Executive Director

Temple Beth Emeth (TBE), located in beautiful Ann Arbor, Michigan, seeks an Executive Director to work with our Senior Rabbi, Cantor, Education Director, and Board of Trustees to implement TBE’s mission. 

We are a warm and welcoming community with 540 membership units. We welcome diverse families, including multi-faith families, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. We strive to create a comfortable space for members with disabilities, create connections between our tots and our seniors, and aim to welcome newcomers the first time, the second time, and the third time. TBE is the only Reform synagogue in the greater Ann Arbor area, so we also draw congregants who commit to drive 50 miles or more to find a spiritual home at our congregation. 

This inclusive attitude is also reflected through Genesis, our unique interfaith partnership with St. Clare of Assisi Episcopal Church, through which we co-own our building. This relationship allows us to use our building more efficiently, while demonstrating a deep commitment to pluralism, dialog, and working together across differences. With the Genesis model, our Executive Director does not need to directly supervise day-to-day management of the building and grounds; however, they will work closely with the Genesis building manager on scheduling and coordination with our neighbors at St. Clare to ensure that all of TBE’s facilities needs are met. 

The Executive Director is the most senior, non-clergy employee of the synagogue, and, as such, must embrace and engage in community outreach while providing outstanding service and support to TBE members. We seek an Executive Director who is constantly looking for new ways to improve the operations, programs, and TBE experience. We also seek an Executive Director who is audaciously welcoming, someone who makes newcomers and long-time members smile, makes them feel like valued participants each time they show up, and communicates genuine interest in getting to know them. To us, welcoming also includes an open embrace of a diverse community. 

We seek an Executive Director who will be a thoughtful and creative partner with our Senior Rabbi and each member of the senior staff. By being an active partner in senior staff meetings, at Board of Trustee meetings, and engaged with our leadership, we envision our Executive Director embodying the sense of the team spirit we share as a temple community. 

The Ann Arbor area is home to many other Jewish institutions and has a rich cultural community and excellent schools.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

The Executive Director has supervisory responsibility for all administrative, financial, and office functions, serves as TBE’s liaison to Genesis on building and facility needs, and is the key point of contact for members and prospective members. The Executive Director reports to the Senior Rabbi and is accountable to the Board of Directors.

Leadership, Strategic Planning, and Finance 

· Embrace and take shared ownership of the vision and strategic direction of the synagogue to enable the continued growth and success of the community.   

· Foster and develop meaningful relationships with members of the community and Board of Trustees by being accessible during business hours and present at worship services, programs, and other synagogue events. 

· With the Finance Committee, develop our annual $1.4 million budget and guide the congregation to a fiscally responsible adherence to the budget. 

· Supervise all finance-related activities, including monitoring payroll, expenditures, and cash flow, endowment, and investment funds.

· Ensure regular reporting of financial results to the Board of Trustees in coordination with our staff account manager, Vice President for Finance, and Treasurer. 

· Work with the Development Committee to advance the fundraising goals of the congregation, including a thriving planned giving and legacy program that has been successful for two years and continues to grow, and serve as TBE’s representative at legacy meetings, training, and community events.   

· Work closely with the Development Committee to steward existing donors, foster new relationships, and continue to build on the culture of philanthropy to sustain TBE into the future.

Staff Management 

· Create a culture of collaboration, communication, service, integrity, and shared responsibility among all staff. 

· Motivate, mentor, and supervise five professional staff, and provide resources for continued growth and development of staff.

· Create an environment of empowerment and transfer of new skills, and provide resources for the continued growth and development of staff. 

· Work closely with the school coordinator and assistant principal to coordinate building usage, payroll and other religious school-related operational functions.

· Host weekly meetings with marketing staff and other professionals to connect with team members, and to identify, track, and maintain organization’s goals.

Membership Relations and Communications 

· Lead all aspects of the member engagement life cycle, including recruiting and welcoming prospective members, managing the annual membership renewal process, maintaining membership records, confidentially resolving members’ concerns and issues, and serving as the primary contact for scholarships and other membership financial matters.

· Partner with the Membership Committee to create new and innovative recruitment and welcoming opportunities for new members, as well as engagement strategies for continuing members. 

· Act as Editor-in-Chief for the weekly newsletter, website, and regular frequent stand-alone communications to members.  Work closely with the Communications manager to curate flyers and announcements for special events and programs.  Oversee website content to maintain a fresh site and collaborate with various committees to keep information relevant and interesting.  Oversee other external communications, including coordination with local organizations when partnering on programming, holidays, or events. 

Program Support 

· Supervise scheduling and calendaring for TBE’s events and use of the building and act as main liaison with the Genesis building manager. Meet bi-weekly to review setups, troubleshoot, and discuss building updates. 

· Work with Genesis on operational, facilities, and support activities to ensure the successful delivery of all synagogue programs and worship experience. 

· Work with all vendors, outside consultants, staff, and committee members to oversee all High Holy Days services, programs, and special events.  Serve as the primary liaison for these multi-day celebrations both in the building and off-site.  

QUALIFICATIONS 

The successful candidate will possess the skills and personality to manage a complex organization with qualifications that include: 

· An understanding of the role of the synagogue in the community and willingness to embrace the mission, vision, and program direction that have been established by the senior staff and TBE leadership. 

· A customer service mindset and a track record of success in staff management, leadership, and organizational development. 

· Outstanding communication skills in writing and in public presentations. 

· Experience in change management. 

· Business knowledge and previous experience in the financial management of an organization.  

· Experience working with financial statements and management of accounting and database software.

· Experience in staff recruitment, development, and supervision. 

· The highest ethical standards consistent with the values of our sacred organization. 

· Capable of working with diverse constituencies with sensitivity and tact. 

· An undergraduate degree is required. An advanced degree in business administration, non-profit management, or a related area, or equivalent experience, is preferred. 

· Familiarity with current trends and developments in Jewish communal life and knowledge of and respect for the practices and tenets of Reform Judaism is preferred. 

COMPENSATION 

Salary will be $90k - $100k based on qualifications and experience. Benefits include: health insurance coverage, retirement contribution, vacation days, parental leave, synagogue membership and religious school fees, and mobile phone plan. Support for professional development through financial assistance to attend NATA and other professional conferences.

Please submit resume and cover letter by email to: EDSearch@templebethemeth.org .

Applications will be reviewed on or before October 15, 2022. Job to begin as early as December 1, 2022.

For more information about this position, contact Ketl Freedman-Doan at:  cfreedman@emich.edu. 

For more information about the history of Temple Beth Emeth, Genesis, and TBE’s mission statement, please visit our website: https://www.templebethemeth.org/about-us