Executive Director

Congregation Shomrei Torah (CST), a vibrant, nearly 500-family Union for Reform Judaism (URJ)-affiliated synagogue in Santa Rosa, California, is seeking an entrepreneurial, relationship-centered Executive Director to help lead the community into its next chapter.

About the role

The Executive Director serves as the congregation's chief administrative and strategic partner, reporting to the Senior Rabbi and working closely with the President of the Board of Directors. This role focuses on strengthening organizational capacity, expanding community relationships, overseeing administrative operations, supervising staff, and building systems that support meaningful lifelong Jewish engagement. Success is measured by helping CST become an increasingly visible, connected, and engaged Jewish community.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership
  • Partner with the Senior Rabbi and Board to articulate and execute the congregation's long-term strategic vision.
  • Translate organizational priorities into measurable initiatives.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to clergy and lay leadership.
  • Help align staff, volunteers, committees, and leadership around shared goals.
• Membership Engagement & Leadership Development
  • Build authentic relationships with current and prospective members.
  • Design and implement a relationship-centered membership engagement strategy.
  • Create and oversee a member engagement system that tracks individuals throughout their synagogue journey, using personalized touchpoints and data-informed relationship management.
  • Partner with clergy, staff, and volunteer leaders to cultivate the next generation of synagogue leadership.
  • Support committee chairs and volunteer leaders in building collaborative, mission-driven teams.
• Communications & Public Presence
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy.
  • Strengthen storytelling, marketing, and social media.
  • Clearly communicate the congregation's identity and mission.
  • Serve as one of the synagogue's public ambassadors within the broader community.
• Community Partnerships
  • Develop meaningful relationships with civic organizations, educational institutions, social justice organizations, Jewish communal partners, and community leaders.
• Development & Philanthropy
  • Cultivate donor relationships and support a culture of generosity.
  • Identify and pursue grant opportunities.
  • Support fundraising campaigns and special initiatives.
  • Partner with clergy and volunteer leadership on donor stewardship.
  • Explore innovative revenue opportunities aligned with the congregation's mission.
• Staff Leadership & Organizational Development
  • Lead and develop a talented professional team through coaching, mentoring, and regular supervision.
  • Provide thoughtful onboarding, employee development, and continuous learning opportunities.
  • Manage performance and conduct annual review processes.
  • Build a culture where reflection, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement are expected and supported.
  • Supervise the Administration and Operations Team (currently five employees) and contracted personnel, including security and catering staff.
• Administration & Operations
  • Provide executive oversight for financial stewardship and budget management.
  • Manage facilities and vendor relationships.
  • Oversee human resources and operational planning.
  • Coordinate High Holy Days and major congregational events.
  • Handle life-cycle logistics, including B'nei Mitzvah and funerals.
  • Support Board and Executive Committee activities.
  • Coordinate volunteers and manage organizational policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Four or more years of leadership experience in a nonprofit, synagogue, or other mission-driven organization.
• Demonstrated success in leading and developing professional staff.
• Experience in fundraising, donor cultivation, grant management, or organizational development.
• Strong financial, operational, and organizational management skills.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build relationships with clergy, staff, volunteers, and lay leaders.
• Experience working with volunteer boards and committees.
• Understanding of, or enthusiasm for learning about, Reform Jewish life, traditions, and the Jewish calendar.
• A collaborative, reflective leader who demonstrates integrity, sound judgment, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning and growth.

Research consistently shows that many talented candidates, particularly women and historically underrepresented professionals, are less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. If this opportunity excites you and you believe you could thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply.

Pay

Salary: $120,000–$140,000 per year

Benefits

• Health benefits
• Paid vacation
• Professional development opportunities
• A supportive and collaborative workplace
• The opportunity to partner with visionary clergy, dedicated lay leaders, and an engaged congregation
• The chance to help shape the future of one of Northern California's leading Reform Jewish communities

About Congregation Shomrei Torah

Rabbi Jeremy Morrison joined CST in July 2025, beginning an exciting new chapter in the congregation's 50-year history. Rabbi Morrison envisions CST as a "sanctuary for imperfect practice," a place where individuals and families strive toward spiritual, ethical, and communal growth with honesty, curiosity, and humility. The congregation is devoted to lifelong learning for congregants, clergy, volunteers, and staff alike. CST celebrates successes while continually asking how to become a more diverse, welcoming, socially conscious, and spiritually vibrant community that helps repair the world through Reform Jewish values.