Introducing the Certificate in Synagogue Executive Leadership from NATA & Spertus Institute!
The only professional education designed exclusively for emerging synagogue senior executives ready to grow their skills.
- Today's synagogue executives need the skills, vision, and confidence to lead through change. Responding to years of research and input from NATA members and a deep understanding of the demands of the synagogue senior executive role, the Certificate in Synagogue Executive Leadership prepares and supports the next generation of leaders through a dynamic, cohort-based experience. Led by Spertus Institute faculty, it delivers the practical tools and perspectives needed to guide congregations with confidence.
This fall's inaugural cohort marks a milestone in the field — investing in leaders today to ensure thriving, connected Jewish communities for generations to come.
Grounded in NATA’s mission and informed by extensive research and feedback from synagogue executives, this program responds directly to the evolving needs of the profession. Through this partnership with Spertus Institute, participants will benefit from Spertus' leading faculty and nationally recognized expertise in training Jewish professional leaders through its highly regarded Certificate and Masters programs. The program delivers:
- Advanced non-profit training combining Jewish wisdom with real world non-profit strategy
- Executive skills tailored for synagogue executives, taught in a hybrid format
- A supportive peer network of synagogue leaders with opportunities to leverage each other’s talents, resources, and support
- A nationally recognized credential offering leadership and expertise
Want to learn more? We’d love to hear from you!
Register or Apply Today
Get a first look at this groundbreaking program on Thursday, September 4, from 12:30pm to 1:30 pm CT and discover how we’re shaping the future of synagogue leadership.
We are now accepting applications. Apply by September 10, 2025!
Certificate Program Details
Date + Location
- November 16-17, 2025 | In-person immediately preceding the NATA Conference in Tucson
- January - March 2026 | Synchronous, online sessions on Tuesday evenings (Several weekly sessions, 2 hours each)
- April 26-29, 2026 | In-person concurrent with NATA meetings in Chicago
Module Themes
- Manhigut: Jewish Communal Leadership
- Maintaining the Mishkan: Strategic Budgeting & Management
- Panim al Panim: Executive Leadership & People Management
Curriculum
- Explore core concepts of Jewish leadership
- Understand the current Jewish organizational landscape and challenges
- Learn the fundamentals and values of synagogue financial management
- Explore innovative approaches to fundraising, revenue generation and membership models
- Gain skills in facility operations and planning
- Improve communication skills with leadership assessments
- Strengthen your ability to lead teams and manage conflict
- Learn about frameworks and strategies for leading change
- Explore lay-professional dynamics
- Participate in multiple group coaching sessions as well as experiential, interactive programs to put skills into action
Fees
- The participant financial responsibility for the first cohort will be $1,500, which includes meals during the program and all tuition, materials, and technology. While the true cost of the program is just over $4,000 per person, this cohort is being deeply subsidized by NATA as an investment in the future of our shared profession. Participants will be responsible for airfare and hotel costs for the in-person sessions.
Application Details
To apply, submit a Statement of Purpose and Resume.
- September 10 – Priority Application Deadline
- September 30 – Final Application Deadline
Acceptance notifications will be sent in early October.
FAQ
"Spertus Institute is incredibly excited to partner with NATA to launch a new and innovative Synagogue Executive Leadership Certificate, providing leaders in the Jewish community the tools and network needed now and for the future. This partnership provides a remarkable opportunity to impact individual synagogues across the country as well as the broader congregational system, allowing participants to learn from each other and leverage their shared experiences.”
Dean Bell, PhD
President and CEO of Spertus Institute, Chicago, IL
"Professional development is at the very heart of NATA’s mission. Synagogue executives are vital to the strength and success of Jewish communities, and investing in their growth ensures vibrant congregational life for generations to come. We are thrilled to partner with Spertus Institute — a true center of excellence in Jewish professional education — to create this certificate program that will empower our colleagues to lead with skill, vision, and purpose.”
Amy Schwach, President
National Association for Temple Administration
"We are looking forward to guiding talented professionals through Spertus' Jewish leadership modules - to see their leadership as a process, enhance their leadership mindsets and practices, and develop their ability to create and respond to change. Leadership is always relational and systemic, and this program allows participants to further develop their leadership within Jewish contexts, guided by Jewish experiences, reflection, learning, and values."
Dean Bell, PhD
President and CEO of Spertus Institute, Chicago, IL