Executive Director

Congregation Beth Israel; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Congregation Beth Israel in Bellingham, Washington, is seeking an Executive Director to serve as the chief operational leader of the synagogue. The role involves overseeing financial operations, managing personnel, and engaging with the community to ensure a healthy and mission-driven organization.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree, at least 5 years of executive leadership experience, and a strong understanding of Jewish culture. This position requires flexible working hours, including evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant executive leadership experience.
• Deep familiarity with Jewish traditions and customs.
• Willingness to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial operations and budget management.
• Supervise administrative staff and coordinate volunteer efforts.
• Manage synagogue building maintenance and security protocols.
• Participate in board meetings and support lay leaders.
• Develop engagement strategies for membership recruitment and retention.
• Enhance communication strategies across various platforms.

Skills

Executive leadership

Financial management

Personnel management

Communications skills

Operational acumen

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree in Non-Profit Management or related field

Job description

Position Overview

Congregation Beth Israel (CBI) seeks an energetic, thoughtful, and collaborative Executive Director to serve as its chief operating leader working alongside our clergy. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director holds primary responsibility for the day-to-day operational, financial, and administrative health of the synagogue.

The ideal candidate will combine strong business acumen with deep emotional intelligence, bringing a "can-do" attitude to building a highly functional, mission-driven, and sacred workplace environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Stewardship & Sustainability

• Oversee day-to-day financial operations and working within our budget tasks include, bookkeeping oversight, payroll, receivables, vendor payments, and membership billing.

• Partner with the Treasurer and Finance Committee to develop, coordinate, and monitor the annual budget, tracking performance metrics and ensuring fiscal sustainability.

• Lead revenue-generation efforts, including donor cultivation, strategic fundraising initiatives, and grant writing.

• Manage financial aspects of risk management, including regular insurance reviews, contract negotiations, and asset protection.

2. Personnel Management and Volunteer Coordination

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate administrative, Kesher and facilities staff, fostering a positive, collaborative, and accountable workplace culture.

• Coordinate, recruit, and recognize volunteers, aligning their efforts with committee goals and synagogue needs.

• Implement and update personnel practices, including HR compliance, regular performance evaluations, job training, and constructive conflict management.

3. Operations, Facilities & Security

• Oversee the maintenance, custodial care, and approved capital improvements of the synagogue building and grounds.

• Serve as the principal contact for all facility vendors, contractors, and service providers.

• Along with our Safety and Security committee, coordinate and regularly review security protocols, building access, and emergency preparedness in conjunction with local law enforcement and lay leadership.

• Provide logistical and operational oversight for rentals, lifecycle events, holiday celebrations, and special programs.

4. Leadership & Strategy

• Serve as an active, ex-officio partner to the Board of Directors. Report on operations, inform leadership of critical issues, and systematically implement board decisions.

• Provide committee oversight and support lay leaders with timely data, advice, and strategic direction.

• Act as a key chief operating leader alongside clergy to ensure the synagogue functions as a healthy, mission-driven institution.

5. Membership & Engagement Infrastructure

• Develop and manage the administrative infrastructure required for strong congregational engagement, recruitment, and retention.

• Manage the synagogue’s CRM/database to ensure high data integrity, streamlined communications, and efficient member communication.

• Support the operational, non-pedagogic needs of the Religious School and coordinate non-pastoral congregational support systems.

6. Communications & External Relations

• Oversee the congregation’s communication strategies, ensuring professional standards across all publications (Shul Shofar, Weekly Timbrel), social media platforms, and website updates.

• Advance the synagogue’s visibility, reputation, and inclusion efforts within the broader community.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Non‑Profit Management, Business Administration, or a related field is desirable.

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of relevant executive leadership experience, preferably within a synagogue, Jewish communal organization, or non‑profit entity.

• Cultural Competence: Deep familiarity with Jewish ritual, history, traditions, and customs.

• Operational Acumen: Proven leadership experience across finance/budgeting, facilities management, human resources, and community fundraising.

• Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal, written, and diplomatic interpersonal communication skills; ability to navigate a diverse stakeholder community with emotional intelligence.

• Schedule Flexibility: Willingness and ability to work a non‑traditional schedule, including evenings, weekends, and high holiday periods as operational needs dictate.