Job Description
Interim Executive Director
Temple Sinai
Brookline, MA

Temple Sinai is a progressive Reform Jewish congregation in the heart of Coolidge Corner, Brookline. Temple Sinai honors its diverse members’ individual journeys of Judaism, joyfully embracing and connecting our members in community. We are enriched by engaging in lifelong study of Torah, seeking holiness through meaningful worship, and bringing justice, healing and caring to our world.

We are looking to hire an Interim Executive Director to join our senior staff leadership team for a period of approximately 7-9 months.

The Executive Director serves as the chief operations officer of the congregation. Working in close partnership with the Board of Trustees and clergy to help lead our congregation to a vibrant future as a high-functioning, successful progressive Jewish organization, he/she/they is responsible for overall oversight and management of the Temple’s fiscal and administrative affairs, facility management, calendar, logistics and communications. He/she/they also provides support for fundraising activities. The Executive Director serves as an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees and the Executive Committee, attending all meetings, and plays a critical role as ambassador to Temple members and the broader Jewish and secular communities. The Executive Director serves as an integral member of a collaborative Temple staff team. He/she/they is a full-time employee reporting to the Board of Trustees represented by the President, working in close partnership with the senior rabbi.

The Executive Director is responsible for assuring the performance of the following functions either personally or through his/her/their staff:

Responsibilities include:

Organizational Leadership

• Develop effective management systems to track progress on key initiatives and priorities.
• Keep abreast of trends in the congregation, the larger community and the national Reform movement.
• Maintain a constructive partnership with the Temple’s professional staff.

Staffing for Board of Trustees and Committees
• Support the work of the Board with sound advice, timely and accurate reports and participate actively in deliberations.
• Maintain accessible records of Temple and Board policies, working in concert with Board Secretary.
• Serve as a resource for committee chairs related to program planning and implementation, particularly the Board and the Executive, Building, Budget, History, Membership, Nominating, Website and Security Committees.

Fundraising
• Promulgate and support a culture of philanthropy.
• Primary responsibility for the operation of Sinai Promise, the Temple’s “voluntary dues” program.
• Provide support for the Free Will Campaign, Sinai’s annual giving program.
• Identify and apply for grants aligned with Temple priorities.

Operations and Human Resource Management
• Identify administrative and custodial staffing needs.
• Manage and supervise administrative and custodial staff.
• Develop, maintain and implement staff policies and procedures in coordination with the Personnel Committee.
• Maintain a collaborative work environment built on trust, clear expectations and accountability that attracts, retains and motivates staff.
• Research, manage and maintain employee benefits coverage including health, pension and disability benefits.

Fiscal
• Under the guidance of the Treasurer and Finance Committee, manage the financial operations of the congregation including financial planning, forecasting, accounting, reporting, monitoring internal controls, managing cash and maintaining financial records.
• Prepare and submit bi-weekly staff payroll and maintain accurate payroll records.
• Work with the Budget Committee in the preparation of the annual budget.
• Supervise contract and employed finance staff.

 

Property and Liability Insurance
• Research, arrange and negotiate appropriate insurance coverage for the Temple including Workers Comp, Property, General Liability, Umbrella, and Directors and Officers Liability insurance.

Technology
• Responsible for identifying and implementing information technology to address Temple needs, utilizing our technology services vendor, among other resources.

Membership Engagement
• Serve as initial contact with prospective and new members, with the goal of increasing member recruitment, engagement and retention.
• Maintain accurate membership records and undertake analyses to inform Temple strategy.

Support Religious Services
• Develop familiarity with Shabbat, High Holiday, festival and life cycle services in order to provide administrative and logistic support required for their smooth operation.
• Responsible for b’nei mitzvah date assignment and primary contact for non-ritual aspects of the b’nei mitzvah activities.

Communications and Publicity
• Overall responsibility for all Temple communications.
• With support from the Temple’s Communications and PR Task Force, responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive communication and marketing plan for the promotion of Temple services, membership and programs.

Temple Records/Archives
• Maintain the Temple records, membership and financial data, newsletters, minutes, and all historical and archival records.

 

Building/Facility
• Overall responsibility for the Temple facility.
• In concert with the building committee, research, plan, schedule and supervise building replacement, maintenance and improvement projects.
• Oversee security of the building and all events.
• Develop and update disaster recovery plans and emergency policies and procedures.
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Rentals
• Manage all aspects of outside rental of Temple space.
• Assist synagogue members in renting temple space for life cycle events.

Calendar and logistics
• Create and manage the Temple master calendar and determine the allocation of space within the building.

Community Relations
• Participate actively in the life of the congregation.
• Act as a liaison to other Jewish organizations and the secular community with respect to synagogue activities, media and neighborly relations.

Professional Development:
• Keep abreast of developments and best practices in synagogue administration as they affect the operation of Temple Sinai

Qualifications:

• 7 to 10 years’ experience managing a non-profit organization including financial management. Experience working with Jewish-affiliated organizations preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of finance systems, CRM software, social media, and websites.
• Familiarity with fundraising and development strategies and management.
• Experience managing, supervising, and mentoring staff.
• Ability to facilitate a collaborative team environment and work with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong planning skills, initiative and drive for continuous improvement.
• Experience working with a Board of Directors and volunteers.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Knowledge of Judaism and understanding of synagogue life.

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to Interim Executive Director Search Committee chair, Erin Deemer, at erindeemer@gmail.com.