About B’nai Havurah
B’nai Havurah is an inclusive, participatory Jewish Reconstructionist community (Kehillah) that is passionately committed to experiencing Judaism by infusing tradition with renewed meaning in a contemporary American context. We do this through study (Torah), worship and joyous practice (Avodah), social justice (Tikkun Olam), acts of kindness (Gemilut Hasidim), and connection with the Jewish people (Am Yisrael). B’nai Havurah is affiliated with Reconstructing Judaism, which is committed to the renewal of American Jewish life. Our movement defines Judaism as an evolving religious civilization that encompasses history, literature, art, music, land, and language. We are an egalitarian and participatory community, open to a variety of perspectives and forms of religious expression. B'nai Havurah had its beginnings as a fellowship/study group (havurah) founded in 1961. Since its founding, our community has continued to grow, and in 1983 our first rabbi was hired.
Over the past few years, our community has experienced strong growth, with the addition of many new members, especially those who are a part of young families. Today, our community is home to 210 families throughout Metro-Denver. Our lively music, our inclusive approach, and our progressive theology have deeply influenced all corners of Jewish life in Denver and beyond. We look forward to bringing on an Executive Director to guide us through this moment of growth and evolution, helping us to define and shape the next chapter from a strategic and operational perspective.
About the role
We are seeking an Executive Director who will serve as a strategic and collaborative administrative leader, working closely with our Rabbi, Board of Trustees, volunteers, and members to bring our vision to life. This is a unique opportunity for a leader who thrives in both strategy and execution. The ideal candidate for this role will be someone who can operationalize big ideas, nurture authentic relationships, and roll up their sleeves to make things happen. In our congregation’s moment of growth and change, we are looking for someone who will help us build the systems, structures, and perhaps most importantly, funds needed to sustain us into our next chapter. The Executive Director will work in close partnership with our community’s rabbi and report directly to the Board of Trustees. This role will be responsible for managing staff: the Office Administrator, the Program and Engagement Coordinator, and other contract staff, in addition to coordinating with the Board of Trustees and a plethora of community volunteers.
Essential Job Duties
Organizational Leadership & Management
- Partner with the Rabbi and Board of Trustees to translate vision into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.
- Develop organizational structures and processes that enable sustainable growth and smooth day-to-day operations.
- Build, mentor, and support staff, contractors, and volunteer leaders, fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment.
- Serve as a key liaison to the Board of Trustees, ensuring alignment between governance, staff, and community.
- Cultivate a warm, welcoming atmosphere for synagogue members while thoughtfully managing expectations and addressing needs.
- Support external community relations and maintain select partnerships as a part of the role’s broader responsibilities.
- Model “heart-forward” leadership that reflects our Reconstructionist values.
Finance & Operations
- Oversee budgeting, financial tracking, and reporting in partnership with the Finance Committee.
- Provide regular reports to the Board of Trustees on the financial health and wellness of the synagogue.
- Manage membership dues, donations, and pledge fulfillment with integrity and transparency.
- Maintain HR systems, policies, payroll, and benefits administration for B’nai Havurah’s small staff, ensuring a supportive work environment.
- Oversee contracts, facility rentals (including lessees/tenants of our building’s extra offices), operational logistics, and the work of the Office Administrator.
Development
- Support volunteers and the community at large to define the synagogue’s development strategy.
- Activate volunteer efforts, including annual campaigns, major gift fundraising, grant writing, and our annual fundraising event.
- Partner with the Rabbi and lay leaders to cultivate relationships with donors from within the community.
Communications
- Develop a cohesive communications and branding strategy that strengthens our identity and engages members and the broader community.
- Oversee the communications work of the Program and Engagement Coordinator.
- Promote programs, lifecycle events, and initiatives in alignment with B’nai Havurah’s voice and values.
Program & Event Strategy
- Participate in and support key programs and events, which will at times require working outside of standard weekday work hours, including occasional evenings, weekends, and seasonal peaks such as High Holidays and other major community gatherings.
- In close partnership with the rabbi, provide strategic leadership for the vision, planning, and overall success of key community events and holidays.
- Ensure strong operational systems and processes are in place so programs and events run smoothly, delegating day-to-day logistics to staff and volunteers.
- Supervise and support the Program and Engagement Coordinator in implementing programmatic work.
- Collaborate with volunteers and committees to shape innovative offerings that meet evolving community needs.
Required Skills, Knowledge, and Experiences
- 7+ years of experience in nonprofit or religious organizations, with progressive responsibility.
- Proven success in operations and financial oversight of a similarly sized organization or department.
- Fundraising experience, including campaign management.
- Proficiency in digital tools (CRM, Quickbooks and/or similar bookkeeping platforms, website maintenance) and the ability to easily learn new tools.
- Capacity to see the big picture, set priorities, and translate vision into clear, actionable plans.
- Deep commitment to working collaboratively with staff, lay leaders, and volunteers in true partnership.
- Strong relationship-building skills, with a talent for fostering trust, connection, and belonging across a diverse community.
- Alignment with B’nai Havurah’s values and culture, including: warmth, empathy, and approachability.
- Proficiency in systems thinking, with the ability to design and refine processes that support effective operations and thriving programs.
- A hands-on, resourceful approach; a willingness to step in wherever needed, in service to the community.
Preferred Skills, Knowledge, and Experiences
- Master’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, or comparable field or the equivalent work experience.
- Knowledge of or familiarity with Reconstructionist Judaism and/or progressive Jewish communities.
Benefits
- Health Insurance, Vision, and Dental Insurance. Note: B’nai Havurah covers a significant portion of employee health insurance premiums, offers partial coverage for dependents, and contributes to a Health Savings Account (HSA) when eligible.
- Paid time off for all federal holidays and select Jewish holidays, with flexibility to exchange for other days that are more personally meaningful, contingent upon the synagogue’s calendar.
- Paid time off (10 business days in year 1; 15 business days in year 2 and beyond)
- Paid sick leave accruing at a rate of 1 hour for every 30 hours worked
- Flexible work scheduling to support work-life balance and community engagement.
B’nai Havurah is an equal opportunity employer
B’nai Havurah is committed to building an inclusive and equitable workplace. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
We welcome candidates of all backgrounds who are excited to engage with and support our Jewish community. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all abilities, backgrounds, and identities—including women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those from historically underrepresented communities—who share our values and wish to contribute to an inclusive and vibrant Jewish community.
To apply
We will consider applications on a rolling basis. The first round of resume reviews will be conducted on applications submitted by Friday, September 19th. Please submit your resume and a response to the following questions (in lieu of a cover letter) to our application form to be considered for the role:
- Personal values play an important role in how we lead and engage with our community. Please share one of your personal values with us. How does it inform your approach to leadership and your work with others?
- This role requires the translation of high-level strategy into operational excellence. Describe a time when you translated an organizational vision into practical steps while also rolling up your sleeves to make it happen. How did you balance the strategic and tactical aspects?
Note: The above description is illustrative only. It is not meant to be all-inclusive. Nothing in this job description restricts B’nai Havurah’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This job description may be subject to change at any time.
