Aspen Jewish Congregation – Executive Director

ASPEN JEWISH CONGREGATION

Aspen Jewish Congregation (AJC) is a 50-year-old organization entering an exciting period of renewal and growth. With new funding, a new nationally recognized Senior Rabbi, and a board-approved strategic plan, AJC is poised to expand its impact and strengthen Jewish life across the Roaring Fork Valley (RFV).

Based in Aspen, Colorado—one of the country’s most culturally vibrant and naturally stunning mountain communities—AJC integrates the RFV’s love of the outdoors, its rich musical and artistic culture, and spirit of intellectual curiosity into every aspect of our programs and services. With 275 member households, AJC is known for moving and musical Friday night services, summertime Shabbats atop Aspen Mountain and along the Roaring Fork River, Aspen Jewish Conversations, and innovative retreats and classes that foster connection, learning, and a deep sense of belonging.

AJC practices a Judaism that is joyful, accessible, grounded in Jewish teachings and tradition, and deeply relevant to modern life. We welcome everyone—Jewish through birth or conversion, Jewish-curious, Jewish-adjacent, and interfaith families seeking connection and meaning. We are the spiritual home of both full-time and seasonal residents.

AJC offers the best of small-town community and big-city cultural energy. We operate as a close-knit mountain congregation where relationships are strong and personal. In the summer, Aspen becomes a national hub for music, arts, ideas, and innovation. Leading Jewish organizations and thinkers, along with renowned musicians and cultural figures, are frequently in Aspen, creating unique opportunities for collaboration and high-impact programming that few congregations of our size experience.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DESCRIPTION

The new Executive Director (ED) will play a central role in operationalizing our vision, building organizational capacity, deepening community engagement, and shaping a sustainable and vibrant future for Jewish life throughout the RFV.

The ED serves as the strategic and operational driver of the synagogue, guiding the congregation’s financial stability, organizational effectiveness, and communications excellence. This is a role for someone who loves to grow and scale mission-driven organizations, who enjoys coming up with ideas and turning them into action, and who is passionate about building community. The ED leads all business functions and excels at prioritizing, doing, and delegating in a fast-moving environment. Resourceful, tech-comfortable, and data-informed, this leader is energized by building systems, experimenting, measuring impact, and iterating to strengthen the organization.

The ED partners with the Senior Rabbi to co-lead the congregation and directly manages a team of 3 staff. They also engage and coordinate lay leaders and volunteers whose involvement is vital to AJC’s strength. The ED must love working with all kinds of people and thrive in a setting where relationships matter as much as results. The ED is both strategist and implementer—nimble, collaborative, and committed to continuous improvement. The ED reports to the President of the Board of Directors. 

The ED does not need a religious background but should embrace AJC’s Jewish mission and values. Full-time residency in the RFV is preferred but not required. From mid-June through the High Holidays, the ED is expected to be in the RFV full-time and attend all Shabbat services and major programs. For the remainder of the year, the ED should plan to be in the RFV at least once a month for a Shabbat and/or key AJC events.  The ideal candidate values the RFV’s outdoor and cultural life and seeks to be part of the community, not just work in it. Whether living full-time or spending regular time in the RFV, they are committed to building relationships and showing up consistently for community and AJC gatherings.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Operations

• Execute AJC’s Strategic Plan: Grow Reach Connect.
• Establish operational excellence and long-term sustainability; assess and align staffing, technology, and infrastructure to support growth; build clear protocols and processes to improve coordination and efficiency across programming, finance, development, and marketing.
• Own and evolve AJC’s technology ecosystem (CRM, event management, payment platforms, etc.).
• Build a data-driven culture; strengthen data collection, insights, and reporting across engagement, membership demographics, finance, marketing, communications, and development.
• Ensure that all AJC touchpoints reflect the organization’s brand and values.
• Serve as one of the primary points of contact for members, ensuring a warm, welcoming, responsive experience; handle member inquiries, concerns, and feedback.
• Communicate effectively with the Board, providing timely information for informed decision-making; assist the Board and committees with meeting preparation, policy development, research, and the development of organizational materials.

Programming

• Collaborate with the Senior Rabbi on programming and onboarding strategies to increase engagement and membership. 
• Oversee execution of all events and services across multiple indoor and outdoor venues (Aspen Chapel, Aspen Institute, Ajax Mountain, Camp Bashert, etc).

Marketing & Communications

• With the support of the Marketing & Communications Committee, build, execute, and measure an integrated communications strategy to raise visibility, drive participation, and support membership and fundraising goals.
• Articulate and maintain AJC’s voice (with the Senior Rabbi) and ensure all communications align with organizational priorities and have consistent messaging.
• Oversee creation of development campaign themes, proposals, and fundraising communications.
• Supervise content creation across digital, print, and in-person channels.
• Supervise management of website, social media, and email platforms to enhance reach and engagement.
• Strengthen public awareness through promotion and media relations.

Development

• Work with the Development and Finance Committees on long-term financial and development strategies (e.g., membership model, major gifts, endowment).
• Collaborate with Board Chair, Development Chair, and Senior Rabbi to set annual fundraising targets and define strategies, including major gifts and donor-specific programming.
• Collaborate with Senior Rabbi and Board to represent the organization to donors and prospects, cultivating strong relationships.
• Supervise daily development operations (communications, donor research, tracking, grant proposals, and reporting).

Finance

• Maintain sound fiscal management systems and accurate reporting structures.
• Develop the annual budget with Senior Rabbi, Board, and Finance Committee.
• Oversee preparation of and review of monthly financial statements and, with the Treasurer and Finance Committee, report to the Board.
• Oversee grant budgets, donor restrictions, and program-specific funds.
• Coordinate tax advisor relationships and annual reporting.
• Supervise the outside accountant in coordination with the Treasurer.

HR

• Model and cultivate a staff culture that is warm, collaborative, feedback-rich, and aligned with AJC’s Jewish values.
• Oversee hiring, professional development, and performance management for staff and consultants.
• Collaborate with Board and Committee Chairs to recruit and retain volunteers, committee members, and future board members; ensure strong staff–volunteer coordination.
• Oversee HR policies, payroll, benefits administration, and compliance with employment laws; ensure appropriate insurance coverage (e.g., General Liability, Workers’ Comp).

SALARY & BENEFITS

$165,000 – $185,000 salary
Benefits include health insurance, retirement plan, professional development, recreation benefits, and paid time off for vacation, federal holidays, and some Jewish holidays. 

To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to EDsearch@aspenjewish.org.

AJC is affiliated with the Union of Reform Judaism. 

Aspen Jewish Congregation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.