DC Area Conservative Synagogue Seeking Energetic Forward-Thinking Executive Director

Bring your energy and talents to our dynamic Jewish community at Ohr Kodesh Congregation (OKC) just outside Washington, DC, in Chevy Chase, MD. At over 475 families and growing, Ohr Kodesh boasts a creative, energetic, and forward-thinking leadership team. As Executive Director, you’ll oversee day-to-day operations and be a member of the senior staff helping define the strategic vision for our engaged cross-generational community.

We have a thriving Early Childhood Center, an innovative religious school, two distinct teen education programs, and host a Jewish after school program daily. There’s a full calendar of adult education classes, programming partnerships with major Jewish learning institutions, engaging family services, daily minyanim and egalitarian traditional services offered in person and online, social action opportunities, active senior adult activities and a chevra kadisha that serves as a model in the area. Just for fun we have periodic Pajama Havdalah, Game Shabbat, multiple retreats, and a day at Nationals Park. Our members feel deeply connected to one another, and our leaders are adept at nurturing these connections today and anticipating the needs of our congregation in the future.

You are:
A collaborative leader, able to serve as thought-partner to the members of the clergy, able to collectively envision next steps for the synagogue and identify ways to implement that vision; a hands-on manager for their staff, collaborating with them to bring efficiency and professionalism to their work; and a partner to synagogue members, helping to support them with compassion and logistical acumen as they plan life cycle events, harness the enthusiasm of lay leaders who run compelling synagogue programs, and guide those who seek out meaningful connection and engagement.

Adept at developing systems, processes, and timelines for day-to-day operations of the synagogue, including membership recruitment and engagement, staff oversight, financial management, communications, and event planning.

Proactive and self-directed, delegating to staff and providing guidance and direction as needed, ensuring that the synagogue can accomplish its goals, both large and small.

Deeply committed to the mission and vision of the synagogue, bringing joy and passion to the work of creating a vibrant and well-run organization and able to represent the synagogue well at all times.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Executive Director is a member of the Ohr Kodesh Senior Staff (consisting of the Rabbi, the Cantor, the Executive Director, and the Director of the Early Childhood Center), charged with financial and operations management, membership recruitment and engagement, public and community relations, facilities management and security. The Executive Director is supported by an established team in carrying out this work.

Financial and Operations Management

The Executive Director oversees, proactively manages, and maintains the Congregation’s assets and Congregation budget ensuring the Congregation’s financial health. The Executive Director, in partnership with the clergy and Board, assists in the development and implementation of fundraising efforts including annual giving, appeals, and endowment fund efforts. The Executive Director also hires, trains, and supervises accounting, administrative, and facilities staff and manages associated contracts.
The Executive Director will work with senior staff and the board of directors to ensure the efficient operation and proactively seek out ways to correct inefficiencies - all towards the goal of working better together to support the mission of OKC.

Membership Recruitment and Engagement

The Executive Director is a key point of contact for all prospective and current members and works closely with the clergy, Board, and lay leadership to provide a welcoming and positive membership experience. The Executive Director develops personal relationships with members, in order to independently ascertain congregational wants and needs. The Executive Director also oversees the management of membership dues and support members in planning life cycle events.

Public and Community Relations

The Executive Director promotes a positive image of the synagogue among staff, congregants, and community, oversees the management of the website and the production and dissemination of all communications with members, and helps ensure the synagogue is a good citizen in the neighborhood and surrounding communities.

Facilities Management and Security

The Executive Director oversees the appearance, safety, security, maintenance, repair, and day-to-day efficient operations of the building itself, its grounds, and the congregation’s property and equipment. This includes the supervision of custodial and administrative staff in care, maintenance, repair, operations, and security of the physical facility, including religious articles.

Prioritizing, Maintaining, Implementing Synagogue Calendar

The Executive Director is charged with making sure that the Congregation’s calendar of activities is developed and coordinated with all programmatic elements of the congregation, in consultation with the other staff, committees and volunteers, to ensure that conflicts do not arise, and to make sure that necessary staff support is available and exercised appropriately.

Job Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree required.
Five years related leadership experience in a synagogue, non-profit or member-directed organization, preferably as Executive Director or member of the senior management team.
Broad-based management experience
Knowledge of Jewish practices and tradition, and familiarity with traditions of Conservative Judaism or willingness to learn.
Willingness to work flexible hours (including weekends and nights) and be present on-site as needed.
Competency with Customer Management System (CMS), financial, office suite, database software, as well as social media.

Salary and Benefits:

Base salary $110,000 - $130,000 commensurate with experience
Health Insurance
Life Insurance
Professional Conference
Disability Benefits
Retirement Contribution