Chief Operations and Facilities Officer

About The Organization

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.

About The Position

Central Synagogue is seeking a Chief Operations and Facilities Officer to provide strategic direction and operational leadership of all aspects of building operations, facilities, maintenance, capital projects, security, events, and technology infrastructure. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Chief Operations and Facilities Officer will ensure that Central Synagogue's facilities and infrastructure support the programmatic objectives of the synagogue. The Chief Facilities and Operations Officer 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 facility 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 Operations and Facilities Officer will maintain systems and capabilities, ensure sound operations, 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

Facilities and Operations

• Oversee all aspects of building operations, facilities, maintenance, capital projects, security, events, and technology infrastructure, working in partnership with a strong senior team
• Facilities and Maintenance Ensuring the successful management of buildings, grounds, property maintenance, and custodial service and support significant facilities upgrades
• 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.
• 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 facilities and 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
  
  

Candidate Requirements

• 15 years of progressive management experience in a similarly complex facility, 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
• 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 Facilities and Operations Officer 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.

Compensation And Benefits

The salary for this position is $180,000 - $210,000.

Central Synagogue is an equal opportunity employer. The Synagogue encourages participation from all who seek a connection to Jewish life and want to be part of its sacred community regardless of religious background, race, ethnicity, gender, ability, socioeconomic status, political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Central is committed to being an open tent, a place that welcomes all people, including those who have been historically and institutionally marginalized or excluded from the Jewish community. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, or current employment status.

Like Central, On-Ramps is deeply committed to equity. We believe social change happens when people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and identities come together with common purpose. On-Ramps is committed to the inclusion of all qualified individuals in the hiring process, including but not limited to those with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation(s) to participate in the application or interview process, please contact [email protected].