October 2023
JOB POSTING
Executive Director – Or Shalom Synagogue
General Information
Or Shalom is a Jewish Renewal synagogue located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. We are seeking a full-time Executive Director to collaborate with the Rabbi and Board of Directors in setting the strategic direction of our synagogue to help advance the community’s vision of engagement and growth, including a significant renovation to our synagogue over the next several years.
About Or Shalom
Or Shalom, Vancouver’s east-side shul, is a vibrant spiritual community of more than 240 families. We are affiliated with the Jewish Renewal movement and ALEPH, the umbrella organization of Jewish Renewal communities. An inclusive and responsive community for more than 40 years, Or Shalom values and prioritizes the voices of its diverse membership. Our synagogue model also relies on the combination of lay-led and rabbinic spiritual leadership. Similarly, an active volunteer Board of Directors as well as standing and ad hoc committees comprised of members, drives our strategic direction, decision-making, and action.
Position Overview
Or Shalom’s Executive Director is responsible for the administrative oversight of all synagogue operations, human resources, finances/fundraising, and facilities well as providing governance support to the Board of Directors. The Executive Director reports to the Board chair/co-chairs and works closely with the Rabbi. Collectively, they work to ensure that operations are aligned with Or Shalom’s values and strategic priorities. The Executive Director fosters a culture of inclusivity for congregants, lay leaders, volunteers, staff, potential members, and visitors.
Duties:
1. Operations, Administration & Governance Support
- Provides leadership in developing and implementing program, financial, fundraising, and governance plans aligned with annual strategic plan developed by the Board of Directors.
- In collaboration with the Rabbi and Program, Projects & Communications Coordinator, and Board Treasurer, develops Or Shalom’s annual program and event plans and budget.
- Creates, implements, and/or oversees administrative systems to manage finance/ fundraising; projects/programs/events; membership; and employee benefits (vacation, sick time, compensatory time, etc.)
- Provides human resources management to employees, contract staff, and consultants (recruitment, hiring, employment agreements, orientation, support/supervision, evaluation).
- Files documents and maintains records to ensure compliance with applicable federal and provincial regulations related to charitable and non-profit status.
- Attends monthly Board meetings, as ex officio member, and supports the Board in their governance roles. Provides verbal reports at Board meetings and produces a written organizational report for the AGM.
- Attends relevant standing and ad hoc committee meetings, as ex officio member, as necessary, to receive committee updates and report out on areas of responsibility.
- Facilities
- In collaboration with the More Or ad hoc committee and external consultants, project manages the building renovation to ensure the project remains on budget, on time, and in compliance with contracts, guidelines, laws, and regulations.
- In collaboration with a building relocation ad hoc committee, project manages Or Shalom’s move to temporary premises during the renovation period, and return to the building following project completion.
- Oversees, with support of the Office Administrator, maintenance and repairs of the Or Shalom building and surrounding premises.
- Fundraising/Grant Writing
- Consults with Or Shalom Board and staff regarding strategic plan and program requirements to determine funding priorities.
- Researches potential grants from Jewish and other granting agencies/foundations and major gift donors that align with Or Shalom’s mission, values, and priorities.
- Coordinates with More Or ad hoc committee on prospective grants; determines those best suited for Or Shalom’s capital campaign vs. operations/programs.
- Writes expressions of interest, grant proposals, reports, etc. to current and potential funders, prioritizing Or Shalom operations and program funding.
- Develops/maintains a database of grant-making organizations and major gift donors to track philanthropic priorities, application and reporting deadlines, and application history to centralize information and strategically coordinate fundraising activities.
- Community and Capacity Building
- With the Rabbi and/or Board Co-Chairs, acts as official representative and spokesperson on behalf of Or Shalom within the broader Jewish community and more widely to promote the mission and vision of the synagogue.
- Pursues networking opportunities within the broader Jewish community, as well as with faith-based and other groups, to promote Or Shalom and foster collaboration.
5. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Experience
- Degree, diploma, or certificate from accredited post-secondary institution in human resource management, project management, or equivalent training and/or experience.
- Demonstrated leadership experience, including overseeing organizational operations; budget development and administration; human resources; and project/program planning and management.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, particularly grant writing experience, and a proven track record of securing grants for non-profit organizations.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, and Excel) and project management software (Microsoft Projects or others).
- Excellent interpersonal and networking skills; works respectfully and collaboratively with diverse individuals and constituencies, including the Board, Rabbi, staff, members, synagogues and Jewish community organizations, other faith groups, and the public.
- Experience overseeing capital projects an asset.
- Knowledge of Jewish traditions, rituals, practices, and the Jewish Renewal movement, and/or established relationships within Vancouver’s Jewish community also an asset.
Other Information:
This is a full-time position, 40 hours/week, with a flexible, hybrid work culture (combination of on-site and remote work). Salary: $80,000 as well as extended health benefits and professional development benefits following successful completion of a 6-month probationary period.
To Apply:
Please send cover letter and resume in PDF format, c/o Hiring Committee to jobs@orshalom.ca with “Executive Director Position” in the subject headline.
Application deadline: Friday, November 24, 2023; however, review of applications will continue until a successful candidate is hired.
