Executive Director

Executive Director Temple Israel of West Palm Beach invites qualified applicants to apply for the Executive Director role. Background Temple Israel is the first Jewish organization in Palm Beach County and the only Reform synagogue in West Palm Beach. Founded in 1923 by six Jewish families, the congregation celebrated its centennial in 2023 and now serves as a welcoming, inclusive community that emphasizes worship, study, and social engagement. Under the co‑leadership of Rabbis Ryan and Carlie Daniels, the synagogue has experienced significant growth, including a 45% increase in membership and a 61% increase in religious school enrollment over the past two years. This unique moment presents opportunities for partnership, expansion, and renewal of Jewish life in the region. Location Palm Beach County offers an exceptional quality of life with year‑round sunshine, pristine beaches, world‑class parks, and a thriving economy in healthcare, education, technology, and finance. The area is attractive for families and professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle. Position The Executive Director will strategically lead all operations—including finance, human resources, facility, technology, and administrative functions—for Temple Israel. Reporting to the President of the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will provide strategic leadership and directly manage a core staff of five or six members, with potential for additional direct reports as the organization evolves. Role Priorities Operational Leadership: Establish clear processes, manage day‑to‑day operations, and ensure the administrative team supports the synagogue's goals. Facilities Management: Oversee the transition to the new building, including negotiations with city leaders and managing facility operations. Strategic Partnership: Act as a strategic partner to the rabbis and board, helping implement the synagogue's vision and long‑term goals. Fundraising and Financial Oversight: Support and coordinate fundraising efforts, including a major upcoming capital campaign, and manage financial planning. Staff Management and Development: Address staff turnover, provide coaching and supervision, and build a stable, skilled team. Organizational Leadership & Vision Embrace and take shared ownership of the vision and strategic direction of the synagogue to enable continued growth and success. Partner closely with Senior Rabbis, Congregation President, and Board of Directors to execute key decisions and initiatives related to operations, human resources, and strategic priorities. Foster a culture of collaboration, communication, hospitality, integrity, and responsibility across all departments. Supervision & Management Directly or indirectly manage all synagogue office staff, ensuring clarity of roles, strong performance, and alignment with mission and values. Mentor and supervise staff through coaching and professional development, with a genuine commitment to their growth and success. Lead efforts to repair and rebuild organizational culture, creating an inclusive, transparent, and respectful workplace environment. Operations & Administration Oversee all daily operations to ensure efficiency, accountability, and mission alignment. Manage and continually improve systems, processes, and organizational structures to promote stability and operational excellence. Serve as the primary contact for crisis and emergency management related to facilities and operations, maintaining readiness and safety protocols. Maintain warmth, accessibility, and approachability in interactions with congregants, supporting an inclusive and welcoming culture without serving as the primary public face. Finance & Facilities In partnership with board and Senior Rabbis, implement the architectural design for new campus, break ground, and open new campus facilities. Manage all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, billing, purchasing, expense control, cash management, and analysis. Oversee banking relationships, endowment investments, and coordinate with external accountants on tax and audit preparation. Additional Qualifications Experience in nonprofit leadership, preferably with executive director or COO roles in Jewish communal organizations or similar sectors. Strong background in financial management, including budgeting, revenue stream analysis, and financial sustainability. Operational expertise in facilities management and organizational process improvement. Proven HR leadership skills, including staff coaching, mentoring, and knowledge of HR laws and policies. Deep understanding of Jewish culture and the Jewish community. Strategic thinker with experience in capital campaigns and fundraising. Ability to relate to diverse congregants, from long‑standing members to new families, and to maintain a warm community tone. Experience overseeing budgets, fundraising efforts, and financial planning. Change Management ability to lead the synagogue through transitions including relocation and cultural shifts. Knowledge of relevant software and systems to manage data, communications, and operations effectively. Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion The synagogue serves as a spiritual home for all who enter its doors. Its sanctity and strength depend largely on the degree to which everyone in the community—members, lay leaders, clergy, and professional staff—acts in accordance with Reform Jewish values. The synagogue remains a safe space for all. Physical Needs & Work Environment Sitting: Required for long periods at a computer or attending meetings. Standing: Intermittent standing during meetings or event oversight. Walking: Frequent walking necessary for office movement and event areas. Lifting: Occasionally lifting items weighing 10‑50 pounds. Reaching, bending, stooping: Often required for job functions such as reaching for items or bending to plug in equipment. Vision: Requires clear vision to read documents and computer screens. Travel: Some periodic or frequent travel to various locations. Work environment: Duties may involve occasional work in varied environments, including outdoors or in settings with moderate to high noise levels. Compensation and Benefits Health Insurance 401k Paid Sick Time 18 Federal and Jewish Paid Holidays Generous Paid Leave – Medical, Maternity, Paternity, Bereavement Professional Development Stipend Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Timeline and Next Steps All applicants will receive an email confirming receipt of their application. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply even if you do not meet all of the qualifications outlined above. If selected to move forward for an initial screening call, we expect to hear from you by the middle of December. #J-18808-Ljbffr