Executive Director, Congregation Shaar Hashomayim

The Organization

Since 1846, Congregation Shaar Hashomayim (the “Shaar”) has helped define Jewish life in Montreal and beyond. We are a vibrant, welcoming synagogue, bringing people of all ages together to pray, celebrate, and learn.

The Position

The Shaar is seeking an accomplished and dynamic Executive Director (ED) to help lead one of Montreal’s most respected Jewish institutions. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED is responsible for managing all operational, financial, and administrative functions of the organization. The ED, working in close partnership with the Senior Rabbi and Cantor, will help ensure the Shaar’s long-term strength, sustainability and continued relevance; to serve a diverse and evolving membership in accordance with Orthodox Jewish law, tradition and values. The ED will foster an engaged and high-performing staff and will strengthen the connection between the synagogue and its members. The successful candidate will have informed judgment, emotional intelligence, diplomacy, and discretion.

The position requires a seasoned executive who can lead a complex and multifaceted organization, oversee a substantial budget, a multi-department staff, extensive facilities, and a broad range of religious, educational, cultural, and communal programming. The successful candidate will combine strong operational leadership with sound judgment, relationship-building skills, and an appreciation for the unique role the Shaar plays in the life of its members and the broader Montreal Jewish community.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the implementation of the strategic vision and policies established by the Board.
• Partner closely with the Senior Rabbi and Cantor to align religious leadership with organizational strategy and goals, and work collaboratively to build an effective senior leadership team.
• Provide regular reporting, analysis, and recommendations to the Board.
• Lead long-term planning related to growth, facilities, staffing, and financial sustainability.
• Establish clear and effective leadership structures, shared priorities, and strong communication practices that foster accountability, trust, and constructive decision-making.

Financial Oversight & Stewardship

• Oversee the financial management of the Shaar, including a significant annual operating budget, budget performance, cash flow, and financial controls and provide regular reporting to the Board.
• Ensure transparency, accountability, and best practices in nonprofit financial management.

Operations & Human Resources

• Provide leadership and oversight of the synagogue’s day-to-day operations, ensuring that systems, processes and resources effectively support its religious, educational, communal and administrative duties.
• Lead, support, and evaluate staff; fostering accountability, collaboration and strong performance across the organization.
• Foster a professional, mission-driven, and values-based workplace culture.

Membership Experience & Community Engagement

• Oversee the membership experience, including services, communications, and lifecycle experiences.
• Promote a high standard of responsiveness, service and care for members and guests.
• In collaboration with clergy and lay leadership, develop and advance strategies that strengthen member engagement, improve retention and foster a greater sense of community.
• Navigate sensitive member issues with diplomacy, sound judgement and discretion.

Information Technology (IT)

• Provide strategic oversight of the synagogue’s IT infrastructure, systems and digital platforms, ensuring they support the synagogue’s operations and member engagement effectively.
• Manage relationships with external IT vendors or service providers and regularly evaluate opportunities to improve administrative systems, building security and user experience.

Development & External Relations

• Partner with Board, clergy and development professionals in advancing the synagogue’s fundraising priorities, including major gifts, annual campaigns, and capital projects.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key donors and community stakeholders.

Facilities, Security & Risk Management

• Oversee maintenance and operation of the Shaar’s extensive facilities, including religious, educational, office, and social spaces.
• Lead planning and oversight for major capital projects and long-term facilities planning.
• Oversee the security team and ensure robust security protocols in coordination with law enforcement and community security groups.
• Oversee organizational risk management, insurance, legal compliance, and related policies and practices.

Halachic Alignment & Compliance

• Ensure all operational policies and practices align with Halacha and the Shaar’s Orthodox traditions and standards
• Coordinate closely with the clergy on religious considerations that affect organizational operations
• Ensure compliance with applicable employment, nonprofit, legal, regulatory and governance requirements.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree or equivalent senior leadership experience is considered an asset.
• 10+ years of senior executive leadership experience in a large synagogue, nonprofit, or comparable mission-driven organization
• Strong financial and operational acumen, with proven experience managing large budgets, facilities, organizational systems and long-term planning.
• Demonstrated comfort with technology and digital systems, including experience leading the selection and implementation of tools that strengthen organizational effectiveness and efficiency, information management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships of trust with colleagues, Board members, volunteer leadership and other highly engaged stakeholders.
• Experience leading organizational change, strengthening systems and structures and translating strategic priorities into effective execution.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills, with the credibility and presence to represent the organization internally and externally.
• Familiarity with Orthodox Jewish communal life, the Shaar’s traditions, values and role within the broader Jewish Community, and synagogue operations.
• Comfort operating with high-expectation, high-profile constituents; diplomatic under pressure and highly discreet.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and Jewish holidays as required (within Halachic parameters).

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive executive-level compensation commensurate with experience and synagogue size
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plan, and Jewish holiday observance accommodations

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter to Bonnie King, Senior Consultant at Philanthropica: Bonnie@philanthropica.ca