The CEO of the Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs will work closely with the Board of Directors, 45 corporate YMCAs in Illinois, Training Partner Ys, Service Partner Ys, Third Party Providers, and YUSA to successfully build capacity of Illinois YMCAs and fulfill the Alliance Partner Agreement. This individual will be responsible for the development and implementation of a strategic vision that considers and capitalizes upon the YMCA’s brand identity, voice, and cause with the unique ability to coordinate, deliver and execute statewide initiatives that further strengthen the Y’s cause in youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
A strong candidate will have a proven track record in executive leadership and coordination of autonomous but related organizations, strategic planning and execution, advocacy and ability to influence constituents towards a common theme. The CEO will have full responsibility for providing leadership to and effectively managing the operations of the Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs; including but not limited to budget, human resources, financial development and strategic growth.
Build organizational capacity of local Ys
- Facilitate strategic planning and board governance, consistent with Y Movement best practices.
- Understand additional resources and scope of delivery partners and coordinate services.
- Identify and facilitate management agreements, shared services and interest in mergers between Ys consistent with movement best practices.
- Identify local Ys for referral and Association Advancement Unit as needed based on defined criteria.
Build strong networks to provide opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and support
- Manage ongoing volunteer engagement and relationship-building among Ys through in-person events and virtual networks. Actively engage CEOs, volunteers and staff from all Ys.
- Work closely with YPN leadership to strengthen network and utilize peer communities (and neighborhoods if applicable).
Provide leadership and manage effective operations of state alliance
- Strategic Direction: Work with state alliance leadership to create and achieve goals outlined in the strategic plan.
- Provide fiscal management to achieve state alliance priorities: set fiscal goals including supervising and maintaining the Alliance’s operating budget and securing multiple funding streams providing a stable financial foundation and the opportunity for impactful statewide programs and initiatives.
- Effectively communicate to internal and external audience and ensure that the alliance’s mission, vision, value and goals are easily understood.
- Provide guidance on board governance and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and Y movement best practices.
Form collaborations to advance the state alliance’s strategic goals
- Identify and participate in strategic alliances and coalitions of like-minded organizations to meet state alliance objectives.
- Connect and align with Y movement priorities, sharing opportunities and challenges with other state alliances.
- Support statewide program initiatives, such as Youth and Government.
Advocate and advance the state alliance’s legislative priorities
- Set legislative agenda and track and advocate on key issues. Target and cultivate relationships with key policymakers and elected officials.
- Manage contract lobbyist and organize events to raise visibility of the Y as a valued resource on healthy living, youth development and social responsibility.
The CEO must display strong communication skills and be intentional about establishing meaningful relationships with Illinois CEOs and strongly advocate on their behalf. He or she should also have extensive experience in change management and navigating through ambiguity. Other desired characteristics of the CEO that have been offered by YMCAs throughout the state include:
- Demonstrated success in building bridges and mending relationships
- Facilitation, consensus building, advocacy, legislative lobbying, and political savviness on all fronts
- Visionary
- Ability to lead high-level leaders within a decentralized environment in remote locations
- Organizational development and strategic planning
- Fundraising
- Nonprofit management and board relations, preferably YMCA leadership experience
The CEO would not necessarily be expected to perform in all specialized areas below but should provide access to such specialized services through the Alliance.
- Mission and cost studies
- Advocacy for local Ys and CEO
- CEO coaching
- CEO search
- CEO and CVO onboarding
- Alliance/neighborhood programs and events
QUALIFICATIONS
- At least 10 years of experience in YMCA or other nonprofit organizational leadership and management.
- YMCA Organizational Leadership Certification (or 3 years to attain from date of hire).
- Experience developing both full-time and part-time staff.
- Public policy, government relations, and successful grant writing experience.
- Well organized and detail oriented, self-motivated and proactive.
- Ability to multi-task, working on various duties and issues.
- Professional and collaborative when working with staff, volunteers, and the overall Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to travel approximately 20% to 40% of the time or as needed and assigned by the Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs Board.
- Commitment to the mission of the YMCA and its four core values.
- Familiarity with the YMCA Movement and culture preferred.
Salary Range: $115K - $140K (annualized), Salary offer commensurate with experience
Benefits: Retirement contribution at 12% (8% paid by the Alliance, 4% by employee), Vacation plan, health plan, and other benefits per personnel policy