Executive Director

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.