Careers by Empowering Futures, Building Communities
Imagine going to work each day knowing that your efforts positively impact individuals and communities. As a global movement and the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA of Greater San Francisco offers more than just a job—we offer a career with a future and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in your community. At the Y, you can uncover your passion and build a lifelong career addressing some of the nation's most pressing social issues.
Our Organizational Culture
At the YMCA of Greater San Francisco, we are committed to demonstrating values that aim to building strong communities where you can Be, Belong and Become. With Truth & Courage, we strive to understand and act on individual and societal truths. We ensure a safe and inclusive environment with Authenticity & Accessibility, allowing everyone to participate according to their needs. Our approach is Dependable & Creative, as we respond to community needs through strong partnerships. Above all, we embody Dignity & Empathy, treating everyone with respect and compassion, and recognizing the inherent dignity in all individuals.
Qualifications
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Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Public Health, Nonprofit Management, Social Work, or a related field, OR equivalent professional and community experience. Master's degree preferred.
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5+ years of senior leadership experience in nonprofit, social services, community development, public sector, or related organizations
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3+ years managing multi-million dollar budgets with demonstrated fiscal accountability
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5+ years securing funding through federal, state, foundation, and corporate sources
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3+ years leading comprehensive fundraising efforts including donor cultivation, major gifts, and capital campaigns
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5+ years supervising professional-level staff and volunteers in multi-program or multi-site environments
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5+ years building community partnerships and leading programs that serve diverse communities
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3+ years managing direct service programs with knowledge of compliance standards
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Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, organizational change, policy advocacy, and board engagement
Position Summary
The Senior Executive Director (SED) will ensure the success of the Embarcadero and Shih Yu Lang Central Y branch operations within the YMCA of Greater San Francisco. Combined, the total operation represents more than $5MM in revenue, inclusive of three locations, with a goal to grow its membership and healthy living operation. This operation includes a wellness facility with a pool and all related activities, community centers on Treasure Island and in the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco, afterschool programming and an alternative education high school.
The SED leads local external relations and community development including board development, fundraising including annual giving and sustaining development, volunteer and community relations. The SED supervises staff, ensures that service delivery is in-keeping with organizational best practices and standards, and is accountable to the operation’s financial results. The SED directs the branch towards achievement of its operating plan and oversees and implements policies, programs, and practices. The SED must understand the complexity of the community and the significance of collaboration and partnership with public and private resources. The position involves on-site leadership, active participation in community meetings, and occasional travel.
Job Responsibilities:
Financial Management & Fundraising
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Lead development and oversight of multi-million dollar budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with organizational priorities.
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Identify and pursue funding opportunities through federal, state, foundation, and corporate grants.
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Oversee fundraising strategies including donor cultivation, capital campaigns, major gift solicitation, and special events to support sustainability and growth.
Leadership & Staff Development
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Supervise and support a diverse team of professionals and volunteers across multiple program areas.
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Foster a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and high performance.
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Implement effective staff recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and professional development practices.
Community Engagement & Partnerships
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Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community-based organizations, public agencies, private sector partners, and other stakeholders.
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Design and lead community engagement strategies that reflect the strengths, needs, and diversity of the populations served.
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Promote inclusive and equitable access to services across all programs.
Program Management & Compliance
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Oversee the planning, delivery, and evaluation of direct service programs in alignment with evidence-based practices and community needs.
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Ensure compliance with regulatory, contractual, and accreditation standards.
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Support data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement through program evaluation and outcome tracking.
Strategic Planning & Advocacy
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Contribute to long-term strategic planning efforts and lead organizational initiatives that drive impact and innovation.
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Represent the organization in external forums, including policy advocacy and public speaking engagements.
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Advance mission-aligned priorities through coalition-building and cross-sector collaboration.
Board Relations & Governance
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Partner with the Board of Directors to support effective governance and alignment with organizational goals.
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Contribute to board development and engagement, including strategic planning and fundraising efforts.
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Maintain regular communication with the board on organizational performance, opportunities, and risks.
Work Environment & Physical Demands
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This role primarily operates in an office setting with regular visits to YMCA branches, program sites, and community locations.
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In-office a minimum of 4 days per week based on operational needs at any given time.
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Regular use of a computer, phone, and standard office equipment.
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Occasional lifting of supplies, materials, or equipment up to 25 pounds.
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Requires prolonged periods of sitting, as well as frequent standing, walking, and reaching.
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Must be able to travel locally to multiple YMCA locations and external partner sites as needed.
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May require evening or weekend hours to support onboarding, volunteer engagement, or workforce development events.
Disclaimers
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Must successfully complete a background screening, including criminal and employment verification. Some positions may also require a credit check.
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All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions, subject to reasonable accommodation. The YMCA of Greater San Francisco promotes an equal employment opportunity workplace, which includes reasonable accommodation for otherwise qualified disabled applicants and employees. Please contact your manager if you have any questions about this policy or these job duties.
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This job description may not be all-inclusive, and employees are expected to perform other duties as assigned by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified by management as needed.
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Job offers are conditional and contingent upon background clearance. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and CA Fair Chance Act, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.
Salary Description
The salary range for the Senior Executive Director is $137,000 - $157,000 annually. Compensation is determined based on benchmarking against industry standards for similar roles, considering relevant experience, qualifications, and regional market conditions. Final offers are subject to the availability of grant funding and organizational budget approval.
