Executive Director

About SAJ

SAJ is the founding congregation of the Reconstructionist movement and a vibrant community on the Upper West Side of New York City. Ever since SAJ introduced America’s first Bat Mitzvah in 1922, it has been reconstructing Judaism, questioning tradition, and expanding its boundaries to ensure that Torah remains relevant, engaging, and welcoming to all. Our 260+ diverse households seek various entry points into Jewish life, including learning, social justice, spiritual exploration, and community engagement.

Position Summary

The Executive Director is the synagogue’s senior administrative leader, meeting the needs of the clergy and congregation: overseeing synagogue operations; managing finances in partnership with the Treasurer; supervising staff; and managing a 100+-year-old building. The successful candidate has strong management, organizational, team-building, and communication skills; a collaborative mindset; fiscal stewardship experience; a track record of innovative problem-solving; and a commitment to SAJ values.

The Executive Director is a public-facing role; a regular, visible and warm presence within the community. This is primarily an on-site position that combines regular business hours with Shabbat mornings, evenings, and holidays.

Summary of Key Responsibilities 

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• The ED ensures the smooth functioning of office systems, calendars, internal processes, and communication flows, supervising staff and fostering collaboration among skilled team members across both routine events and special projects.
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• The ED is responsible for all elements of revenue cycle management, including budgeting, dues, payroll and expenses, and assures that SAJ’s physical plant supports the needs of the SAJ community.
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• The ED works closely with the Board Chair and Executive Committee, builds relationships with congregants, and acts as an ambassador for SAJ with outside entities.
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Qualifications

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• At least 5 years of relevant experience, including a track record of managing organizational operations and supervising staff and/or volunteers.
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• Demonstrated ability to manage financial resources.
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• Success in managing a multi-faceted workload and problem-solving while maintaining positive relationships.
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• Proven ability to foster a collaborative culture among a skilled team working in a lively, fast-paced community environment.
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• Experience in a community-facing environment and skilled in building relationships with constituents.
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• Familiarity with the rhythm of Jewish life, including Shabbat, Holidays, and life-cycle observances.
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• Experience in real estate and/or facilities management is a plus.
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The Ideal Candidate

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• A highly accountable, detail-oriented professional, committed to a collaborative leadership philosophy.
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• Comfortable with a highly diverse membership, including race, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, class, ability, and age.
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• Versed in modern technology, including tools for workflow, communication, and organizational efficiency.
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• Warm, approachable, adaptable, calm under pressure, and effective in a crisis.
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Compensation range: $135,000-$155,000

Benefits package includes: Medical insurance, parental leave, and a generous vacation policy.

SAJ – Judaism That Stands for All is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.   />