Executive Director
Stephen Wise Free Synagogue (New York City, New York)

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Stephen Wise Free Synagogue

Dynamic. Forward Thinking. Inclusive. 100 Years

JOB TITLE: Executive Director

Based: New York, New York

Reporting to: Senior Rabbi

Direct Reports: 5 positions

Summary

Stephen Wise Free Synagogue (SWFS) has been a leader in the Jewish community for 100 years. Founded in 1907 by Rabbis Stephen S. Wise, SWFS continues to build today upon Rabbi Wise’s founding four principles:

1. Freedom of the pulpit: anyone who takes the pulpit is free to say what they wish

2. Freedom of the pew: first come-first served seating at all worship services

3. Direct, full participation in all social services required by the community

4. Identification with the Jewish faith and the faith and future of Israel

SWFS’s pulpit has been open to an enormous number of people of all beliefs, from President Woodrow Wilson, Dr. Martin Luther King, Eleanor Roosevelt, Bishop Desmond Tutu, Carl Sagan, Albert Einstein and Justice Louis Brandeis. SWFS was the first synagogue with a social service department, among the first to open a shelter for homeless, the first synagogue in the United States to install a female rabbi and the first synagogue to hire a professional Jewish composer & musician as music director.

In the last three years SWFS has experienced a rapid growth in membership, effectively doubling the number of family units to more than 725. The synagogue is looking for an Executive Director to administer and manage all aspects of its administrative and financial affairs as it continues this exciting growth, while working closely with the Senior Rabbi to create and implement the vision for the synagogue and corresponding long range plans.

The Executive Director ("ED") works in partnership with the Clergy, Board of Trustees, professional staff and other lay leaders in building and managing the human, financial and facility resources of SWFS. The ED is responsible for the overall management of the synagogue’s administrative and financial affairs, including supervisory responsibility for all administrative, accounting, maintenance and outside contracted personnel. The ED also coordinates with heads of the Religious School and Early Childhood programs.

Reporting directly to the Senior Rabbi, the ED ensures that the policies and directions of the Rabbi, the Board of Trustees and its committees regarding the congregation's finances, facility use, maintenance, security, membership, dues, office administration and other assignments are implemented effectively.

The role requires someone with both broad and deep administrative capabilities, who thoroughly enjoys working with people. The ED shall exhibit a caring and warm nature, able to relate to a wide variety of individuals and personal needs, while balancing the larger needs of the congregation. The ability to motivate and manage a staff while delegating effectively is essential to success.

· Key responsibilities/accountabilities

Ø Administration, including but not limited to

Ø Human Resources for all SWFS administrative, maintenance and security staff.

Ø Technology and Equipment including maintenance and purchasing

Ø Operation of the Cemetery

Ø Financial, including but not limited to

Ø Accounting Operations, supervising accounting personnel with day-to-day operation of the synagogue’s finances, including cash management, accounts receivables, accounts payables, payroll and tax payments. The ED must assure complete,
accurate and timely tax reporting and payments. They must oversee the assurance of adequate insurance coverage in all relevant areas. Additionally, they must maintain appropriate internal financial controls. Works with accounting personnel and auditor(s) in preparation of the annual audit and prepares other reports and analyses as required.

Ø Budgets, directing the Controller in developing and presenting the synagogue budget. Maintains financial accounts and prepares the annual financial report, and implements, monitors and reports regularly to the Board on spending vs. budget.

Ø Fundraising, working closely with and supporting our Fundraising Director, including planning and implementation of fundraising activities.

Ø Facilities, including maintenance, security, coordination of facility use and purchase and maintenance of equipment and supplies.

Ø High Holy Days, including membership procedures and overseeing billing and collection of dues and other fees.

Ø The ED shall be present at all Shabbat, Festival, Holiday and High Holiday Services in a supervisory function.

Ø Programming, ensuring optimal support and administration of all synagogue programming, including early childhood, religious, school, adult education, music programs and worship.

Ø Board Relations, including work as the General Advisor to the Board of Trustees on non-religious business matters, and support to the Board for Committee work, ranging from, preparation of reports, analysis of operations and programs, scheduling of Board and committee meetings and distribution of minutes and coordination of the work of the Board and assigned committees

Ø Membership and Dues including membership procedures, dues tuition and other fees. The ED serves an important intake function for new members, and as such often serves as the initial person with whom prospective members come into contact.

Ø Congregation and Community Relations, including general inquiries and request, all synagogue communications and marketing materials and community relations.

Ø Staff Relations, including the needs and requests of the other professional staff for the support services of the synagogue and participation in staff meetings.

· Performance indicators

Ø Growth in membership and reductions in attrition

Ø Balanced budgets and financial targets

Ø Building appearance, maintenance and safety

Ø Employee satisfaction

Ø Growth in fundraising

· Key relationships

1. Senior Rabbi and Clergy

2. President of the Board of Trustees and Trustee committee chairs and members.

3. Administration, including early childhood and religious school staff, administrative staff and security.