Executive Director Opportunity at the South Side YMCA!
The Executive Director (ED) provides strategic and operational leadership for a YMCA Community Hub. This role ensures the hub delivers high-quality programs and services that advance the YMCA’s mission, respond to community needs, and align with association priorities. The ED oversees daily operations, financial performance, member experience, and community engagement while cultivating partnerships that strengthen local impact. Acting as a connective leader, the ED integrates the Y’s strategy, mission, and community voice into all aspects of operations and program delivery. The ED also develops a hub-level strategic plan and anticipates challenges, implementing proactive solutions to maintain operational excellence and community trust.
Salary range is $90,000-$120,000 per year with full-time benefits
Our staff is the Y's greatest asset. Our teams provide valuable skills, knowledge, and passion that is essential to the contribution and positive impact in our communities, which is why we offer Y employees numerous perks and benefits, including:
- Competitive salaries reflecting your skills and experience.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees, plus wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership.
- Generous PTO and paid holidays, with flexible work hours for work-life balance.
- 403(b) plan with company contributions for eligible employees after 2 years of service.
- Continuous learning opportunities through workshops and training programs.
- Supportive work environment valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Discounts on programs, employee assistance programs, and company-sponsored events.
Scopes of Responsibilities
Operations & Site Readiness
- Lead daily operations and ensure the hub provides a safe, clean, and welcoming environment.
- Facilitate weekly site meetings to align priorities for member experience, programming, space utilization, and community engagement.
- Coordinate cross-functional support for enrollment, scheduling, and service delivery.
- Monitor operational KPIs and performance metrics; celebrate successes and address gaps promptly.
- Identify potential operational issues early and implement proactive measures to prevent disruption.
Staff Leadership & Culture
- Provide daily leadership and feedback to hub staff, fostering accountability, inclusion, and teamwork.
- Partner with vertical/program leaders to ensure consistency in standards, training, and quality.
- Build a culture of continuous improvement through coaching, recognition, and professional development.
- Model the Y’s core values and align staff with the organization’s mission and strategic priorities.
Financial Management & Membership/Program Enrollment
- Own the hub’s P&L and ensure sustainable financial performance.
- Drive membership and program enrollment while managing costs in collaboration with program directors and vertical leads.
- Work with Finance to analyze trends, track performance, and implement budget adjustments.
- Support fundraising and grant execution as relevant to hub programs and partnerships.
Member & Community Experience
- Ensure programs and member experiences reflect community needs while advancing the YMCA’s mission.
- Oversee timely resolution of member issues and maintain consistent communication across programs.
- Implement feedback and service recovery systems; translate insights into actionable improvements.
- Use participation and engagement data to inform program mix and enhance overall experience.
Community Engagement & Partnerships
- Serve as the primary Y ambassador in the community – building partnerships with local organizations, schools, and civic groups.
- Identify emerging community needs and communicate insights to inform program design and strategy.
- Represent the YMCA at community events and foster a positive, mission-driven public presence.
- Collaborate with Central Marketing to ensure local campaigns and communications reflect the hub’s identity and community tone.
Program Strategy & Support
- Ensure program offerings reflect community needs while aligning with association mission and strategic priorities.
- Provide final approval for site-specific program scheduling and space allocation to optimize member and community experience.
- Support program safety, standards, certifications, and curriculum implementation in collaboration with vertical leaders and program directors.
- Contribute to the development and execution of a hub-level strategic plan that supports long-term growth and impact.
Data, Reporting & Performance Visibility
- Ensure accurate and timely reporting of hub performance metrics.
- Use dashboards and reports to evaluate impact, operational performance, and community reach.
- Support organization-wide efforts to strengthen data-informed decision making.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
Minimum 5–7 years of progressive leadership experience, preferably in a multi-program or community-based setting.
Proven success in financial management, staff development, and community engagement.
Demonstrated ability to translate community insight into strategy and program development.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to inspire and align diverse teams.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with YMCA systems (e.g., Daxko, T-Rec) preferred. Ability to adapt to new technology.
- Meets physical qualifications required as outlined in job description. The YMCA will provide reasonable accommodation(s) for persons with disabilities.
- Willingness and ability to complete all mandatory YMCA training and certifications, along with ongoing or additional training as assigned by the supervisor, within established timeframe.
Child Abuse Prevention - Support the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention by:
- Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members, or guests to your supervisor
- Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children
- Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor
- Completing all child abuse prevention training as required
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
