Herzl-Ner Tamid (HNT) is seeking a strategic and thoughtful Executive Director

Location: Mercer Island, WA 98040
Position Executive Director
Salary click to view
Degrees: BA
Organization Type Synagogue, Education & Schools, Community Relations

Herzl-Ner Tamid (HNT) is seeking a strategic and thoughtful Executive Director to leverage the synagogue’s strengths by leading the organization, in partnership with the Clergy and Board of Directors, to drive interest in and loyalty to the congregation and grow the HNT community. The selection committee is eager to learn more about the unique skills you bring to the table and invites you to submit for this opportunity.

Overview:
Reporting directly to the President of the Board of Directors, the Executive Director assumes a pivotal role in the administrative leadership of the synagogue. Leading a dedicated team of about 10 administrative employees, the Executive Director oversees all operational facets pertaining to the synagogue, its premises, and infrastructure.

The Executive Director implements the Board’s vision by turning strategic objectives into actionable plans. Collaborating closely with clergy, lay leadership, and senior staff, the Executive Director fosters a cohesive partnership aimed at achieving organizational goals while ensuring that all staff deliver exceptional service to the congregation’s membership and prospective members of our congregation.

Core Duties & Responsibilities:
• Manage the synagogue's annual budget, ensuring adherence to Board policies while overseeing financial operations, including contract review and approval and grant writing.
• Collaborate with the Board, lay leaders, and volunteers to develop and implement effective fundraising strategies, meticulously planning and executing campaigns to bolster the synagogue's financial stability.
• Hire and supervise all administrative staff, contract employees and vendors, which includes, but is not limited to, finance, operations, programming, marketing, communication, general administration, custodial/maintenance, and security.
o Create and maintain a supportive culture that attracts, retains, empowers and motivates a committed team of engaged employees and volunteers.
o Provide onboarding for all new staff.
• Manage human resources, ensure compliant hiring, and labor practices.
• Oversee all operations of the synagogue, encompassing the day-to-day coordination of activities, services, programs, and events.
o Manage building utilization, maintenance, and grounds upkeep while prioritizing the safety and security of all occupants and property.
o Oversee tenant relations and facility rental policies.
o Execute contract negotiations with vendors.
• Manage the safety, security and health of staff and all users of HNT campus including but not limited to:
o Managing security vendor contracts,
o Partnering with the Security & Safety Committee,
o Strategizing short- and long-term planning for security needs, including researching and applying for security grants,
o Implementing security and safety recommendations put forth by the committee in a timely manner.
o Anticipating risk and proactively researching and implementing solutions that add to the community’s safety.
• Serve as an HNT stakeholder and administrative liaison to the Barnabie Point project (located on HNT property), which should start campus construction this year. Collaborate with our JDS partners, and other important parties in this expansion project, and contribute to its success.
• Partner with clergy and the Board on implementing the strategic vision for HNT.
o Provide timely monthly and annual written Executive Director reports to the Board.
o Participate as an ex-officio participant at Board meetings and follows through with Board directives.
o Promote effective information sharing with clergy, the staff, and the Board.
• Oversee the synagogue calendar, and its intersection with HNT activities and greater Jewish community activities.
• Provide managerial support for all Board of Director and committee operations, except the Ritual Committee.
• Partner with the Director of Education to ensure the success of the FRS Religious School, providing infrastructure support for school tuition collection and related activities.
• Establish essential connections for members, and prospective members, by providing high-quality and timely membership engagement and support. Train staff to do the same, ensuring that membership engagement and support remains a top priority.
• Serve as a steward of the synagogue, maintain healthy community relations with other local Jewish organizations, community groups, neighbors, local police, and city officials.
• Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications & Skills:
The ideal candidate is a motivated and inspirational self-starter, who is a highly skilled and organized manager that can effectively manage the complex operations of HNT.
o Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree a plus.
o 5+ years management experience in a mid-size to large synagogue or non-profit organization with an engaged volunteer leadership.
o Demonstrated successful track record in budgeting, fiscal management, and fundraising efforts.
o Excellent verbal and written communication. Knowledge of marketing and communication strategy a plus.
o Excellent interpersonal skills, encompassing diplomacy, confidentiality, and exceptional customer relationship management skills.
o Experience managing teams and supervising multiple staff with a foundational understanding of HR rules and policies.
o Effective team builder with the demonstrated ability to hire, train, delegate and create an efficient organization.
o Demonstrated time management and ability to multi-task with excellent skills in strategizing planning, organization, problem-solving, and scheduling.
o Ability to analyze situations, formulate effective solutions, and exercise independent judgment.
o Grant writing experience and familiarity with modern fundraising practices and techniques.
o Demonstrated experience in developing and stewarding programs and incentives that facilitate and enhance the vision of the congregation.
o Strong computer skills with proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Suite, ShulCloud, website and database management, and social media platforms.
o Must be flexible and able to handle unforeseen matters as the synagogue operates seven days a week, including evenings, and must be responsive to members’ emergency needs.