Overview

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR at RAMAT SHALOM SYNAGOGUE
(Plantation, Florida, suburb of Fort Lauderdale)

Ramat Shalom Synagogue is seeking a dynamic, experienced leader who appreciates the power of community to serve as our Executive Director. This full-time position will lead, oversee, and manage all operations of the synagogue, including the facilities, finance, human resources and communications. The Executive Director supervises all administrative, marketing, technology, building maintenance, security and other key staff. As an essential spokesperson for the congregation, the Executive Director will be a resource to assist members and will be there to welcome prospective members. Essential responsibilities also include overseeing the synagogue calendar and programming logistics, directing the management of  the finances for the synagogue and collaborating with the clergy, professional staff, and lay leaders to develop, execute and evaluate policies in support of the synagogue’s mission and strategic plan. The key to our new Executive Director’s success will lie in the ability to relate to others with compassionate and encourage participation in all areas of our community. The Executive Director will work closely with the Rabbi and key lay leaders and will assist in the giving and endowment campaigns as well as being responsible for grant applications and administration.

Ramat Shalom is a proudly unaffiliated synagogue grounded in Reconstructionist principles. We are located in Plantation, FL, a beautiful and vibrant suburb of Fort Lauderdale. Our mission is to serve the spiritual needs of our community, expanding our reach while maintaining the intimacy and warmth that have come define who we are. We embrace both tradition and innovation and engage people of diverse backgrounds in an inclusive, egalitarian community of lifelong learning. Our outstanding Early Childhood Center, Torah School and youth programs deeply engage children and teens and help them to develop lasting Jewish identities, and our diverse and engaging programs for families and adults have enabled us to build a strong, growing community that is warm and welcoming.

Ramat Shalom is committed to equal opportunity in every area of employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital or veteran status or the presence of non-job-related medical condition, or other protected characteristics, except when it is necessary as an occupational qualification for an employee to be of the Jewish faith. Ramat Shalom also prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and will reasonably accommodate applicants with a disability, upon request, and will also ensure reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities.

Areas of responsibility:

The Executive Director takes direction from and is accountable to the Board of Directors, and reports directly to the Vice-President of Administration in conjunction with the Rabbi. Working with the Rabbi, Cantorial Soloist, the Director of Youth and Family Education, the Director of the Early Childhood Center all other staff, and lay leaders, the Executive Director has the following responsibilities:

1. Administration and Operations:

Responsible for all ongoing synagogue operations and for providing logistical support to the clergy and other professional staff consistent with the synagogue’s priorities and vision. Leads and supervises administrative, office, marketing, technology and building maintenance personnel along with other key synagogue staff members. Manages all internal operating and software systems, including ShulCloud, QuickBooks, Zoom, Facebook, Instagram and MailChimp.

Attends and reports as necessary at meetings of, and provides administrative support to, the Board of Directors and synagogue committees. Works with the Vice President of Administration on projects as needed. Manages physical campus premises and systems including overseeing security. Oversees the use of our kosher kitchen, including caterer coordination. Manages contracts, including insurance policies, and vendor relationships. Maintains relationships with bankers and insurance brokers.  As needed, the Executive Director will  be available for after-hours synagogue events and emergencies.

Responsible for synagogue governance, including record management, reporting and required meetings.

2. Finances and Human Resources:

Understands financial management and accounting principles and ensures the implementation and oversight of fiscal controls and procedures for the synagogue. Implements Board policies for allocation and distribution of funds. Supervises the Bookkeeper and oversees payments to vendors, including reviewing and if appropriate, approving invoices. Assists the Treasurer with preparation of annual budget. Reviews monthly financial reports and provides analysis for the Treasurer, Board and appropriate committees. Reviews and approves payroll. Identifies, supervises and if achieved, administers grants. In partnership with the Financial Secretary, is responsible for collections and for making financial arrangements for congregants.

Hires, evaluates and, when necessary, disciplines and terminates administrative, accounting, maintenance, and other personnel. Maintains employee files, coordinates annual updating of the Employee Handbook and relevant financial and human resource policies.

3. Membership:

In partnership with the Rabbi, serves as a key relationship manager for congregants and prospective members. Works with the Membership Chair and other lay leadership to develop and implement a strategic plan for membership growth, retention and engagement. Responsible for congregant database management and maintaining accurate member records. Oversees all office functions associated with new memberships and resignations.

4. Development:

Works with the Board, Rabbi and key lay leadership to create and implement a development plan, including annual and ongoing campaigns, bequests, capital and in-kind, and other gifts. Facilitates all aspects of development efforts, including event planning. Cultivates relationships with current and prospective donors.

5. Facilities and Grounds:

Responsible for all facility operations including grounds, kitchen, building maintenance, usage and repair. Manages leases. Oversees security for the campus and all services, programs and events. Maintains and updates disaster preparedness plan.

6. Program Management and Logistics:

Oversees and coordinates office resources, facility use, logistics, and scheduling of all religious services, classes, programs and events, including member lifecycle and third-party events to be held at the synagogue. Maintains accurate, up-to-date master calendar for all services, programs and events to be held at the synagogue.

7. Marketing:

Acts as brand steward for synagogue’s internal and external communications. In coordination with the Marketing Assistant and Publicity Chair, is proactive in planning, coordinating and executing publicity, advertising, public relations and news releases for all synagogue-related services, programs, events and announcements. Coordinates and manages the synagogue website and oversees all synagogue-related social media accounts.

Work Remotely: no
Qualifications:

Required Experience:

Minimum ten years relevant experience in organizational management that includes managing staff, volunteers, programs, and events, facility management (including building, grounds, security, technology, maintenance), financial management, and development.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of financial management, budgeting, reporting and internal controls
Knowledge of Jewish ritual, holiday, and lifecycle traditions
Passion and commitment to Jewish values, rituals, customs, and holiday practices
An appreciation of the power of community
Knowledge of computer software including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, ShulCloud or similar software, and digital communication platforms (including Zoom and Facebook Live)
Excellent organizational, oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
Positive attitude; approachable; functions with clarity, transparency and integrity
Ability to build and sustain relationships with diverse synagogue constituencies
Strong people management and relationship-building skills, with the ability to build cohesive teams and delegate effectively
Ability to foster collaboration and build consensus
Ability to prioritize, make decisions quickly and exercise initiative and sound judgment
Ability to think strategically about topics of importance to the synagogue
Ability to drive and supervise social media presence

Preferred candidate will have a relevant Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree, and proven senior management experience in a synagogue, membership organization, nonprofit, or similar setting. Preferred candidate also will have experience volunteering with a synagogue or other Jewish service organizations.

Position Start Date: July 1, 2022
Salary Range: Salary commensurate with experience.
Send resumes and cover letter to:

Please email cover letter and resume to rabbiandrew@ramatshalom.org.

Candidates are reminded to ensure that their resume and cover letter highlight their experience in the areas of responsibility above. The successful candidate will be required to submit references and submit to a background check before employment begins and document eligibility for employment in the United States no later than the first day of employment.

About Ramat Shalom Synagogue

One of the oldest synagogue in Broward County, Ramat Shalom, was founded as a small, Jewish discussion group that met in members’ homes. The group quickly grew into a synagogue with many members, a rabbi, a building, a preschool and a religious school. Despite its increase in size, the congregation has never lost the small, intimate feeling that characterized Ramat Shalom from the outset. We pride ourselves on being a warm, inclusive community made up of a diverse group of individuals and families who truly care for, celebrate and grow with each other.