Executive Director - Bartlett YMCA

About the role

SUMMARY OF POSITION: The Executive Director 3 provides strategic, operational, and community-focused leadership for a YMCA branch while supporting the delivery of high-quality childcare and school-age programs in collaboration with local school districts. This role is responsible for branch operations, program and membership growth, staff and volunteer leadership, board engagement, fiscal oversight, fundraising, school-age services, and ensuring alignment with the Association’s mission and strategic priorities. The Executive Director serves as the chief ambassador of the YMCA within the community, fostering strong partnerships, cultivating volunteers and board leadership, advancing philanthropic efforts, and ensuring exceptional experiences for members, program participants, and families.

Responsibilities

• Branch Operations & Program Leadership: Provide overall leadership and direction for YMCA branch operations, ensuring excellence in programs, services, and facilities. Oversee the planning, delivery, and evaluation of branch-based programs and services that support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Ensure program and service quality, safety, and compliance with Association standards and applicable regulations. Provides strategic oversight for branch operations and ensures program quality, innovation, and alignment with Association goals while fostering strong community partnerships and meeting direct revenue goals.
• People & Culture Leadership: Recruit, hire, coach, and develop a high-performing team of staff and key leaders. Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and performance-driven culture rooted in YMCA core values. Promote professional development, accountability, and continuous improvement across all branch functions. Lead, engage, and support volunteers in meaningful, mission-driven roles.
• Fiscal Management & Accountability: Develop and manage the branch operating budget, forecasting, and financial controls. Ensure strong fiscal stewardship through regular monitoring of revenues, expenses, and financial performance. Align financial resources with strategic priorities while meeting revenue and expense targets. Identify and mitigate financial, operational, and organizational risks.
• Philanthropy & Fundraising: Lead the branch’s annual campaign and actively support additional fundraising and philanthropic initiatives. Build and steward relationships with donors, volunteers, and community partners to advance charitable giving. Partner with Association leadership to support capital efforts, grants, and donor strategies. Serve as a visible and effective spokesperson for the YMCA’s mission and impact within the community.
• Board & Volunteer Development: Partner closely with the Center Advisory Board to advance branch goals, governance effectiveness, and strategic oversight. Support board recruitment, orientation, engagement, and development to ensure strong volunteer leadership. Collaborate with board members to expand community reach, fundraising success, and advocacy for the YMCA. Encourage active board involvement in philanthropy, community engagement, and mission advancement.
• Childcare & School-Age Program Operations: Provide strategic and operational oversight of before- and after-school, and camp programs as assigned, ensuring safe, high-quality, and developmentally appropriate experiences for children. Ensure full compliance with state licensing, regulatory requirements, YMCA standards, and child safety policies, including staffing ratios, training, and documentation. Partner with childcare and school-age leadership to support program quality, staff development, enrollment growth, and financial sustainability. Build and maintain strong relationships with school district leaders, principals, and community partners to support program alignment and long-term success. Monitor program performance using data and outcomes to identify opportunities for continuous improvement. Anticipate and mitigate operational, compliance, and reputational risks related to childcare and youth-serving programs. Collaborate with Association leadership to support expansion, innovation, and strategic planning for childcare and youth development services. Provide safe and high-quality break and summer camp opportunities within the community center and/or in collaboration at community partner sites.
• Community Engagement & Partnerships: Serve as the YMCA’s primary representative within the branch’s service area. Build strong relationships with local government, school leaders, community organizations, and civic partners. Strengthen the YMCA’s visibility and reputation as a trusted community leader and partner. Advocate for the needs of children, families, and communities served by the YMCA.
• Organizational Leadership: Collaborate with Association leadership and cross-functional teams to implement strategic initiatives. Uphold and model YMCA values in all actions and decisions. Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the YMCA’s mission-driven work.

Qualifications

Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in human services, business, nonprofit management, education, or related field required (Master’s degree preferred). Minimum of 5 years of senior leadership supervisory experience in YMCA operations, nonprofit management, child-care, or related environments. Proven experience in branch or site-based operations, financial management, and team leadership. Experience working with volunteer boards and fundraising initiatives preferred.

Skills

• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead fundraising and engage volunteers and board members.
• Financial acumen with experience managing budgets and ensuring accountability.
• Ability to lead through change, complexity, and growth.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and community impact.

Schedule

This role requires flexibility, including evenings and weekends, to support branch operations, board meetings, fundraising events, and community engagement. Travel within the Mid-South region may be required.