Executive Director - YMCA Center

YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South•Bartlett, TN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South is seeking a dynamic, highly motivated, proven cause-driven leader for a tremendous career opportunity leading successful operations for a growing $70 million organization. The Executive Director must be a team motivator with an ability to create an environment that cultivates a culture of program innovation, staff development and fiscal responsibility. This is a great opportunity with the YMCA to join this dynamic association. We are seeking a proven, self-motivated, cause-driven professional to join our team. Under the general direction of the Senior Vice President of Center Operations, this position ensures the successful operation of a flagship center to include membership and program development, budgeting, financial results, personnel management, fundraising, and community relations. The Executive Director 3 provides strategic, operational and community-focused leadership for a flagship YMCA center while supporting the delivery of high-quality childcare and school age programs in collaboration with local school districts in partnership with the Youth Development team. This role is responsible for branch operations, program and membership growth, staff and volunteer leadership, fiscal oversight, fundraising, childcare, 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 advancing philanthropic efforts, and ensuring exceptional experiences for members, program participants and families.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in human services, business, nonprofit management, education or a related field is required.
A minimum of five years of senior leadership and supervisory experience in YMCA operations, nonprofit management, childcare or related environments.
Proven experience in branch or site-based operations, financial management and team leadership.
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.

Nice To Haves

Preference will be given to candidates with YMCA experience
Experience working with volunteer boards and fundraising initiatives preferred.

Responsibilities

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.
Provide strategic oversight for branch operations and ensure program quality, innovation and alignment with Association goals while fostering strong community partnerships and meeting direct revenue goals.
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.
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.
Lead the branch 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 Y’s mission and impact within the community.
Partner closely with the Center Advisory Committee to advance branch goals and philanthropic efforts, including volunteerism.
Support recruitment, orientation, engagement and development to ensure strong volunteer participation and leadership.
Collaborate with volunteers to expand community reach, fundraising success and advocacy for the Y.
Active volunteer involvement in philanthropy, community engagement and mission advancement.
In partnership, with the youth development team, 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.
Serve as the Y’s primary representative within the branch’s service area.
Build strong relationships with local government, school leaders, community organizations and civic partners.
Strengthen the Y’s visibility and reputation as a trusted community leader and partner.
Advocate for the needs of children, families and communities served by the Y.
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 Y’s mission-driven work.