For close to 160 years the YMCA of Greater Kansas City has responded to the changing needs of a dynamic and diverse community. The CEO will have the opportunity to leverage the organization’s exceptional growth over the last 10 years to continue to position the Y as a leader in the community and the nation in the areas of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The CEO will work closely with the senior leadership team and a strong volunteer Board of Directors to deepen recent gains and outcomes aligned with the organization’s current strategic plan. Moving forward, the CEO will further strengthen a vision that engages the community, delivers quality programs, member engagement, associate engagement, operational results and philanthropic support including fundraising for annual, capital and deferred maintenance campaigns.
The Board of Directors believes the CEO should be an experienced and innovative leader who has the background and qualities that will permit the selected candidate to achieve excellence in the following roles:
Advocate the YMCA Mission & Vision:
- The next chief executive needs to be a visionary and inspirational ambassador for the mission, goals, and values of the YMCA of Greater Kansas City. The CEO will support the culture through intentional strategies and interactions to support people engagement (volunteers and associates). The next CEO must build upon successful and strategic relationships with influential leaders, members and organizations of the community with an eye toward continuing to leverage those relationships to enhance support for the Y cause. The CEO should be a problem solver and committed to responding to social issues and community change. This may include, but is not limited to, partnerships with the elected and appointed officials of Kansas City and other municipalities, as well as State representatives for development of facilities and services, collaborations with various school districts to expand the YMCA’s school age programming, and partnerships with health care providers to address health concerns such as social isolation, obesity and diabetes in an effort to promote healthy living.
Develop and Lead the Staff Team/Build a Positive, Productive and Welcoming Culture:
- The chief executive’s role in leading the staff team will be critical to their success. The new CEO must: recruit, retain and develop a high-performing team; possess high-level people skills; be a decision maker who listens and “walks the talk” by modeling the YMCA character values; and be a conscious leader that knows how to identify and align people’s strengths in an effort to improve the Association. The CEO will strive to continue to build an inclusive culture that supports teamwork, trust, transparency and transformation.
Provide Vision and Strategic Leadership:
- In partnership with the Board of Directors, the CEO will support, actively champion and promote the Y mission and vision to attract high-caliber volunteers to the board, and help lead board development efforts to ensure optimal board performance, with a continued focus on diversifying the board. This individual will be a committed partner alongside the Board of Directors and its committees to ensure they remain active and engaged.
Develop and Implement Updated Strategic Plan:
- Have the ability to work effectively with volunteers and key staff to create and develop updated strategic roadmap that addresses the needs of this YMCA. Lead staff in the development and implementation of goals through an annual operating plan. Lead volunteers in aligning committees and their charts of work to support the strategies and goals of the association.
Enhance Operating Performance:
- The new CEO will have previous successful experience in making sound financial decisions and a proven track record of operational excellence. The next CEO must assure that public and private resources are available to support operational and capital needs and service the Y’s debt structure. The CEO must understand the Y’s complex financing arrangements and be able to work comfortably within their constraints. The new CEO must instill confidence, credibility, and trust in the Y with financial institutions, foundation leaders, and major donors.
Financial Development and Building a Culture of Philanthropy:
- The CEO needs to lead strategic fundraising efforts, building upon a strong plan for how the association will continue to leverage its brand. This individual must assure that public and private resources are available to support operational and capital needs and have what it takes to instill confidence, credibility, and trust in the Y with financial institutions, foundation leaders and major donors. The organization’s 2019 Annual Campaign Fundraising goal is approximately $1.9 M. The CEO must gain a deep understanding of the region’s philanthropic community and have the ability to gain access to a pipeline of new funding sources as well as continuing and gaining additional support from current sources. The leader must possess creativity and success in leading efforts to fund potential new projects and deferred maintenance through innovation, partnerships, and alternative funding sources e.g.-TIFs, grants, etc.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- A proven track record (minimum ten years of prior experience in a senior management role) or with comparable budgetary/fiscal management and responsibility for a high- performing mission-driven organization with at least $10+ million annual budget.
- Successful fundraising experience in annual campaigns, capital efforts, endowment and grants
- Transformational leader with experience leading the development of an organization’s strategic plan – with a clear vision of serving “all” -- across a diverse community.
- Demonstrated experience in developing effective strategic partnerships and relationships to further the impact of an organization. Effective skills in board governance and serving as an integral partner with volunteers.
- YMCA Organizational Leader Certification (Candidates not already in possession of this certification have up to three years to obtain via YMCA of the USA).
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
- Visionary, inspirational and inclusive leader with the ability to interact with our levels of an organization and people from all walks of life.
- A strong and intentional commitment to diversity and inclusion
- Deep commitment to the services provided by the YMCA
- Sound business acumen and judgment
- Strong sense of ethics, fairness, and honesty
- Committed to and comfortable with setting expectations and managing performance.
- High level of comfort working with private sector executives
- Strong understanding of charitable and non-profit sector
- Entrepreneurial, transparent and collaborative leader
- Accepted and respected in influential circles
Compensation will be market-based, appropriate to experience and accomplishments, and credentials of the candidate. If applicable, a relocation package will be included. Generous health care, dental plan, disability insurance, life insurance, vacation, cell phone allowance and other benefits per policy. Excellent leadership development and networking opportunities including opportunity to connect with national YMCA of the USA and other YMCA’s across the country. YMCA pays 9% retirement contribution per eligibility requirements https://www.yretirement.org/ .