Executive Director

Temple Beth El (TBE) is seeking an experienced Executive Director to provide organizational leadership and stewardship for our vibrant Reform Jewish congregation.

TBE is a growing, engaged congregation of more than 600 families who are diverse in age, background, Jewish experience, family structure, and perspective. As the largest synagogue in Madison, TBE strives to create a strong sense of belonging and connection for everyone who enters through our doors - building a community where people of all backgrounds and identities can participate meaningfully in Jewish life.

The Executive Director brings agility, sound judgment, and a collaborative approach to leading within a financially stable, evolving community: listening carefully, building consensus where possible, and communicating clearly and respectfully. Effective leadership at TBE pairs strong organizational management with genuine sensitivity to the relationships, traditions, and sense of community at the heart of congregational life.

The Executive Director serves as a strategic and organizational co-leader with the Rabbi, with primary responsibility for administrative and operational leadership. Working in partnership with the Rabbi, the Executive Director helps translate TBE's Board-approved purpose, mission, vision, and values into day-to-day congregational activities. The Executive Director, Rabbi, and Board President collaborate with the Board to align people, resources, and priorities in support of TBE's continued growth and effectiveness.

Reporting to the President of the Board of Directors on behalf of the Board, the Executive Director oversees TBE's administrative and operational functions - including finance, human resources, membership administration, facilities, technology, and security. The Executive Director works closely with the Rabbi, Cantor, Director of Lifelong Learning, professional staff, and lay leadership to carry out these responsibilities.

The Executive Director is a visible, engaged presence in the TBE community and participates in evening and weekend activities as appropriate to the role - connecting with lay leaders, attending Executive Committee and Board meetings, welcoming congregants at Shabbat services and other gatherings, and being present for the holy days, lifecycle events, and milestones that matter to our community.

• Maintain an organization-wide perspective - anticipating trends, risks, and opportunities across the Madison Jewish community, the broader Reform movement, and beyond.
• Balance respect for TBE's history and traditions with openness to innovation and constructive change. Lead implementation of the congregation's strategic plan, translating Board priorities into clear plans, timelines, and measurable progress.
• Help ensure that organizational decisions reflect TBE's purpose, mission, vision, and values and advance a welcoming, inclusive, sustainable, and vibrant congregational community.

• Collaborate with the Rabbi, Cantor, and Director of Lifelong Learning so that operations effectively support worship, learning, lifecycle events, and community life.
• Partner with the Board President on effective governance: clear communication, meeting preparation, follow-up, and coordination between Board and staff.
• Build productive relationships with lay leaders and volunteers, recognizing the central role volunteer leadership plays in synagogue life, and helping staff and lay leadership navigate cross-functional issues through clear roles and shared expectations.

• Recruit, develop, retain, and manage transitions among staff, consistent with TBE's policies and lines of supervision and in consultation with clergy and lay leadership where appropriate.
• Provide clear expectations, effective supervision, constructive feedback, and opportunities for professional growth to staff within the Executive Director's areas of responsibility.
• Promote clear, timely, transparent, and consistent internal communication so staff and lay leaders understand decisions, priorities, and changes that affect their work.
• Foster a collaborative, respectful workplace culture and oversee appropriate HR practices including compensation, benefits, performance management, and personnel records.

• Oversee the development and management of the annual operating budget and ensure financial resources align…