Executive Director

Job Title: Executive Director

Location: Congregation Agudath Israel, Caldwell, NJ, Full-Time, On-Site

Reports to: The President of the Board of Trustees

Partners With: Senior Rabbi, Board President

Position Summary:

Congregation Agudath Israel (CAI) is a Conservative congregation with 800+ families, an exemplary Early Childhood Center, an innovative religious school program, and a warm and inviting community. CAI’s mission statement is discovering the joy, purpose, and power of Jewish life together. Our core values are Torah U’Mitzvot (Observance & Study), B’tzelem Elohim (In the Image of God), Kehillah (Community), Areivut (Responsibility), and Tzedek (Justice).

CAI seeks a visionary and strategic Executive Director (ED) to lead and manage the synagogue's operations and strategic initiatives. The ED will partner with the Senior Rabbi and Board President to ensure the organization's sustainability and growth, fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and spiritually engaging Jewish community.

This role requires a dynamic leader with a deep commitment to Jewish life, exceptional organizational management skills, and the ability to cultivate strong relationships with staff, lay leaders, and community members.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Vision & Leadership:

• Collaborate with professional and lay leadership to execute a compelling, forward-looking vision that is embedded in all aspects of the synagogue's operations and community engagement.
• Cultivate an impact-driven environment that embraces innovation and change while staying true to the synagogue's core values and mission.
• Drive engagement with the Board of Trustees and other lay leaders through clear communication of vision and organizational priorities.
• Serve as a thought leader and partner to the Rabbi and President of the Board to prioritize areas of focus, envision new initiatives, and troubleshoot challenges.

Internal Leadership & Staff Oversight:

• Foster a mission-aligned, collaborative, and positive staff culture providing clear direction, consistent communication, and supportive supervision to staff.
• Create and maintain effective internal systems and structures to support productivity, accountability, and transparency across departments.
• Champion professional development and staff well-being, ensuring a healthy and high-performing team environment.

Resource Generation & Fundraising:

• Lead the organization’s development strategy, in collaboration with leadership, including the design and execution of giving programs, donor cultivation, stewardship, and recognition efforts.
• Cultivate and strengthen relationships with current and prospective donors to grow the annual campaign, expand the donor base, and promote endowment and legacy giving.
• Collaborate with the Director of Finance to ensure financial health, transparency, and effective resource allocation aligned with strategic goals.

Community Leadership & Board Partnership:

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Board of Trustees, offering strategic and operational insights to support informed governance and effective fiduciary oversight.
• Lead efforts to build a strong and engaged board culture, including leadership pipeline development, board appreciation initiatives, and relationship cultivation with individual board members.
• Collaborate with the Executive Committee and the Board of Trustees to craft and implement a visionary strategic plan aligned with community needs and values.
• Maintain and enhance collaborative relationships with key partners—including other synagogues, Jewish day schools, community centers, and nonprofit institutions—to amplify collective impact and stay informed about best practices and emerging resources.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in executive leadership, ideally within a nonprofit or Jewish communal setting.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders (professional staff, lay leaders and congregants).
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, organizational management, and staff development.
• Strong emotional intelligence and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex communal dynamics with sensitivity and confidence.
• Strong background in fundraising, donor relations, and financial stewardship.
• Understanding and respect for Jewish traditions, values, and community dynamics.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in nonprofit management, business administration, or a related field preferred.

Salary and Benefits:

• Salary: $140,000
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, Jewish holiday observance, family-friendly flexibility, and professional development opportunities.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their qualifications and vision for Congregation Agudath Israel emailed to mmalkin@agudath.org with the subject “Executive Director Application– NAME." Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Congregation Agudath Israel is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply.