Mecklenburg County YMCA - Chief Executive Officer

About the role

The Board of Directors seeks a CEO who can lead with vision, build organizational capacity, and translate opportunity into lasting impact. This is not simply an operational leadership role. It is an opportunity to shape the next chapter of a respected community institution while advancing the YMCA's mission and strengthening its long-term sustainability. The next CEO will work closely with board members, donors, community leaders, volunteers, and staff to align resources, build momentum, and ensure the YMCA remains a vital force for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility throughout the region. At the center of this opportunity is the YMCA's Building Tomorrow Together Capital Campaign, a transformational initiative that will expand the Clarksville campus and create new opportunities for recreation, wellness, and community connection. The campaign offers the next CEO an opportunity to broaden the YMCA's reach, strengthen its community impact, and help create spaces where future generations can learn, connect, and thrive. Success will require a leader who can inspire confidence, cultivate philanthropic investment, strengthen key partnerships, and unite stakeholders around a shared vision for the future. For the right executive, this role offers a rare chance to lead meaningful growth, guide significant community investment, and leave a lasting legacy through an organization that is deeply valued and uniquely positioned to shape the future of Mecklenburg County.

Skills

• Develop and Implement a Strategic Plan: Work effectively with volunteers, community leaders, and key staff to enhance existing strategic plan that addresses the needs of the communities served by the Y and includes defined organizational strategies, a clear implementation plan with deliverables, and measurable goals. Key competencies: Change Leadership, Communication & Influence, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Program/Project Management
• Position the Y as a Vital Partner for Community Change: Serve as an ambassador for the mission, purpose, and vision of the YMCA within the community. Develop and cultivate relationships with key stakeholders from diverse backgrounds while upholding the highest standards and values of the Y. Ensure the Y is seen as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. Key competencies: Communication & Influence, Engaging Community, Collaboration
• Steward Fundraising Efforts: Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan that establishes the YMCA as a leading nonprofit organization within the community through the engagement of members, volunteers, staff, and donors. Identify and lead successful capital fundraising while advancing the organization’s effectiveness and impact in annual giving and endowment. Key competencies: Philanthropy, Engaging Community, Communication & Influence
• Improve Operating Performance: Engage the board and appropriate staff to develop an annual tactical plan for identifying and achieving key goals and objectives that support safe, relevant, and sustainable practices. Quickly address issues that arise, forecast future needs, and manage and direct the Y’s operations and activities. Key competencies: Developing Self & Others, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Innovation
• Maintenance and Development of Facilities (Capital Development): Lead the Y through the stages of a current or future capital development project, including initial planning, research and viability, architectural and schematic design, construction management, and the operational start-up of a new, renovated, or expanded facility. Key competencies: Fiscal Management, Program/Project Management, Change Leadership, Critical Thinking & Decision Making
• Fiscal Management: Use high-level financial analysis to forecast financial trends, growth, and stability while consistently leading the organization to balanced or surplus operations by growing earned revenue and contributions and controlling costs. Empower and guide staff leaders to achieve successful departmental financial performance, and develop and implement effective stewardship strategies. Key competencies: Fiscal Management, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Developing Self & Others, Philanthropy

Pay

Salary Range: $57k to $67k annually

Benefits

• YMCA Retirement: 8% paid by the Y and 4% optional by the employee once eligibility is met.
• YMCA 403B savings account: 100% employee contribution.
• Health insurance stipend provided to support the purchase of i