Chief Operations Officer

Whatcom Family YMCA•Bellingham, WA

5d•$125,000 - $150,000•Onsite

About The Position

This is a rare opportunity to join the Whatcom Family YMCA at an extraordinary moment in our history. We are preparing to embark on a major capital campaign and build a new 85,000-square-foot YMCA designed to serve our growing community for generations. As our CEO increasingly focuses on fundraising, community leadership, and bringing this transformational project to life, we are looking for an experienced and highly capable Chief Operations Officer (COO) to serve as the operational leader of the organization. The COO will lead the day-to-day operational performance of the Y, develop and support a talented leadership team, strengthen programs and membership, ensure strong financial and operational performance, and help us continuously improve how we serve our community. This is an opportunity for a leader who loves the YMCA, understands programs and operations, enjoys developing people, and knows how to turn big ideas into results. You won't be stepping into an organization standing still. You'll join a Y that is growing, evolving, and preparing for a transformational new facility and expanded community impact. You'll have the opportunity to help shape systems, culture, programs, operations, and leadership practices that will carry the organization into its next generation. And you'll do it in one of the most beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest. Located in Bellingham and Whatcom County, our community offers incredible access to the mountains, water, trails, skiing, biking, paddling, hiking, and outdoor recreation—while still offering the energy, culture, and amenities of a vibrant college and waterfront community.

Requirements

Approximately 10 or more years of progressively responsible executive or senior leadership experience, ideally within a YMCA, nonprofit, community-based, government, or similarly complex organization.
Strong judgment, emotional maturity, energy, curiosity, accountability, and a genuine commitment to developing people and strengthening community.
Ten or more years of progressively responsible executive or senior leadership experience, preferably within a complex, multi-site nonprofit, community-based, government, or mission-driven organization.
A bachelor’s degree is preferred; an advanced degree is a plus.
YMCA Multi-Team or Organizational Leader certification preferred (or willingness to obtain within an agreed-upon timeframe).
Demonstrated success leading large-scale operations and high-performing teams.
A passion for the YMCA mission and the ability to inspire others around a shared vision.
Strong financial and business acumen, including experience with budgeting, forecasting, performance management, and operational sustainability.
Experience using data and performance measures to inform decisions and improve results.
A strong understanding of membership, customer or participant experience, facilities, organizational operations, and community engagement.
Demonstrated success leading organizational change, growth, and innovation in a fast-paced environment.
Proven ability to build consensus, develop partnerships, and communicate effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
A commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where people have equitable opportunities to contribute, grow, and lead.

Nice To Haves

An advanced degree is a plus.
YMCA Multi-Team or Organizational Leader certification preferred (or willingness to obtain within an agreed-upon timeframe).

Responsibilities

Lead multi-site YMCA operations and strengthen consistency, quality, and performance.
Translate strategic priorities into clear operational plans and measurable results.
Coach, develop, and hold senior leaders accountable while building a strong leadership pipeline.
Strengthen membership acquisition, engagement, retention, and the overall member experience.
Advance outstanding YMCA programs that respond to the changing needs of our community.
Oversee facilities, maintenance, physical assets, and operational readiness as the Y prepares for significant growth.
Partner on budgeting, forecasting, resource allocation, and financial sustainability.
Improve systems, processes, accountability, and organizational effectiveness.
Use data and community feedback to identify opportunities and solve problems.
Build a culture where people feel connected to the mission, supported by their leaders, and accountable for delivering results.
Help prepare the organization operationally for a new YMCA facility and an exciting period of growth.
Significant responsibility for strategic leadership, multi-site operations, growth and innovation, staff development, membership and community impact, facilities, financial sustainability, risk, and organizational performance.