Executive Director - Ashley Rountree

ABOUT CONGREGATION ADATH JESHURUN

Established in 1851, Congregation Adath Jeshurun (AJ) is a vibrant, egalitarian Conservative congregation of 390 families in Louisville, Kentucky. AJ has a strong history of longevity, with only four rabbis serving our congregation since 1917. Our contemporary synagogue building is newly renovated and located in a neighborhood surrounded by a beautiful park system. The

The congregation is very active with an array of festive dinners, social events, films, concerts, classes, travel, youth programs, holiday celebrations, mitzvah opportunities, and much more. We offer a variety of educational opportunities to our congregation from the AJ Preschool to Youth Education and the Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning. At Adath Jeshurun, we believe in Open Doors, Open Hearts, and Open Minds. Our doors are open to all who seek to worship, learn, and be a part of our warm, welcoming community. Currently, the Cantor is serving as the Interim Rabbi. We anticipate welcoming a new Interim Rabbi to our congregation allowing the Cantor to return his attention to his normal role.

THE OPPORTUNITY

AJ is seeking an energetic, talented, and dedicated leader to serve as our next Executive Director (ED). The Executive Director role is an incredible leadership opportunity for an experienced professional who is a strong and decisive manager and passionate about Judaism and its people. This position will work with the staff, clergy, and Board of Directors to engage, galvanize, and inspire AJ's current members while also focusing on attracting new members to the congregation. The Executive Director will join a warm and welcoming multi-generational synagogue community and will help sustain the synagogue in the years to come.

The Executive Director oversees all administrative affairs of the synagogue including staff, finances, facilities, and membership relations, and is an integral part of the synagogue community. The ED works collaboratively with the clergy, other synagogue staff, the Board of Directors, lay leaders, and members of the Congregation to ensure that the synagogue is an efficient and sustainable organization which values education, good deeds, spiritual growth, and people. The ED will report to the Board of Directors. Candidates should have prior experience in administrative leadership and be able to work full time in the synagogue office. This role will supervise a small team of talented and dedicated ​​individuals. A deep knowledge of Jewish customs and life cycle events is preferred although candidates do not need to be Jewish to apply. Involvement in many activities of the synagogue is essential. The ED will serve as the spokesperson for AJ and will need to periodically participate in meetings and events outside of business hours.

CANDIDATE PROFILE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following are areas of expertise that a successful candidate should possess.

Staff ​Management

• Manage a talented and diverse staff, providing structure, support and development. Create a culture that allows each team member to feel valued and supported.
• With staff input, evaluate current policies and processes in the synagogue office. Make appropriate changes to optimize productivity, efficiency, and ​sustainability.
• Collaborate with the Rabbi to establish and run staff meetings​​.
• Oversee the Human Resource function implementing policies consistent with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.

Operations

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the synagogue, including all programs, events, services, holidays, and facility rentals.
• Ensure that systems are maintained to handle membership data, dues collections, publications, website, calendar, holiday arrangements, yahrzeit information, cemetery operations, and other materials for the smooth operation of the synagogue.
• Work with the Facilities Manager and House Committee Chair to oversee the synagogue facilities including event scheduling, building maintenance, and repairs, as well as facility and grounds security, working closely with outsourced resources.
• Collaborate with the synagogue's Accounting Manager, Treasurer, and President to manage the synagogue's budget and finances​.
• Ensure that operations are conducted in accordance with the synagogue's bylaws.

Community Relationships

• Interface with members and prospective families including recruitment of new members, coordination of lifecycle events, and consultation on financial obligations.
• Integrate the synagogue calendar with the Louisville Jewish Community Calendar, and serve as editor for all external communications, community outreach efforts, marketing, and online presence.

Strategic Planning

• Work to establish policies that support the long-term operational health of the Congregation including fiscal matters, volunteer development, communication needs, and staffing requirements.

Fundraising

• Oversee grant-writing, coordinating donor development, and participation in fundraisers.
• Attend and assist in the management of planned events.

Board Management

• Facilitate board members' understanding of their roles and responsibilities through the use of a Board Handbook and By-laws.
• Serve as the liaison between the staff and the Board of Directors.
• Create Board Meeting agenda in consultation with the President and Clergy.
• Manage the process of updating the Board Handbook and distribution and understanding of the By-Laws.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree in a related field a plus.
• Experience in a membership-focused environment in the not-for-profit sector.
• A deep knowledge of Jewish customs and life cycle events is preferred although candidates do not need to be Jewish to apply.
• Experience in operational, facility, and administrative management.
• Knowledge of nonprofit financial and budgeting practices.​​
• Flexibility and a good sense of humor when unplanned or difficult situations arise. 
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters with discretion and professionalism.
• Ability to operate with a high degree of integrity. 
• Familiarity with Jewish customs and holiday celebrations, or a willingness to learn.
• Superior interpersonal and written communications skills.
• Highly organized and detail oriented with robust multi-tasking skills. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and QuickBooks is required.
• Available to work full-time in the Synagogue Office. Available to work on Jewish holidays​​​​​​, weekends, and some evenings.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Congregation Adath Jeshurun is prepared to offer a competitive salary in the range of $72,000 - $78,000. Benefits include, but are not limited to, paid federal and Jewish holidays, health, dental and vision insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance, 403b pension plan, additional PTO.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.