Ozarks Regional YMCA/CEO

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 a leading nonprofit.

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, program, and interaction.

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 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 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 that advances organizational goals while promoting safe, relevant, and sustainable practices. Proactively address challenges and provide oversight of 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 cost management. Empower staff leaders in achieving 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 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 opportunities for capital development, 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. Foster a culture of collaboration, shared accountability, continuous learning, and leadership development. Key competencies: Developing Self & Others, Inclusion, Emotional Maturity, Change Leadership.

About the Organization

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

With a culture emphasizing teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement, the YMCA delivers high-quality programs in youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Programs include childcare, sports, wellness activities, and community outreach, with financial assistance provided to ensure accessibility.

Mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

Core Values: Caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

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 the entire 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.

Membership: 19,517 total members (9% Youth, 17% Adults, 24% Household, 48% Senior). Financial assistance provided to 4,184 individuals in the prior year.

Branches: Pat Jones YMCA, Cassville YMCA, Monett Area YMCA, Dallas County YMCA, Lebanon Family YMCA, School Age Services Branch, Camp Wakonda.

Core Programs: Aquatics, Out of School Time (before/after school, day camp), Early Childhood Education, Youth Sports, Group Exercise, Personal Training, Chronic Disease Prevention, Resident Summer Camp, Outdoor Education.

Financial Snapshot: Annual budget of $9.7M, current debt of $3.8M, cash and investments of $3.8M, endowment of $1.2M. Annual Support Campaign goal of $450,000 achieved in the current year.

Capital Campaign: Proposed Pat Jones Family Recreation Center includes adaptive sports field, adaptive playground, splash pad, concession stand, bathroom facilities, 7 dedicated pickleball courts, multi-use courts, and a covered basketball court pavilion.

Staff: 38 full-time, 440 part-time, 30 seasonal employees. CEO direct reports include CFO, Sr VP of Operations, VP of Development, and VP of Facilities and Risk Management.

Board of Directors: 16 governing members with Executive, Finance, and Board Governance committees.

About the Area

Springfield, Missouri, offers an attractive combination of opportunity, affordability, and quality of life. With a cost of living below the national average, strong schools, welcoming neighborhoods, and short commutes, it is an excellent place to build a career and raise a family. The community features a vibrant downtown with live music, breweries, restaurants, entertainment, museums, theaters, and year-round events. Springfield is home to major employers and nationally recognized companies, with easy access to the Ozarks’ lakes and trails for an active lifestyle.