Chief Executive Officer

About the Role

The Ozarks Regional YMCA is seeking a visionary, mission-driven leader to serve as its next Chief Executive Officer. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a respected, multi-branch YMCA association with a proud 137-year history of strengthening communities across Southwest Missouri. The organization enters its next chapter from a position of renewed strength, with focused leadership, an engaged board, and a dedicated staff team driving operational stability and a clear strategic direction for future growth.

The next CEO will build upon this momentum while expanding the YMCA's impact throughout the region. Serving nearly 20,000 members through multiple branches, childcare programs, camps, and community initiatives, the Ozarks Regional YMCA addresses pressing needs such as youth development, affordable childcare, water safety, chronic disease prevention, and community well-being.

The Board of Directors seeks a collaborative and strategic leader who will inspire others, build meaningful partnerships, strengthen philanthropic support, and elevate the YMCA's visibility as one of the region's leading nonprofit organizations. The successful candidate will champion a culture rooted in the YMCA's mission, values, and unwavering commitment to youth protection, ensuring the safety and well-being of children remains central to every decision.

Key Opportunities

• Lead the implementation of an ambitious strategic vision focused on childcare access, water safety, health improvement, and community connection.
• Advance a proposed $6 million capital development initiative to expand community impact and enhance recreational opportunities for families.
• Build upon a strong foundation of community trust while elevating the YMCA's role as a leading convener, collaborator, and advocate for healthy communities.
• Strengthen long-term financial sustainability through philanthropy, earned revenue growth, operational excellence, and strategic partnerships.
• Develop and empower the next generation of YMCA leaders while fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Implement the Vision and Strategic Priorities: Collaborate with volunteers, community leaders, and key staff to develop and execute a strategic plan addressing community needs, with defined strategies, actionable steps, measurable outcomes, and accountability.
  • Key competencies: Change Leadership, Communication & Influence, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Program/Project Management
• Improve Operating Performance: Partner with the board and staff leadership to develop and implement an annual operational plan advancing organizational goals while promoting safe, relevant, and sustainable practices. Proactively identify challenges, anticipate future needs, and oversee operations, programs, and services.
  • Key competencies: Developing Self & Others, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Innovation
• Fiscal Management: Apply advanced financial analysis and forecasting to support long-term growth, stability, and sustainability. Lead the Y toward balanced or surplus operations through revenue growth, philanthropic support, and prudent cost management. Empower staff leaders in achieving strong financial performance and stewardship.
  • Key competencies: Fiscal Management, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Developing Self & Others, Philanthropy
• Position the Y as a Vital Partner for Community Change: Serve as a visible and credible ambassador for the YMCA’s mission, vision, and values. Build and strengthen relationships with diverse stakeholders, community partners, and civic leaders while demonstrating integrity and service.
  • Key competencies: Communication & Influence, Engaging Community, Collaboration
• Steward Fundraising Efforts: Develop and execute a comprehensive annual fundraising strategy engaging members, volunteers, staff, donors, and community partners. Pursue capital development opportunities and expand annual giving, major gifts, and endowment growth.
  • Key competencies: Philanthropy, Engaging Community, Communication & Influence
• Lead a High-Performing Team: Develop and implement a talent development strategy promoting a supportive, inclusive, and culturally competent workplace. Recruit, develop, and retain a diverse, high-performing team reflecting the community. Foster a culture of collaboration, shared accountability, continuous learning, and leadership development.
  • Key competencies: Developing Self & Others, Inclusion, Emotional Maturity, Change Leadership

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college is preferred; equivalent professional experience is required.
• Experience working across multiple locations and sites is preferred.
• Demonstrated fiscal management expertise, with a proven track record of overseeing annual budgets of $8 million or more.
• At least five years of senior management experience within a YMCA or a comparable organization, including direct supervision of staff across multiple levels.

About the Organization

The Ozarks Regional YMCA is a long-standing nonprofit organization based in Southwest Missouri, founded in Springfield in 1888. Its mission is to strengthen community through inclusive programs and services rooted in Christian principles, focusing on building healthy spirit, mind, and body for all people, regardless of age, background, or financial situation.

The YMCA serves nearly 20,000 members through family centers, camps, and community initiatives, offering programs such as childcare, sports, wellness activities, and outreach. With a commitment to accessibility, the organization provides financial assistance to ensure everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

The Ozarks Regional YMCA operates multiple branches, including:

• Pat Jones YMCA, Springfield
• Cassville YMCA
• Monett Area YMCA
• Dallas County YMCA, Buffalo
• Lebanon Family YMCA
• School Age Services Branch, Springfield
• Camp Wakonda, Ash Grove

Core programs include aquatics, out-of-school time care, early childhood education, youth sports, group exercise, personal training, chronic disease prevention, and outdoor education.

Strategic Initiatives

• Demonstrate operational rigor and sophistication in programs, processes, and practices.
• Ensure quality, affordable childcare is accessible to every working parent/guardian.
• Provide water safety skills and education to everyone in the community.
• Improve community connection, quality of life, and mental health.
• Offer chronic health programs at all YMCA locations.
• Enable 3,500 children to experience nature through Camp Wakonda and its programs.

Financial Overview

• Current Annual Budget: $9.7 million
• Current Debt: $3.8 million
• Current Cash and Investments: $3.8 million
• Current Endowment: $1.2 million
• 3-Year Annual Surplus/Deficit:
  • Last year: ($350K)
  • Previous year: Surplus

Annual Support Campaign:

• Prior Year’s Total: $302,750
• Current Year’s Goal: $450,000 (Goal achieved!)
• Total number of people receiving financial assistance prior year: 4,184

Capital Campaign: Proposed multi-million-dollar Pat Jones Family Recreation Center project, including adaptive sports field, playground, splash pad, pickleball and basketball courts, and covered pavilion.