For over 138 years, starting with a branch in Lawrence, MA and growing to branches in the communities of Methuen and Andover/North Andover, as well as our island camps on Lake Winnipesaukee and day Camp Otter, the Merrimack Valley YMCA has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for all through programs that promote healthy spirit, mind, and body. There is not a more exciting, cause-driven organization to belong to, raise a family in, work or volunteer for, or donate to. Our connections to our communities hold us together, offer support and give us an important sense of belonging. The Merrimack Valley YMCA, with an operating budget of $18M and 440 staff, is a thriving non-profit organization which involves more than 30,000 members and participants in more than 2,000 different programs. Emphasizing the four core character development values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, we are committed to strengthening our communities by nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. We deliver over $4 million of subsidized services to adults and families in need and deserving children of the Merrimack Valley region.
Board Expectations: The Y’s Board of Directors seeks an experienced leader who has the requisite background and skills to achieve excellence in the following areas. All key deliverables have equal importance:
- Develop and Execute a Vision and Strategic Plan That Drives Innovation and Bold Impact: Partner with the board to lead a collaborative process that rallies all stakeholders to develop and implement a strategic plan that aligns with the mission and vision of the organization. Serve as an innovator who drives bold impact to address the communities’ critical social issues while positioning the organization for sustained success. Develop benchmarks and accountability plans to ensure goals are achieved and impact is realized.
- Develop and Lead an Effective Staff Team: Establish yourself as a leader to attract, motivate, mentor, engage, empower and retain staff in a positive and productive manner by implementing an expectation for excellence. Demonstrate an engaging, open, positive and inclusive leadership style with a proven history of displaying integrity, a strong work ethic and courage. Be innovative and maintain an open mind for developing new ways of expanding services and their impact.
- Continue to Expand Operational Performance: Assess all aspects of the current operations and create plans that will continue to grow and retain membership as well as expand program delivery to meet critical community needs. Proactively identify trends as well as create a data driven culture that drives effective decisions. Provide a balanced focus on strong fiscal performance while expanding services to the community. Work with the board and staff to develop long-term and annual tactical plans and metrics for achieving key goals and objectives.
- Lead a Culture of Philanthropy: Serve as the leader in fundraising efforts by working with the board and senior staff to establish a plan for how the organization will continue to expand raising contributed dollars for service growth, keeping programs affordable for all and continued facility improvements and expansion. Be able to position the Y as a charity of choice by instilling confidence, credibility, and trust in the Y with community leaders and donors.
- Advocate the YMCA Vision Within Our Communities as a Cause-Driven Leader: Be an advocate for the mission, goals, and values of the YMCA with a contagious effect that inspires and mobilizes others. Create strategic and successful relationships with influential local and state leaders, potential donors, members and organizations in our communities, with an eye toward leveraging those relationships that will be mutually beneficial to those involved.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and personal values consistent with the YMCA mission. Ability to communicate with passion.
- Proven experience in a senior management role with comparable complexity managing multiple sites.
- Commitment to staff development at all levels of an organization.
- Demonstrated track record of effective fiscal management.
- Experience leading, implementing and achieving a strategic vision and plan.
- Ability to develop and strengthen community relationships and effective collaborations.
- Effective skills in board governance and serving as an integral partner with volunteers.
- Experience leading successful fundraising efforts (including annual and capital campaigns).
- YMCA Organizational Leader Certification (Note: Candidates not already in possession of this certification have up to three years to obtain via Y-USA).
Salary: $225,000.00 - $275,000.00
Benefits: Health insurance, medical, dental, vision, long and short-term disability, 12 percent YMCA retirement plan (once qualified), paid time off, life insurance and YMCA membership. Additional benefits include a lap top, cell phone and vehicle allowance.