Chief of Operations

Central Synagogue is a thriving Reform congregation in midtown Manhattan, serving 3,000 households and the larger community. Central works towards a world in which Judaism is core to the lives of their community members and is a profound and positive force for humanity. They are constantly evolving as they pursue that goal. Together, they learn, worship, serve, and continually redefine what it means to be Jewish today, both within their community and far beyond their walls. Central Synagogue does this through their programmatic areas of focus: Worship/Holidays/Music; Pastoral Care/Lifecycles; Adult Engagement; Youth and Family Engagement and Social Justice. For more information about the organization visit their website.

Central Synagogue is seeking a Chief of Operations to provide strategic direction and operational leadership of all aspects of capital projects, building operations, facilities, security, events, and technology infrastructure. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Chief of Operations will ensure that Central Synagogue's infrastructure supports the programmatic objectives of the synagogue. The Chief of Operations will manage 4 direct reports, a total team of over 30 staff, and an operating and capital budget of approximately $10M to support clean, safe, efficient, environmentally healthy, compliant, and structurally sound facilities and infrastructure. They will work collaboratively with key internal stakeholders to understand and support their diverse needs.

Central Synagogue's facilities of 99,000 square feet include the main sanctuary which is a landmarked building and a 9-story community house. As a congregation, they welcome thousands of members and guests on a weekly basis and support a wide range of programming. Central's operations include a pre-school, camp, religious services and programming on Shabbat and Jewish holidays, a religious school, a wide variety of adult programming, as well as social justice work including programs supporting criminal justice reform and food insecurity. In this context, the Chief of Operations will maintain systems and capabilities and manage a team that ensures the effective and efficient management of the synagogue's operations. They will also be an effective planner, as the synagogue is experiencing significant growth which they expect to continue. It will be critical that the person in this position leads with a calm and measured demeanor, shows exceptional discretion, and stays solutions-oriented when problem solving sensitive issues. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Operations, Capital Projects, and Facilities

• Oversee all aspects of capital projects, building operations, facilities, security, events, and technology infrastructure, working in partnership with a strong senior team:

  • Capital Projects: Develop and manage the planning and execution of complex capital projects and plans, and oversee all capital work and maintenance, utilizing scheduling systems to ensure work is on time and on budget.
  • Facilities and Maintenance: Ensuring the successful management of buildings, grounds, property maintenance, and custodial service and support significant facilities upgrades.
  • Security: Overseeing security including building access, threat assessment, related trainings, and emergency response to ensure a safe and secure environment for all constituents.
  • Event Operations: Ensuring the successful event management of all programming including worship services, congregational events, education classes for all ages, funerals, other life cycle events, and more.
  • Technology Infrastructure: Overseeing technology infrastructure strategy, design, implementation, maintenance to ensure maximum productivity and efficient delivery of services and data security.

• Hire, contract, and provide direction to vendors, contractors, architects, and engineers on all significant renovations, and as needed to support the ongoing maintenance of facilities.

• Work cross-functionally to ensure programmatic endeavors are supported by well-maintained and effectively utilized infrastructure.

Team and Stakeholder Management

• Serve as a member of and strategic partner to the leadership team and Executive Director, ensuring that the operations of Central are in alignment with its overall goals and objectives.
• Manage a team of 4 direct reports and a total team of 30, maximizing the strength of the team by aligning their efforts to meet objectives and deliver results.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external constituents including vendors and contractors.
• Develop and manage the annual plan and budget for the department, promoting operationally strong and sustainable investments.

• 15+ years of progressive operations experience in a similarly complex context, with deep expertise in leading space planning and management of capital projects. Prior experience with landmark buildings a plus
• At least 7 years of strong people management experience over a team of 5 or more, with an ability to balance delegation and control and hold teams accountable for results by creating a culture of ownership
• Experience managing and directing external vendors and third-party employers
• Knowledge of security, technology infrastructure, and event operations preferred
• Robust organizational and project management skills with an overall execution orientation and an ability to work independently and within teams to manage complex projects in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
• Calm, measured disposition; ability to delegate, communicate, and act decisively during times of stress and to adapt well to changing priorities
• Experience with crisis management and an ability to provide effective direction to staff and maintain professional composure in response to high-pressured, emergency situations
• Curiosity and strong ability to understand, raise, and effectively negotiate needs, while recognizing others' needs and proposing mutually agreed upon solutions; ability to balance empathy and inquiry with accountability
• Participation in the Jewish faith is not required though if not already oriented, the Chief of Operations will need to learn the basics of Reform Judaism, the Jewish calendar, and High Holy Days

Location: New York, NY. This role is in person at Central's Synagogue in Midtown Manhattan five days a week. Given the nature of work, availability after hours, on weekends, and on the Jewish High Holy Days is required.