Executive Director, Congregation Or Zarua

About Congregation Or Zarua

Congregation Or Zarua is a vibrant and intellectually engaged Conservative synagogue located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Rooted in Jewish tradition and committed to meaningful prayer, lifelong learning, and inclusive community, Or Zarua fosters thoughtful engagement with Jewish text, ritual, and contemporary life. Our congregation of approximately 225 members values scholarship, spiritual depth, social responsibility, and warm, participatory community. Or Zarua is affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.

Position Overview

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief administrative and operational leader of Congregation Or Zarua and reports directly to the Board of Trustees. In close partnership with clergy and lay leadership, the ED advances the synagogue’s mission through strategic leadership, financial stewardship, operational excellence, and strong community engagement.

This is a highly hands-on leadership role. The Executive Director is both a strategic partner and an operational executor — a working leader who is comfortable moving from boardroom planning to day-to-day problem solving. The ED must be equally adept at big-picture thinking and rolling up their sleeves to ensure that programs, finances, communications, and building operations run smoothly.

Or Zarua seeks a forward-looking leader who is energized by strengthening infrastructure, modernizing systems, and enhancing operational effectiveness to support a thriving and sustainable synagogue community.

Primary Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Partner with clergy and Board leadership to execute strategic priorities and long-range vision.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Board of Trustees and its committees.
• Prepare materials, financial reports, and operational analytics for Board and Executive Committee meetings.
• Translate vision into clear operational goals, measurable outcomes, and accountable implementation.
• Identify opportunities to improve organizational processes, systems, and workflows to increase efficiency and impact.

Financial Stewardship & Administration

• Lead the annual budgeting and financial planning process in collaboration with the Treasurer and Finance Committee.
• Oversee day-to-day financial operations including accounting, payroll, dues administration, reporting, and internal controls.
• Oversee all aspects of membership administration, including dues structures, billing, collections, renewals, and financial arrangements.
• Monitor cash flow and forecasting; provide clear financial analysis to leadership.
• Ensure sound fiscal management and long-term sustainability.
• Explore and manage revenue opportunities, including space utilization and rental arrangements where appropriate.
• Provide management oversight for all organizations licensing space within the synagogue building, including contract administration, relationship management, coordination of shared services, and ensuring alignment with synagogue policies and operational standards.

Membership Growth & Engagement

• Partner with clergy and lay leaders to support membership recruitment, onboarding, and retention strategies.
• Develop systems and processes that strengthen the membership lifecycle from prospective member through long-term engagement.
• Ensure a welcoming, responsive, and high-quality member experience at every touchpoint.

Communications & External Relations

• Oversee synagogue communications, including website, newsletters, marketing materials, and event promotion.
• Ensure consistent messaging aligned with the synagogue’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Serve as a professional representative of Or Zarua within the broader Jewish and civic community.

Organizational Effectiveness & Operations

• Assess and strengthen administrative systems, technology platforms, and operational procedures.
• Streamline workflows and introduce best practices that enhance staff productivity and member experience.
• Oversee building operations, maintenance, security planning, and vendor coordination.
• Ensure appropriate safety, risk management, and compliance protocols are in place, particularly for High Holy Days and major events.

Fundraising & Development

• Support and help execute annual campaigns and fundraising initiatives.
• Partner with clergy and lay leaders to cultivate and steward donors.
• Strengthen systems that support long-term philanthropic growth and stewardship.

Staff Leadership & Culture

• Supervise synagogue staff and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and service excellence.
• Recruit, develop, and evaluate team members.
• Lead change thoughtfully and transparently, building trust and alignment across stakeholders.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Or Zarua is a community of learners. If this position resonates with you, please consider applying even if your background doesn’t align with every listed criterion.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in nonprofit management, business administration, public administration, or related field preferred.
• 7–10+ years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit, synagogue, membership-based, or mission-driven organizations, including senior management responsibility.
• Demonstrated success in financial management, budgeting, forecasting, and operational oversight.
• Experience overseeing membership administration and revenue systems in a dues-based organization.
• Experience working closely with boards and volunteer leadership, including preparation of reports and presentations.
• Proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders, vendors, and contractual relationships.
• Experience leading process improvement, technology adoption, or operational modernization initiatives.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional organizational and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
• Ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on execution in a collaborative environment.
• Commitment to Jewish communal life; familiarity with synagogue culture strongly preferred.

Contact

To apply, please send your resume and contact information to OZExecDir@orzarua.org.

Compensation

Salary range: $120,000–$150,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include employer-sponsored health insurance, 4 weeks of vacation, ability to participate in a 403(b) retirement plan and the opportunity to play a meaningful leadership role in a vibrant, mission-driven community

Benefits include employer-sponsored health insurance, 4 weeks of vacation, ability to participate in a 403(b) retirement plan and the opportunity to play a meaningful leadership role in a vibrant, mission-driven community