Executive Director
Part-Time
Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Synagogue, a vibrant and welcoming synagogue of over 190 households, located in the Village of Wheeling in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, is seeking a Synagogue Executive Director (SED). The SED is vital to the success of the Synagogue as the senior member of our professional staff team. We seek a highly skilled, innovative, and enthusiastic individual who will work with our clergy, lay leaders, staff, volunteers, and other members to help maintain a respectful and supportive environment for all.
Areas of Responsibility
Leadership
• Oversee the congregation’s religious, educational, cultural and social programming.
• Develop professional relationships with organizations in the area.
Staff Management
• Oversee hiring, training, evaluation and supervision of administrative and facility staff.
• Arrange professional development programs for administrative staff.
• Work with appropriate committees to develop human resources policies and procedures in accordance with federal and state laws.
• Maintain complete and accurate files on employees and independent contractors, including employee annual performance reviews.
• Schedule and facilitate weekly staff meetings.
Membership
• Oversee membership and volunteer growth and involvement, in collaboration with Membership Committee.
• Communicate with prospective members and oversee introductions to clergy, staff, and lay leaders.
Communications
• Establish and maintain internal and external communications guidelines.
• Attend monthly Board of Directors meetings and present state of the congregation reports.
• Oversee and coordinate synagogue communications (including the Synagogue email newsletter, website, membership management system, and all other forms of social media and print communications) to ensure consistent and timely messaging.
• Maintain the synagogue master calendar.
• Create event pages and registration forms.
• Manage ShulCloud (digital membership management system), train and support volunteers to use the system to facilitate member communication.
Facility Management
• Oversee the operation and maintenance of the building and grounds.
• Operational documentation – keep records of how everything works.
• Coordinate the scheduling and use of the facilities including proper set-up, building access and security for all events (both Synagogue and outside rentals).
• Maximize building utilization, storage areas, vendors and supplies.
Fiscal Responsibility
• Be proactive in collaborating with the Board of Directors in designing, implementing, leading and evaluating fundraising initiatives in conjunction with volunteers and staff.
• Manage pledges receivable and related collections using QuickBooks Online and our payment gateway integrated in ShulCloud.
• Manage accounts payable, cash disbursements and signing of checks.
• Seek relevant grants and participate in the application process.
• Monitor and control building, administrative and operational expenses.
• Collaborate with the Finance Committee and Treasurer in fiscal reporting, the annual budgeting process and planning the annual meeting.
Strategic Planning and Organizational Management
• Collaborate with the Rabbi and lay leadership to implement programs and calendar planning.
• Develop and implement policies as directed by the Board of Directors, Executive Committee and clergy.
• Guide committees and volunteers on priorities.
• Provide administrative and logistical support for all holiday and life cycle services.
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
• Bachelor of Arts or Science
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Prior non-profit management experience strongly preferred
• Supervisory, marketing, fundraising and financial management experience preferred
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule
• Familiarity with programs such as:
o Microsoft Word and Excel
o QuickBooks online or similar accounting packages
o ShulCloud or similar Synagogue and Membership management systems (Training in ShulCloud can be provided)
o Google “G Suite”
• Familiarity with social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.)
• Understanding of Reconstructing Judaism is a plus.