Scion Executive Search (SES) has been exclusively retained by the Temple De Hirsch Sinai (TDHS) to conduct an immediate search for a highly strategic and relational Executive Director (ED) with a passion and deep understanding of Reform Judaism. We are thrilled to partner with TDHS, the largest Reform congregation in the Pacific Northwest. TDHS is a vibrant, growing congregation with over 5,000 individual members across the Seattle and Bellevue area. This full-time, on-site leadership opportunity in Seattle, WA, not only offers a very generous annual salary but also includes 100% employer-paid health, vision, and dental for the employee, secular holidays off, Nata Membership, allowance for professional development, 401k with 5% match after 1 year, and a relocation package.
About TDHS:
Established in 1899, Temple De Hirsch Sinai (TDHS) proudly upholds a progressive community, inclusivity, integrity, and diversity tradition. Guided by the powerful principle of 'Love your neighbor as yourself, TDHS is dedicated to fostering connections and making a positive impact. As a leading institution in the region's Jewish and civic spheres, its vibrant congregation, which surpasses 5,000 individual members, is actively engaged across two campuses. Through dynamic educational initiatives, programs, worship services, and an unwavering commitment to social justice (tikkun olam), TDHS strives to create meaningful experiences for all, inspiring change and making a difference in the world.
The Role:
Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director, in close collaboration with the Senior Rabbi, will serve as the primary administrator of the congregation and the administrative team. The Executive Director is accountable to the Board of Trustees and shares authority with the Senior Rabbi, who also reports to the Board. As the primary administrator of the congregation, the Executive Director is responsible for all operational facets. Leading our administrative team, they will work hand in hand with our clergy to uphold our mission of pioneering Reform Judaism practices.
You will have the opportunity to address the diverse needs of the Jewish community and play a pivotal role in advancing the TDHS mission as a cornerstone of civic life in the Pacific Northwest region. Working closely with the Senior Rabbi, the ED will lead TDHS through an exciting development phase, shaping the future of the two campuses (Seattle and Bellevue).
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic Planning:
- Collaborate with clergy, the Preschool Director, the Education Director, and the Board to operationalize TDHS's mission and strategic plan, translating it into operating plans for administrative departments.
Facilities Management:
- Ensure the operations, maintenance, and security of TDHS's two campuses, cemetery, mausoleum, and mausoleum in the Queen Anne neighborhood and several pieces of real estate with unrealized income potential.
Board Engagement:
- Liaison between the Board and TDHS's operations, ensuring consistent implementation of governance processes.
- Highly relational and communicative leadership stylewith a strong commitment to inclusive decision-making in partnership with a hands-on, deeply engaged board and high-value volunteers.
- Collaborative and transparent approach, especially with the Finance Committee and broader board leadership, demonstrating a strong sense of urgency, shared accountability, and openness in both strategic and operational conversations.
Education Support:
- Collaborate with the Senior Rabbi, Preschool Director, and Director of Education to support supplementary religion schools, preschool, and adult education programs in areas such as marketing, enrollment, family relations, facilities, operations, payroll, and human resources.
Community Outreach & Awareness:
- Understanding of generational dynamics and ability to effectively engage members of all generations, from long-time members to younger families.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with community organizations to benefit TDHS's membership and enhance the organization's reputation and presence in the greater Seattle/Bellevue/Mercer Island Jewish community and the broader Puget Sound region.
- Actively engage and build trust-based relationships with members, prospective members, volunteers, and donors. Be a frequent, warm, and welcoming presence at services, community events, and programs.
- Serve as an ambassador for TDHS, forging strong personal connections within and beyond the congregation to foster a deeply relational and inclusive culture.
- Keep the TDHS community informed about relevant events and developments, ensuring timely and effective communication.
- Passionate about using technology to boost organizational efficiency and unite the membership community.
Leadership:
- Oversee 30+ full-time and part-time employees across various departments, including operations, finance, administration, membership, marketing, communications, fundraising, facilities management, logistics, and security.
- Ability to establish a "tone at the top" and exemplify the synagogue's values and mission, fostering a mission-driven culture throughout the organization.
- Exceptional flexibility to effectively manage multiple tasks and handle unforeseen matters inherent in congregational life, amplified by our two-campus, multi-rabbi operation, religious school, and preschool.
- Bring modern management techniques and skills to our historic congregation.
- Compassionate, caring leader who prioritizes the mission and collaborates effectively with clergy.
- Lead with heart and presence—prioritizing strong relationships with clergy, lay leaders, congregants, and staff.
Budgeting and Financial Management:
- Lead the annual budgeting process with a sense of urgency
- Oversee operations within budgetary guidelines
Security Oversight:
- Maintain strong security measures for physical locations and online platforms. Collaborate with law enforcement and security consultants and effectively communicate security provisions and risks to the Board and membership.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Must have a deep commitment to prioritizing strong relationships with the Board, clergy, lay leaders, congregants, staff, and volunteers.
- Excellent financial acumen: Proficiency in managing $5M+ budgets for comparable organizations in scale and scope.
- Strategic Planning
- Experience managing leaders of leaders in a hybrid work environment..
- Proficiency in Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom.
- Experience overseeing salary and benefit administration and compliance with HR laws and regulations
- Strong understanding of modern fundraising practices and capital campaigns.
- Experience partnering and engaging with a Board of Trustees.
- Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Highly strategic and well-organized.
- Availability to attend events, serve the congregation seven days a week, most evenings, and respond to member needs after hours.
- Ability to gather, analyze, and evaluate information effectively, providing clarity amidst ambiguity.
- Commitment to ethical and professional conduct with a dedication to championing diversity and inclusiveness.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
The Executive Director position offers a salary range of $165,000-$225,000 DOE annually and 100% employer-paid health, vision, and dental for the employee. It also offers all secular holidays off, Nata Membership, an allowance for professional development, a 401 (k) with a 5% match after 1 year, and a relocation package.
TO APPLY:
Temple De Hirsch Sinaihas retained the services of Scion Executive Search, a national executive search firm specializing in mission-driven organization recruitment, to assist in conducting this important search. Please apply with your resume and cover letter formatted in Microsoft Word for immediate consideration via https://scionstaffing.com/job/13357/
Review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and continue on a confidential basis until an appointment is made.
ABOUT OUR FIRM:
Scion Executive Search is a national, award-winning executive search firm. Our track record and recruitment process have made us one of the top recruitment firms in the United States. Through innovative team building and recruitment solutions, Scion Executive Search seamlessly bridges the gap in interim and executive searches.
We are proud to be part of the Forbes lists of the Best Recruitment Firms and the Best Executive Search Firms in America. Additionally, Scion has been recognized as a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing firm and a top recruitment firm by The Business Times. Additional information about our firm and our practices can be found online.
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