Executive Director

Role Summary The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief administrative and operational leader of Temple B’nai Or. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the ED is responsible for executing the board’s strategic priorities, ensuring strong financial stewardship, overseeing all non-clergy staff, and maintaining the operational, cultural, and organizational health of the Temple. The ED creates and implements systems with accountability measures, leading to operational excellence across all functions. The ED partners closely with clergy and lay leaders to support a thriving congregational community.
This role requires seasoned leadership, sound judgment, emotional intelligence, executive functioning, disciplined management, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Core Responsibilities

1. Organizational Leadership & Governance Execution • Lead day-to-day administration and ensure alignment with the Board of Trustees’ strategic goals. • Advise the Board proactively on operational issues, risk management, staffing, finance, and facilities. • Implement policies, systems, and procedures that strengthen efficiency, accountability, and consistency across the organization. • Oversee senior staff meetings, drive cross-functional coordination, and ensure timely follow-through.

2. Financial Stewardship & Risk Management • Lead the budgeting process, financial planning, and ongoing financial management of the Temple. • Oversee finance professionals and ensure timely, accurate reporting and compliance with all regulatory requirements. • Present monthly and periodic financial statements to the Board and relevant committees, highlighting risks, variances, and recommended actions. • Maintain appropriate internal controls, cash-flow management, insurance coverage, and financial policies. • Partner with fundraising leadership to support resource development strategies and donor stewardship.

3. Staff Leadership, Human Resources & Culture • Supervise all non-clergy staff, establishing clear performance expectations, accountability systems, and professional development pathways. • Lead hiring, performance review, discipline, and dismissal of reporting staff. • Foster a professional, collaborative, and solutions-oriented work culture. • Ensure compliance with federal and state employment laws, HR policies, and best practices.

4. Operations, Facilities & Compliance • Ensure all facilities are safe, well-maintained, and operated efficiently, meeting regulatory and security standards. • Oversee major maintenance, capital projects, and vendor relationships. • Strengthen operational systems including IT, cybersecurity, software platforms, member data, and administrative workflows. • Ensure compliance with all relevant legal, educational, financial, and safety requirements.

5. Communications, Membership & Community Engagement • Oversee communications staff responsible for internal and external messaging, website, newsletters, and social media. • Provide leadership for membership engagement strategy to create an inclusive, welcoming, and connected congregational experience. • Partner with clergy and lay leadership to support programming, community-building, and lifecycle events.

6. Preschool Oversight • Supervise the Director of the Preschool ensuring strong educational operations, financial sustainability, and regulatory compliance.

Required Skills and Qualifications • Leadership & Management: Proven senior management experience with a track record of building effective teams, managing conflict, creating accountability systems, solving complex organizational problems, and leading through change. • Financial Acumen: Demonstrated experience managing budgets, overseeing financial operations, and ensuring compliance and risk management. • Communication: Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills; able to engage with staff, board members, congregants, donors, and external partners with clarity and professionalism. • Organizational Mastery: Strong planning, prioritization, and execution skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams and respond quickly to shifting needs. • Technical Proficiency: Experience with organizational software systems (database, CRM/membership systems, financial software, communication platforms, and IT/cybersecurity basics). • Knowledge of Jewish Community Life: Understanding and respect for Reform Jewish values, traditions, and congregational dynamics. • Strategic Thinking: Ability to translate board vision into operational plans, anticipate future needs, and build systems that support long-term growth and stability.