Executive Director

Development

Job Title: Executive Director

Congregation Shalom, Metropolitan Milwaukee, WI (Fox Point, WI)

Why You Want This Job:

· You want to help transform and shape the future of Congregation Shalom. Our hiring of a new Executive Director for the post-pandemic world represents a once-in-a-lifetime chance to think outside the box to meet the future of Jewish identity and community engagement, to thoughtfully re-consider the status quo to bring more Jewish families under our communal tent in a meaningful way.

· You want to join a member-centered work environment with a deeply committed leadership team of extraordinarily talented people who’ve found personal happiness and professional fulfillment in Milwaukee. Come meet them. We constantly draw inspiration from one another and relish every opportunity to both collaborate and allow our unique talents to shine through our individual expertise and collective creativity.

· You see that Shalom’s congregants are its heart and soul. We come from a variety of religious backgrounds including Orthodox, Conservative and Reform traditions as well as Jews by choice. We welcome interfaith families and same-sex couples. We’re proud of our big tent and want everyone -- wherever they are on their spiritual journey -- to feel welcome at Shalom because all are created B’Tzelem Elohim (in God’s image).

· You recognize that Congregation Shalom’s 825 member families make it the largest synagogue in Wisconsin and we continue to attract new members. Our Religious and Hebrew School is a growing and vibrant part of our community. Engaging the next generation of Jews is a central part of our mission.

· You appreciate that the congregation has no mortgage, is debt-free, and benefits from an endowment. You enjoy engaging with donors and taking an active role in development and our culture of philanthropy.

· You can tell that Shalom glows with a hospitality disposition. Our stability is a byproduct of professional staff members’ and congregants’ unrelenting commitment to our community.

 

Job Overview:

· The Executive Director's job is to lead, manage and oversee programming, marketing, financial, building, administrative and security operations of Congregation Shalom in an effective and efficient manner consistent with the values of Congregation Shalom and Reform Judaism. The Executive Director reports to the President of the Board of Trustees, and coordinates with the Senior Rabbi in a working partnership to implement Shalom’s vision. The Executive Director is one of the key faces at Shalom and maintains a 'member service' mindset, interacting with all its congregants, staff, and the larger Jewish community.

· The successful candidate will empower, embrace, and enable Shalom's membership to continue to nurture and grow community through traditional/religious and non-traditional endeavors.

The Executive Director will lead a team and delegate responsibilities, which include:

1. Leadership and Strategic Planning:

· Collaborate with lay leadership and clergy to develop and implement the synagogue's strategic vision and goals.

· Provide visionary leadership and guidance to the staff and congregation, fostering a strong sense of community and engagement.

· Oversee membership recruitment, retention, and engagement.

· Stay informed about current trends, issues, and best practices in synagogue management and incorporate them into strategic planning efforts.

2. Operations/Administrative Management:

· Oversee all administrative functions of the synagogue, including financial management, budgeting, human resources, and facility management.

· Ensure the implementation of efficient systems and processes to support the daily operations of the synagogue.

· Collaborate with staff members to develop and maintain operational effectiveness.

· Ensure timely, relevant, and clear communication of Congregation Shalom activities to members and the broader community through mailings, website, social media, newsletter and announcements.

· Oversee and collaborate in the scheduling and logistics of all religious services, life cycle events, learning and social events.

· Support religious school and staff.

3. Financial Management:

· Develop and manage the annual budget in collaboration with the Budget Committee.

· Oversee financial operations, including revenue generation, capital expenditures, expense control, and financial reporting.

· Work closely with the lay leadership and clergy to foster a culture of philanthropy through development efforts, donor stewardship, and grant management.

· Serve as the primary contact with the Union for Reform Judaism on dues.

4. Staff Management and Development:

· Recruit, hire, manage, mentor, and evaluate staff members, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment

· Provide guidance, support, and professional development opportunities to staff members to enhance their skills and capabilities.

· Foster a culture of teamwork, open communication, and mutual respect among the staff.

· Maintain and evolve personnel policies and ensure that employment actions taken by Congregation Shalom are in accordance with such policies and consistent with Jewish values.

· Develop and encourage volunteers to support the needs of the synagogue while providing rich experiences for congregants to exhibit their passions and skills through volunteer opportunities.

5. Community Relations and Engagement:

· Cultivate relationships with synagogue members, community organizations and leaders, promoting active engagement and participation.

· Collaborate with clergy and staff to develop and implement programs and events that meet the diverse needs and interests of the congregation.

6. Risk Management:

· Instrumental in carrying out and evolving Congregation Shalom’s security protocols in accordance with security experts and law enforcement to ensure the safety of clergy, staff, congregants, and guests.

· Ensure that liability and hazard insurance is appropriate and maintained.

· Oversee emergency communication and contingency planning.

 

Qualifications:

· Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., nonprofit management, business administration, Jewish studies) is required; advanced degree preferred.

· Proven experience in executive leadership, preferably in a synagogue or similar religious institution.

· Strong knowledge and understanding of Jewish traditions, customs, and practices.

· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse stakeholders.

· Proven experience in financial management, budgeting, and fundraising.

· Exceptional organizational and strategic planning abilities.

· Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a team effectively.

· Proficiency in relevant computer applications and systems.

The Executive Director plays a critical role in guiding the success and growth of the synagogue, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment, and ensuring the smooth operation of all aspects of the organization. The ideal candidate will bring a passion for Jewish communal life, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to building and nurturing a vibrant congregation.

Congregation Shalom values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, disability, and veteran status. Did you know? Women are less likely to apply for a position they are not 100% qualified for compared to men. We encourage all interested candidates to apply, even if they do not check every box.

 

Salary and Benefits:

- Salary range $100,000+, based on qualifications and experience

- Personal Time Off

- Contributions to retirement plan

- Health insurance

- Relocation expenses

- Professional Development Allowance

 

 

Please forward resume & cover letter to: searchcommittee@cong-shalom.org