Main Line Reform Temple Beth Elohim (MLRT) is a vibrant Reform Jewish community of 900+ families. Our vision is to “Be Inspired. Be Connected. Belong.” We strive to be a place of sacred encounters where learning, prayer and deeds change people’s understanding of themselves, of their world and their responsibilities in it. At MLRT, the creation of an inclusive and welcoming community is both an enduring value and an ongoing endeavor. For us, community means a sense of warm welcome, meaningful relationships, and mutual responsibility.

MLRT has a long history of being a “lay led” congregation committed to a participatory, egalitarian and democratic process, both in ritual practice and governance. Our members are from all walks of life and from many different religious backgrounds and ethnicities. Coming from all ages and backgrounds—as singles and marrieds, with or without children, as blended families, as interfaith families, as LGBTQ, and as people with special needs—our members comprise an eclectic, diverse and welcoming community, united by our common goals, extraordinary vision and unwavering faith. Our programs are designed to meet the diverse spiritual, religious, educational, and social needs of all of our members.

The MLRT Executive Director reports to the Temple President and is a member of the Senior Staff that includes the Senior Rabbi, Cantor, Associate Rabbi, Director of Education, Director of Early Childhood Education, and Director of Youth Engagement. The MLRT Executive Director should be a strong, collaborative leader who can work in partnership with the President and the Senior Rabbi to craft a vision and then lead MLRT staff and volunteers as they strive to make that vision a reality. The Executive Director is responsible for building relationships with members, staff, and volunteers; effective communications; outstanding executive function and organizational practices; a passion for serving the Jewish community; and a commitment to helping our members feel welcome and connected in every interaction with our congregation.

The MLRT Executive Director should demonstrate the core competencies of leadership, organization, collaboration, initiative, strategic thinking, imagination, clear communication, good listening, confidence and compassion.

Key Responsibilities

• Governance. As the central administrator of the congregation, serves as a resource to the Board of Trustees, implements the Board’s decisions, effectively communicates with Board members and volunteers, and works with the President to create leadership development opportunities.

• Administrative Leadership to manage the day-to-day operations of MLRT. Hires, trains, supervises and evaluates all administrative, program and facilities personnel. Works closely with staff to ensure the office and facilities are always friendly and welcoming to members and visitors and that administrative, program, and facilities needs are met. Responsible for management of employee benefit programs, risk management, and all contractual agreements. Collaborates with the Senior Rabbi to supervise and support other members of the Senior Staff.

• Financial Oversight of a $5M million budget with assistance from the Controller who leads the Finance Department. This includes development and oversight of the annual budget in coordination with the Board of Directors and Senior Staff, management of day to day financial operations including the production of monthly financial management reports, management of Temple funds and assets, and work with MLRT’s accounting firm for the preparation and review of accurate annual financial statements. Additional responsibilities may include managing the grant acquisition process, which includes identifying potential funding sources, collaborating with grant writers if necessary, and ensuring adherence to grant guidelines and reporting requirements, all under the overarching financial oversight of the Executive Director to maintain budgetary integrity.

• Facilities Maintenance and Security. Ensures exceptional cleanliness, maintenance, and timely repair of MLRT facilities – the physical space in which we worship, engage, learn, and celebrate together. Responsible for implementation and supervision of security for MLRT including the emergency management plan, physical security improvements to our facilities, and management of security processes and personnel.

• Membership Engagement. Supervise the Membership Engagement and Programs Manager and lead the Engagement/Membership/Program teams for member recruitment, retention, financial support, maintenance of records and reporting, and for the creation and implementation of programs to engage members from all demographics.

• Marketing. Supervise the Marketing professionals to effectively communicate with membership and the surrounding community. Manage marketing, public relations, and community relations. Responsible for the oversight of creation and distribution of print and electronic materials. Utilize the MLRT website and social media as effective tools for communications with the community at-large.

• Development and Fundraising. Oversight of development and fundraising initiatives. This includes cultivation of donors, solicitation and stewardship of the Annual Fund and the Endowment, donations to various funds, and nurturing a culture of philanthropy within the congregation. Develop fundraising opportunities and strategies including support for the development of the plan for the transition to a culture of philanthropy.

• Education. Oversight through the leadership of the Director of Education, the Director of Early Childhood Education, and the Director of Youth Engagement. This includes supervision of the Directors and their budgets and building usage. Collaborates with the Senior Rabbi to work with the Directors to discuss day to day issues, solve problems, and plan educational programs.

Qualifications

Experience

• Team-oriented approach focused on collective success.

• Experience supervising and motivating a cohesive team and reinforcing a shared vision of goals and objectives.

• Aptitude for managing multiple projects with competing deadlines.

• Strong foundation in fiscal management, including budget development, allocation and distribution of resources, strategic vision and long-range planning.

• Comfort in high-pressure situations.

• Proven record of successfully building trusted relationships with a variety of constituencies and stakeholders.

Personal Characteristics

• Self-starter

• Visible and accessible leader

• Superior leadership skills; direct, transparent and concise

• Well organized planner with strong analytical skills and ability to delegate

• Creative and innovative thinker

• Strong business acumen, coupled with good judgment

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills

• Unquestioned ethics and integrity

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree preferred in business and/or non-profit management.

• 10+ years management experience in a non-profit or corporate setting.

• Experience working collaboratively with a Board of Directors and partnering with a diverse staff leadership team.

• Understanding of Reform Jewish values, rituals, customs and holiday practices.

• Ability and willingness to take an active leadership role in congregational life including attendance at Shabbat services, holiday/festival services, and congregational activities.

• Demonstrated expertise and competence in finance and budgeting, recordkeeping, payroll administration and preparation of annual budgets and ongoing reports.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Strong computer skills with experience in Word, Excel, website and database management, and

social media platforms. Knowledge of ShulCloud is a plus.

• Synagogue management and fundraising experience is a plus.