Chief Operating Officer (Full Time)

The Summit Area YMCA•Summit, NJ

18h•$140,000 - $165,000

About The Position

As a key member of the CEO's senior leadership team, the Chief Operating Officer drives operational excellence and strategic growth across all YMCA branches. This role transforms vision into measurable impact by leading high-performance teams, fostering innovation, and ensuring the organization strengthens community and advances the SAY as the heart and hub of the community, supporting the mind, body and spirit. The COO activates strategic priorities through data-driven decision-making, collaborative partnerships, and comprehensive risk management, while protecting and growing the SAY’s most valuable assets: its people, programs, and community trust. What Success Looks Like Operational Excellence means branch operations consistently meet or exceed revenue targets while maintaining expense discipline. You'll see program quality scores increase year-over-year as measured by participant evaluations and Listen 360 metrics, while strategic plan objectives are achieved with documented community and financial impact. Safety incidents decrease through effective processes, training, and mitigation strategies. Team & Leadership Development shows up when branch directors and key leaders demonstrate measurable growth in leadership competencies, staff retention and engagement remain strong in leadership positions, and succession planning creates a talent pipeline. Employee engagement scores reflect a culture of innovation and appreciation you've enhanced. Growth & Innovation is evidenced by membership recruitment and retention rates that exceed regional benchmarks, new program initiatives that launch on time and on budget while meeting revenue goals, community partnerships that expand organizational reach and diversify revenue streams, and facility utilization that increases through strategic programming and scheduling. Community Impact is visible as programs address identified community needs for all populations, philanthropic contributions grow through strategic fundraising alignment, and brand awareness and community reputation strengthen as measured by surveys and engagement.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Human Services, or related field. Master's degree preferred
YMCA Organizational Leader certification preferred
8+ years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit operations, with 5+ years in senior management. Experience in the YMCA or similar mission-driven nonprofit highly preferred
Demonstrated success managing budgets of $10M+
Proven track record creating inclusive organizational cultures and high performing teams
Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community; track record of building authentic, constructive relationships with others.
Knowledge and experience in all aspects of operations, including staff supervision and development, membership practices, program development and implementation, facility and property management, and sound financial practices.
Exceptional project management abilities with demonstrated success managing multiple complex initiatives simultaneously
Strategic thinking with the ability to balance big-picture vision and tactical execution
Strong analytical skills translating data into actionable insights and performance improvements
Resourceful problem-solver who addresses root causes and implements sustainable solutions
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills that engage and inspire diverse audiences
Proven ability to build authentic relationships across all social and economic segments
Financial acumen with experience in revenue generation, expense management, and budget development
Change management expertise with ability to drive organizational transformation
Mission Advancement: provide visionary leadership to the organization and to ensure that all resources are mobilized to adapt to new challenges and needs in the community
Program and Project Management: Ensures program or project goals are met and intended impact occurs
Critical Thinking and Decision Making: Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgement
Innovation: Creates and implements new and relevant approaches and activities that improve and expand the Y’s work and impact in the community
Communication & Influence: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause
Developing Self and Others: Develops self and supports others (staff, members, program participants) both formally and informally to achieve their highest potential

Nice To Haves

Experience overseeing facility planning and maintenance operations (both short-term needs and long-range strategic planning) preferred.

Responsibilities

Strategic Operations Leadership
Translate strategic vision into executable operational plans with clear KPIs, data driven analyses, and accountability measures
Supervise and mentor Executive Directors to create thriving branches
Monitor and analyze monthly financial reports, taking proactive action to ensure fiscal health
Guide organizational decisions on what to stop, start, and continue based on data and community impact
Program Excellence & Innovation
Implement and oversee comprehensive program evaluation systems ensuring alignment with our mission and quality standards
Foster a climate of innovation to offer impactful member-focused programs addressing evolving community needs
Lead staff through planning, development, and implementation of new program initiatives with measurable outcomes that advances our strategic initiatives and maximizes resources
Financial Stewardship
Develop, monitor, and manage operating budgets ensuring revenue targets are met or exceeded
Control expenses while maintaining program quality and staff development investments
Create and track financial performance indicators that drive strategic decision-making
Develop pricing strategies that balance accessibility, competitiveness, and sustainability
Growth & Development
Drive operational growth through program expansion, member recruitment, and retention
Pursue strategic collaborations, partnerships, and opportunities that align with our mission
Work with board committees and advisory groups to build volunteer relationships and maximize community engagement
Work collaboratively to execute fundraising strategies in partnership with CEO and Advancement
Risk Management & Compliance
Protect organizational assets including people, property, finances, and reputation
Ensure comprehensive risk assessment, crisis planning, and accountability systems are in place
Guarantee facility safety, maintenance, and compliance with all applicable standards
Implement and monitor policies and procedures that remove barriers and foster opportunity for all
Team Leadership & Development
Coach and assess leadership team effectiveness through goal-setting, performance management, and development planning
Build and sustain a culture of excellence, recognition, safety, and continuous improvement
Communicate performance standards clearly and hold teams accountable to measurable outcomes
Create learning opportunities through coaching and professional development
Stakeholder Engagement
Provide timely, data-driven reports to CEO, board committees, and Board of Directors
Serve as organizational representative at community events and with key partner organizations
Work effectively with multiple branch advisory committees to increase community and brand awareness
Participate in local, regional, and national YMCA trainings and networking opportunities