Executive Director

Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple 

New Brunswick, NJ

Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple (AEMT) in New Brunswick NJ, is a welcoming and caring community that encourages and cultivates the spiritual and intellectual growth of our congregants, while at the same time providing many opportunities for fun. We are attentive to both the needs of our membership and surrounding communities, serving the greater New Brunswick area through acts of loving kindness. We speak up in combating social injustice, encourage the self-expression of the individual, and affirm our love for the land and people of Israel. We are a regional congregation – drawing from many surrounding communities – and retain meaningful connections with members across the US who have deep love for our community. Anyone who knows AEMT knows that it is a special and sacred place filled with warmth and kindness.

AEMT is seeking a dynamic and energetic Executive Director who will serve a pivotal role in our thriving temple community, which is almost five hundred families strong. They will be responsible for the overall management and day-to-day operations of the synagogue and report to the Senior Rabbi with a dotted line to the President as a representative of the Board of Trustees. They are an active member of the senior staff team - responsible for human resource management, fiscal oversight, program operations, facilities management, development and member relations, and technology / systems.  Other duties may be assigned by the Board of Trustees or the Rabbi.  The Executive Director is AEMT’s chief administrative and operations officer who will collaborate closely with our Rabbis, Cantor, Educational Leaders, Youth, Early Childhood Education staff, and congregants to promote and strengthen Jewish family life for our members.

The successful candidate is:

• A flexible and well-grounded professional with experience and expertise in managing the operations of an organization or institution. Comfortable working as a leadership team member. Able to motivate volunteers and staff and align resources accordingly.
• An organized, detail-oriented individual who works well with project management and multiple deadlines.
• Of the highest ethical standards and embraces inclusiveness and the values our congregation upholds.
• A role model of professionalism – respecting the confidentiality of personal and financial matters.
• Knowledgeable and experienced in fiscal management, and staff recruitment, development, and retention.
• Experienced in managing building staff, ensuring security and maintenance of the operations and appearance of the building, grounds, property, and equipment (including technology, sound systems, and live streaming).
• Familiar with current trends and developments in Jewish communal life and knowledgeable and respectful of the practices and tenets of Reform Judaism and our commitment to the State of Israel.
• An excellent and inspiring communicator and collaborator – with colleagues, congregants, and outside parties.

Job Responsibilities:

General Administration and Management

• Day to day management of the congregation including the execution of administrative and financial affairs, direct and indirect supervisory responsibilities for administrative support and maintenance personnel, and oversight of the Synagogue building and grounds.
• Provide strategic leadership and advice to the Board and Clergy.  Help develop strategic plans to achieve goals and visions.
• Policy and procedure development, administration, and enforcement.
• Creation and maintenance of a work environment in which the staff and leadership can work to ensure the goals of the congregation are met with success.
• Attend all meetings of the Board and Executive Committee and other meetings as requested.
• Advise on technology needs and computer systems to support all relevant congregational activities and functions, including the Synagogue website.
• Provide logistical support to the Clergy, Board and the Officers of the Synagogue including preparation of regular and special reports.
• Recruit, supervise, train, hire, and terminate administrative office and maintenance staff.

Facilities Management & Technology

• Ensure preparation of synagogue facilities and technology for Shabbat services, B-Mitzvah, Jewish Holidays, and High Holiday services interacting with staff, members, and guests in an administrative capacity.
• Oversee facility rentals, catering, receptions, and meetings. Meet and coordinate with families renting facilities for life cycle events to ensure concerns are addressed.
• Schedule custodial and security staff and ensure appropriate staff is available for events and holidays.
• Manage technology needs and required upgrades.
• Seek out cost effective solutions for purchasing materials and services.
• Schedule and oversee all repairs and maintenance, including supervising all vendors and work performed and recommend to the Board when extraordinary expenditures are required.
• Communicate and facilitate long term financial planning of facility maintenance and usage.
• Oversee the security, safety, and maintenance of the facility.
• Ensure proper insurance coverage.
• Develop and maintain emergency and disaster recovery plans, including Safety and Security measures from threats.
• Ensure that all equipment is appropriate for synagogue needs and is kept in good repair.
• Maintain the proper care of religious ritual items in consultation with clergy.

Financial Management 

• Supervise the bookkeeper, on all aspects of fiscal responsibilities, including cash management, accounts receivable and payable, payroll, and reporting.
• Implement the development of the annual operating budget in conjunction with the professional and administrative staff and the finance and budget committee.
• Oversee relationships with banks, investment fund managers, and accountants.
• Monitor restricted and endowed funds as needed.

Development and Engagement

• Lead (with clergy), educate, and motivate in the areas of fundraising and development, this includes major gift solicitations, annual campaigns, fundraising events, including identification of and cultivation of potential donors.
• Provide leadership in identifying alternative funding sources, grants, scholarships, and endowment opportunities.
• Assist with new member recruitment, supporting activities associated with attracting new members and integrating them into the AEMT family.
• Coordinate with staff and clergy to recruit volunteers supporting synagogue activities.
• Implement programming to develop new and future leaders of the congregation.
• Prepare for open houses, new member dinners, and other major programs to ensure smooth functioning of events.
• Maintain the membership database. (ShulCloud)
• Address member questions, concerns, and administrative issues.  Conduct exit interviews with resigning congregants.  Work with members and the Ways & Means Committee to adjust dues as needed.

Programming / Communications

• Provide guidance to staff for new and existing programming.
• Ensure administrative and logistical support required for the smooth running of events.
• Promote a positive image of AEMT across the community, the Reform movement, and all other aspects of the URJ.
• Assist in developing and maintaining advertising and public relations campaigns.
• Oversee the creation, writing, editing, and distribution of communications and/or publications as needed.
• Ensure best practices for communication.

Skills/Qualifications:

• Bachelors or equivalent required (advanced degrees or certifications are preferred).
• Some knowledge of modern facility technology and systems (HVAC, Plumbing, etc.).
• People management.
• Some knowledge of pertinent laws and codes regarding building construction, operation, and safety.
• Respect for Jewish practices, including the Sabbath and the Jewish calendar and festivals.
• Computer skills: Word, Excel, ShulCloud.
• Must be available to work on Friday nights and weekends as needed. (i.e., for special events).
• Must be available to work on High Holy Days.
• Proactively identify issues with equipment and technology.
• Serve as the primary contact in case of off-hour emergencies.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Technologically agile.

Job Information:

Experience Level: Director

Job Function: Administrative, Finance, Development, Personnel

Annual Salary Range: $80,000-$90,000

Congregation Size: 500 family units

Annual Budget / Revenue: $1.8M

Benefits include: $5,000 in Professional Expenses which includes NATA dues, 10% of salary towards 403b, health insurance, long term disability insurance.

Please email cover letter and resume to rabbi.bazeley@aemt.info