Executive Director - Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation (Bethesda MD)

Organizational Overview Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation is a vibrant, participatory synagogue located in Bethesda, Maryland, with an annual budget of approximately $2 million and 440 member households drawn from across the Washington, DC metropolitan area. The congregation serves as a central hub for worship, education, and community life, supported by clergy, professional staff, and a Board of Directors. Following the departure of its long‑standing Executive Director, the congregation seeks an accomplished and collaborative executive to lead the organization’s next phase of growth. Position Overview Adat Shalom seeks an experienced Executive Director (ED) to provide steady, values‑driven leadership. This full‑time position requires a collaborative leader who can advance our mission while managing day‑to‑day operations and supporting our community’s spiritual, educational, and social initiatives. The Executive Director operates within a shared leadership model involving clergy and lay leaders. Success in this role requires the ability to build trust quickly, navigate complex relationships with discretion, and maintain clear boundaries while fostering alignment. As a key member of the leadership team, the ED will work collaboratively with the Board of Directors, Senior Rabbi, other clergy, staff, and congregants to sustain and strengthen the synagogue’s participatory culture and operations. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership, organizational, financial, and people‑management competency along with strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, discretion, and a collaborative approach. This role emphasizes operational excellence, team stability, consistent leadership presence as well as a commitment to empowering member volunteers while supporting the strategic and programmatic vision of the organization. Organizational Structure & Reporting The Executive Director reports to the Board President and has the following direct reports: Administrative/office staff (1.0 FTE) Program, membership and communications staff (3.0 FTEs) Facilities personnel (2 FTEs plus hourlies) Contracted service providers (e.g., security, bookkeeping, accounting, IT, vendors, etc.) Qualifications & Experience Required and Preferred Technical Qualifications: BA in a relevant field plus a minimum of seven years of senior administrative and supervisory experience Experience in membership‑based or nonprofit organizations Cultural competence and familiarity with Jewish rituals, values and practices Experience with community organizing and relational approaches Strong financial management and budgeting expertise Demonstrated success in staff supervision, hiring, performance management, and team development Experience managing facilities and vendor relationships Required Leadership Competencies Strong oral and written communication skills Demonstrated interpersonal skills Strong organizational and project management skills Expertise in conflict management and strategic thinking High level of discretion and ability to manage confidential information Proficiency in business and information systems—office software, databases and digital communication tools Comfortable working within a religious/congregational setting Ability to lead effectively with diverse constituencies in a congregational setting Demonstrated commitment and ability to work productively with volunteer‑led committees — providing professional guidance and accountability while genuinely honoring lay voice and expertise Clear understanding of the distinction between staff authority and committee advisory function, and the interpersonal skill to maintain that distinction without conflict Engagement Details Start Date: October 1, 2026 Schedule: Full‑time Location: Bethesda, Maryland Work Requirements: Regular in‑person presence, including Saturdays and evenings Compensation & Benefits Competitive compensation, commensurate with experience. Salary range $130,000‑$150,000. Comprehensive benefits package Professional development opportunities Vacation and holiday schedule Working Environment This position requires evening and weekend work for events and programs that support congregational life. The role involves collaboration with diverse stakeholders including clergy, lay leaders, members, and community partners. Must be comfortable working in a religious environment while respecting diversity and different levels of observance within the congregation. #J-18808-Ljbffr Gather DC