Director of Operations and Security

Director of Operations and Security

Reports to: Executive Director

FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Schedule: Mon-Thurs 9-5, Fri 12-8 (Must be able to work one additional night and weekend day per month, including but not limited to major Jewish holidays: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Chanukah, and Purim).

About us

Temple Rodef Shalom is a Reform Jewish congregation located in the Northern Virginia suburbs just outside Washington, DC. Since our founding in 1962, we have grown into the largest Jewish congregation in Virginia, serving nearly 1,800 households. We are bustling with activity, serving over 200 families in our Early Childhood Center, 800 students in our Religious School, and hundreds of people each week who walk through our doors or connect virtually to pray, sing, learn, connect, and mark life-cycle moments.

The Director of Operations and Security will oversee strategic operations, bringing a strong understanding of and experience managing logistics, emergency preparedness, security, facilities systems, and capital projects management. They will support our sacred mission by leading the day-to-day operations in a hands-on manner, improving operational efficiency, and supervising a team of four. Together, the team maintains our campus and ensures the safety and security of members, staff, and students.

About You

This is a new and highly visible leadership role perfect for a dynamic, results-oriented individual with the highest degree of personal integrity and professionalism. The ideal candidate:

• Has a positive, problem-solving mindset, the energy to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven setting, and a demonstrated ability to translate strategy into results.
• Understands that a physical space reflects the values, excellence, and warmth that define a community.
• Brings people together, working cross-functionally at all different levels of the organization, to build constructive and effective relationships.
• Enjoys thinking creatively and developing solutions that push innovative boundaries.
• Is proactive and resourceful, able to take initiative and follow through.
• Demonstrates exceptional organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Is excited to balance different kinds of work where no two days are the same!

Essential Responsibilities

General Operations and Leadership

• Serve as a steady, trusted leader during emergencies, high-impact projects, or operational disruptions.
• Provide clear direction, support, and supervision to facilities and security vendors and four staff members
• Oversee logistics of major events such as holiday celebrations, concerts, and large programs
• Serve as a key member of the High Holy Day planning team, directly managing the ushers program
• Assist senior leadership with annual facilities and maintenance budget planning
• Provide oversight and technical direction of key vendor relationships: including security and custodial contractors, life safety, and building systems (e.g., HVAC, MEP, Envelope, Grounds, Audio Visual, etc)
• Regularly evaluate the efficiency of business procedures and revise and/or formulate and implement new policies as needed.

Emergency Preparedness and Community Engagement

• Develop, implement, and enforce security policies, procedures, and emergency response plans in collaboration with security vendors, and ensure compliance (ex. SOPs, crisis management plans).
• Coordinate and lead training exercises and drills for clergy, staff, lay leaders and congregants.
• Represent the congregation by building relationships with local, state, and federal law enforcement and with neighboring organizations and congregations, to strengthen our community presence.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for security incidents, investigations, and coordination with local law enforcement or emergency services.

Security Systems Management

• Lead and manage all security operations for the facility, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment.
• Ensure life safety systems (fire panels, smoke/heat detectors, sprinkler systems, pumps) are maintained in accordance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Maintain all security assets, including emergency kits, CCTV cameras, access control systems, and two-way radios, ensuring full functionality and readiness, and identifying areas of improvement
• Collaborate with IT to source, implement, and maintain a visitor management system
• Serve as the primary liaison with the contracted security provider, coordinating schedules, training requirements, performance expectations, and sharing internal policies and protocols.
• Evaluate and recommend enhancements to security systems and infrastructure as needed.

Facility Management and Capital Projects

• Develop and implement preventive maintenance programs to ensure the continued operation of critical building systems and equipment.
• Conduct regular inspections to identify safety hazards, maintenance needs, and operational improvement.
• Serve as an on-call lead for building maintenance and facility emergencies.
• Oversee and coordinate maintenance and capital improvement projects, including those under local, state, and federal grants, from planning through completion.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, scope, and quality control to ensure safe and timely execution.
• Ensure daily maintenance/setup needs continue to be met at the highest level.

This description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Other related duties may be assigned at the discretion of the Executive Director.

Core Competencies and Qualifications

• Subject matter: Knowledge of best practices on physical security, emergency management, and building/ facilities management required; Project management and prioritization skills required; Managerial experience and skills required; Budget preparation and vendor management experience preferred.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills required; comfortable presenting to groups; uses diplomacy and tact; Ability to develop written organizational plans.
• Technology: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), experience with database software and video conferencing; A/V systems
• Supervision: Establishes clear expectations; provides regular and ongoing feedback.
• Jewish Communal Experience: Understanding of Jewish culture and customs is preferred; willingness to learn and ability to support the mission and work of the temple are critical

Additional Requirements

• Minimum 7 years of relevant experience, at least 3 years in a leadership role
• College degree preferred
• Ability to sit at a desk for at least 1 hour at a time, using a computer and telephone
• Ability to lift objects of up to 25 pounds

Medical, dental and vision insurance with generous employer contribution

Retirement program with employer contribution

Paid vacation and sick/personal leave

FSA

Long-term disability insurance

Life insurance

Fluent in English