Executive Director - Salt Lake City, UT

Union for Reform Judaism; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Congregation Kol Ami in Salt Lake City seeks an Executive Director to lead our professional team, partner with clergy and lay leadership, and translate the synagogue’s mission into excellence in member experience, fiscal sustainability, and communal impact.

The role oversees 10 staff, manages a $2M operating budget, and drives strategic planning, fundraising, security, facilities, and community engagement while preserving an inclusive Reform Jewish environment in Utah.

Job description

Executive Director
Congregation Kol Ami | Salt Lake City, Utah

Introduction
We are seeking a strategic, relationship-centered, and operationally effective Executive Director to lead our professional team and partner with our clergy and lay leadership. Our current Executive Director will be retiring in June 2027. Congregation Kol Ami (CKA) is a vibrant, inclusive, fiscally sound, and growing community nestled in the foothills of Salt Lake City, Utah. Formed by the historic 1972 merger of the city’s Reform and Conservative congregations, Kol Ami serves as the spiritual home for approximately 430 membership units and 140 religious school students. We are a community that values deep engagement through learning, ritual, and community. We take pride in our diversity and our name, Kol Ami, as a community for all our people. Salt Lake City offers a wonderful quality of life amidst the beauty of the Wasatch mountains. Utahis a prospering state with five national parks, spectacular hiking, and world class winter sports. Salt Lake City was ranked #1 “Big Metro” city for families by Lending Tree this year and the state of Utah has been ranked #1 best state overall by U.S. News & World Report for the fourth year in a row. Salt Lake City is also a bustling city, filled with performing and visual arts, family-friendly activities, and an entrepreneurial spirit.

Position Overview
The Executive Director is responsible for the professional leadership and management of all administrative, financial, and facility operations. The Executive Director oversees 10 staff members, reports to the Board of Trustees, and works in close partnership with the Senior Rabbi, Cantorial Soloist, and staff to ensure that the synagogue’s mission is translated into excellence in member experience, fiscal sustainability, and communal impact.

1. Organizational Leadership & Staff Management

• Lead and inspire our professional staff (including administrative, programming, and
  maintenance teams) to foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and warm and
  inclusive member engagement.
• Partner with the Senior Rabbi and Board President on strategic planning and the
  implementation of Board policies.
• Direct all Human Resources functions, including hiring, onboarding, performance
  evaluations, and maintaining the employee handbook.
• Serve as Ex-Officio member of the Board of Trustees and other key committees including
  Budget and Finance, Building, and Security.

2. Financial Stewardship

• In collaboration with the Treasurer, Finance Committee and Board, develop and manage
  the annual operating budget of approximately $2m.
• Oversee all financial operations, including dues, tuition, and fees, accounts
  payable/receivable, payroll, and financial reporting.
• Ensure the integrity of the synagogue’s financial and membership data and coordinate the
  audit/review process.
• Identify and implement opportunities for operational efficiencies and alternative revenue
  streams (grants, events, leases, etc.).

3. Facility & Operations

• Oversee the management and maintenance of the Kol Ami facility and campus.
• Manage vendor relationships and contracts, including key infrastructure, custodial
  services, landscaping, and building repairs.
• Oversee the scheduling and logistical support for all religious services, lifecycle events,
  and the religious school and youth programs.

4. Membership & Community Engagement

• Serve as a primary face of the congregation, ensuring a warm and welcoming experience for
  current, prospective, and new members.
• Work with the staff, Board, and key committees to design strategies for membership
  retention and recruitment.
• Manage the synagogue’s database, website, and communications to ensure accurate
  member data and effective communications.
• Represent Kol Ami in the broader Salt Lake City and Utah community, fostering positive
  interfaith and civic relationships.

5. Security

• Oversee the security of Kol Ami - work with the security committee to develop security
  protocols and policies and implement security enhancement projects.
• Serve as the primary liaison for security protocols, working closely with the security
  committee, local law enforcement and federal law enforcement, and Secure Communities
  Network of the Jewish Federation to ensure a safe environment for all staff, congregants,
  guests, and students.
• Provide annual training for staff including situational awareness and active shooter, and
  High Holiday preparedness.
• Apply for and facilitate local, state and federal grants to enhance the facilities and security
  team.

6. Fundraising and Development

• Partner closely with the Senior Rabbi and Board of Trustees to execute and meet the
  synagogue’s annual fundraising goals.
• Lead and optimize high-impact development initiatives, including the Major High Holiday
  Appeal and the Annual Gala Fundraiser.
• Build and nurture meaningful, long‑term relationships with major donors to ensure
  sustained community investment.
• Collaborate with endowment managers to support asset longevity, and aggressively pursue
  local, state, and federal grant opportunities.

7. Competencies & Skills

• Strategic thinker with a "roll up your sleeves" work ethic.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast paced environment.
• A commitment to the mission of an inclusive, "merged" Jewish community.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience: 5+ years of senior level management experience, preferably with nonprofit. Experience in a synagogue or Jewish communal organization is highly preferred.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in Non-Profit Management or
  related field experience is a plus.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in databases, project management, and financial
  management software and the Microsoft Office/Google Workspace suites required.
• Jewish Knowledge: A deep understanding of Jewish traditions, the Jewish calendar, and
  the intricacies of Reform and Conservative movements.
• Interpersonal Strength: Exceptional emotional intelligence with the ability to lead and
  navigate diverse viewpoints and build consensus among staff, clergy, and lay leaders.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $100,000 – $140,000 (salary commensurate with experience and skills).
• Benefits: Comprehensive package including pension, health and dental insurance, paid
  time off, and professional development support. Cell phone and mileage allowance.
  Membership and free enrollment for children in the religious school.
• Relocation assistance
• Schedule: Full-time. Requires occasional presence on Shabbat, Jewish holidays, and
  evening Board/committee meetings and other events outside of regular hours.

Congregation Kol Ami is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from diversebackgrounds to apply.

2425 Heritage Way
Salt Lake City , UT 84109
United States