital engagement, and data management (ShulCloud)

Community Engagement
Cultivate and nurture relationships and address congregational concerns in a timely manner
In partnership with the rabbi, professional staff, and volunteer leaders, develop strategies for community connection, engagement, and retention
Ensure accuracy of membership information, records, and reporting
Oversee communication with community members, as well as with community allies and partners
Direct the preparation for and implementation of religious and community events, including through attendance at targeted holiday services, b’nai mitzvot, and community events to connect with members of the community
Serves as a representative of the congregation and attends meetings of relevant regional and national organizations (including the Reconstructing Judaism community, the ShulCloud user community, etc).

Human Resources
Foster a culture of respect, collaboration, empowerment, integrity, and fun
Develop, implement, and update office policies and procedures
Hire and supervise administrative and operational staff; coordinate and conduct performance evaluations
Manage employee benefit programs and personnel policies; ensure compliance with current federal and state laws

Education, Skills and Experience
BA or BS, ideally in a related field (business administration, public or non-profit administration, public policy, marketing, religious studies)
Familiarity with Jewish practice or a desire to learn
Development and nonprofit management experience, including supervising and hiring staff and managing a budget
Ability to balance strategic vision with operational effectiveness
Self-starter and creative problem solver with strong interpersonal and organizational skills, including the ability to communicate effectively (orally and in writing) and efficiently prioritize responsibilities
Familiarity with ShulCloud or similar CRM platform

Compensation
$95k–130k, dependent on level of experience + benefits
Benefits package including medical insurance, vacation, sick leave, and congregational membership
Hybrid work environment (for the foreseeable future)