In the four decades since its founding in the city of St. Louis, Central Reform Congregation (CRC) has become an iconic progressive Jewish congregation not only in its hometown but also the nation. CRC blends contemporary and traditional Jewish religious observance with its founding values of inclusivity, social justice, and innovation. The congregation welcomes members of all backgrounds, including those raised Jewish, interfaith families, converts, Jews of color, LGBTQ individuals, and other spiritual seekers. The importance of CRC’s work extends well beyond the Jewish community. It has become an indispensable part of the fabric of St. Louis, actively working to advance justice and equity in the entire region.
CRC is seeking its next Executive Director, with Collaborative Strategies leading the search. This is a critical role; the Executive Director provides the organization with its strategic and operational leadership. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is specifically responsible for:
● Leadership & Team Management - Provide strategic direction and motivation for a staff of 13. (Total employment at CRC is 60; most of those are part-time.) Focus the team on the work most important to advancing CRC’s mission. Work closely with facilities and program teams to manage events and weekly religious services. Collaborate with the rabbinic team in planning annual High Holidays services. Ensure staff receive appropriate performance feedback and development.
● Financial Stewardship - Ensure the organization’s financial health by working with the board to maximize annual membership dues. Collaborate with the outsourced CFO to maintain accurate financial tracking, reporting, and fund reconciliation. Oversee the Finance Coordinator in managing program billing, payment processes, and financial compliance. Implement financial guidelines to monitor all designated funds and ensure program costs align with organizational goals.
● Board Partnership & Governance - Work closely with the Board to refine and execute CRC’s goals, ensuring programs and resources drive meaningful impact. Provide regular performance updates, addressing key challenges and opportunities.
● Fund Development & Community Engagement - Partner with the Board to set and achieve fundraising and membership goals. Serve as a key ambassador, building relationships in the community to enhance awareness and philanthropic support. Oversee fundraising events and other development initiatives. Lead and monitor grant submissions to support sustainable funding.
● Operational Excellence - Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations related to labor, wages, and operations. Establish and uphold policies and procedures that drive efficiency and accountability. Oversee facilities and event operations, ensuring safety, security, and proper maintenance of CRC’s property and space. Hold staff and vendors accountable for delivering high standards in cleanliness, security, and building management.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree preferred (Non-profit management, MBA or related field)
- 10+ years of experience, including 5+ in leadership.
- Passion for and alignment with CRC’s mission and core values.
- Proven ability to manage diverse teams and drive results.
- Strong critical thinking, decision-making, and communication skills.
- Collaborative leader who connects across all levels of an organization.
- Deep knowledge of nonprofit and volunteer management.
- Strong financial expertise, with the ability to develop and explain financial documents.
- Confident decision-maker, able to push back when necessary.
- General awareness of Jewish culture, holidays, and traditions and willingness to learn more.
- Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to execution.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including occasional evenings and weekends.
Ready to Apply?
If you are interested, qualified and ready to take the next step click the APPLY button on this page. Or you can apply directly on our site at getcollaborative.com/careers. Please do not contact CRC directly.
About Collaborative Strategies:
Collaborative Strategies, Inc. is a St. Louis-based consulting firm with a dedicated search practice and has been connecting talent with opportunity since 1994. We take pride in matching talented leaders seeking mission-critical endeavors with entrepreneurial organizations.
We value your privacy. Inquiries and resume submissions will always be treated as strictly confidential.
What We Do
Collaborative Strategies is our region’s leading strategic business planning firm – providing strategic planning, executive search, organizational development, succession management, and advisory board facilitation to the best organizations in the St. Louis area and beyond.
Collaborative Strategies is an entrepreneurial firm serving entrepreneurial leaders. Our team of consultants primarily assist closely-held businesses with annual sales ranging from $5 million to $1 billion as well as the not-for-profit organizations on whose boards business owners and civic leaders serve. Collaborative Strategies helps its clients tackle challenging issues and opportunities to achieve breakthrough performance.
Collaborative Strategies’ consulting team members fully embody the collaborative spirit. Prepared by education and enriched by experience, our principals and consultants combine deep knowledge with practical expertise gained across a wide spectrum of organizations. For more information, please visit us at www.getcollaborative.com.
