Executive Director

Executive Director – Temple Sinai (Stamford, CT)

Temple Sinai is a warm, inclusive Reform Jewish community of 400+ households in the greater Stamford, CT area (including Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, and Pound Ridge), where creating a genuine sense of belonging is a guiding principle. Rooted in enduring Jewish values, we blend tradition with innovation to support and uplift our congregants. We live our mission through lifelong learning, spiritual exploration, and a shared commitment to purposeful service and repairing the world. We welcome people from all backgrounds who share our dedication to community, compassion, and meaningful impact.

At Temple Sinai ("TS"), every congregant plays a vital role—whether they engage through learning, worship, volunteering, or simply by adding their presence to our shared community. We provide a warm, spiritual home where people can find meaning. Growth Happens Here.

About the Role

We are seeking an Executive Director to serve as the "Chief Operating Officer" for the congregation, accountable for overseeing TS's daily business operations and executing the temple's strategic vision. In this role you will provide operational and tactical leadership, effective financial management, and continuous organizational improvement to ensure TS's mission and goals are effectively achieved. You will work collaboratively with the Board of Trustees, clergy, staff and volunteers to foster a dynamic and thriving community. You are a dynamic leader with strong organizational, analytical, communication and technical skills, financial acumen and the ability to engage with a diverse congregation. You will manage staff, TS's daily and long-term operations, finances, technology, HR and facilities. This is a hands-on position, acting as an individual contributor as well as a manager.

Who You Are

You are a forward‑thinking, highly effective, empathetic leader and doer who thrives in a mission‑driven environment. You have a history of success with hands‑on operational management. You enjoy supporting and developing staff and creating welcoming experiences for a diverse community. You anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and bring professionalism and heart to your work.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & People Management

• You will drive incremental value through strong leadership, optimizing processes, and championing the adoption of modern technology.
• You will lead, supervise, and support staff to foster high performance and a collaborative team culture, with a strong emphasis on capability building and professional development.
• You will oversee daily operations and administration, programming and resource utilization, including the Synagogue and our Early Childhood Education Center.
• You have management responsibility over TS's technology, infrastructure and security.
• You ensure TS data is maintained and secured.

Financial Management

• You will work in collaboration with the VP of Finance, senior staff and the Board of Trustees to develop the annual budget, and have primary responsibility for expense management and budget achievement.
• You have oversight over financial operations, including bookkeeping, payroll, and internal reporting.
• You will provide administrative support for large fundraising efforts.

Additional Responsibilities

Facility Management and Security

• You will oversee the strategic direction, vendor management, capital expenditures, maintenance and operations of TS's facilities and grounds.
• You are accountable for TS security protocols, policies and training, and overseeing contracted security personnel, liaising with enforcement agencies and security firms.

Congregational and Community Relations

• You will cultivate relationships with lay leaders, Board of Trustees, key volunteers, and community partners.
• Your role oversees and implements mission-aligned programs and events, in collaboration with staff, enhancing congregant involvement and engagement.

Communication and Public Relations

• You develop communication strategies to promote activities, events and initiatives.
• Your role ensures consistent and transparent communications with the Board of Trustees.
• You oversee TS's marketing, website, social media and public relations efforts.

Professional Development & Best Practices

• You will connect with peer institutions and professional networks (e.g., NATA, Executive Director roundtables) to bring best practices to TS.

Knowledge and Skills

• You are highly effective at managing staff, vendors, operations, and finances.
• You have a professional temperament and interpersonal skills to effectively interface across diverse membership (generations, perspectives, and traditions).
• You are an independent self-starter who can balance multiple priorities.
• You have a proven ability to work with leadership, staff, and volunteers in managing large events (e.g., annual fundraising and high-attendance events), contributing to and optimizing event/program resourcing, and evaluating and optimizing event portfolios.
• You have excellent written and oral communication skills; effective organizational skills.
• You effectively use technologies, including but not limited to database management systems (including, preferably, ShulCloud), Microsoft Office, social media, event and donor management software.
• You are forward-thinking, flexible, and driven; able to take initiative and anticipate issues and opportunities; you can identify areas of need and short- and long-term solutions.
• You possess knowledge and understanding of Jewish traditions, rituals & holidays, or are committed to learn.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 5+ years of senior leadership experience, ideally in a nonprofit or community organization; religious institution background preferred.
• Proven operational and organizational leadership.
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting and fundraising.
• Experience managing and improving productivity of staff, operations, and vendors.
• Comfort with technology platforms such as ShulCloud, Microsoft Teams/Office, donor and event management systems, and social media.

Working Hours

This is a full-time in-office role. Typical work schedule is Sunday - Monday, Wed - Fri (Tues & Sat off) with occasional need for evening meetings. Includes flexibility to balance hours.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a résumé and cover letter describing their interest in the role and relevant experience. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.