Executive Director – Alliance Family YMCA (YMCA of Central Stark County)

Executive Director – Alliance Family YMCA (YMCA of Central Stark County)

Location: Alliance Family YMCA – Alliance, Ohio

Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Reports to: Vice President of Operations

Position Summary

The YMCA of Central Stark County is seeking a motivated, relationship-focused, and mission-driven leader to serve as the Executive Director of the Alliance Family YMCA.

The Alliance Family YMCA operates with an annual budget of $775,000 and plays an important role in its community, serving individuals and families from a wide range of backgrounds, ages, and experiences. We are seeking a leader who understands the importance of strong operations, meaningful relationships, and creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

The Executive Director will provide leadership for all aspects of branch operations, including membership, programs, financial performance, staff development, annual fundraising, and community engagement. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, hands-on leader who can build strong teams, connect with the community, and translate the YMCA's mission into meaningful impact.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary: $65,000-$72,000 commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, retirement plans (403(b) and 401(a)), paid time off, paid holidays, and YMCA membership.
• Professional development opportunities and support for national YMCA leadership certifications.
• Opportunity to lead a community-focused YMCA during an exciting period of investment and growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, nonprofit management, human services, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of progressively responsible leadership experience, preferably within the YMCA or a comparable nonprofit or community-based organization.
• Demonstrated success managing staff, budgets, programs, or membership operations.
• Experience in fundraising, volunteer engagement, and community relationship building.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to build effective teams, establish accountability, and lead through change.
• Strong organizational skills, sound judgment, and a willingness to be actively engaged in daily branch operations.
• Commitment to the YMCA's mission and core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a YMCA Associate Executive Director, Senior Program Director, Executive Director, or comparable leadership position.
• Experience supporting annual fundraising campaigns and working with volunteer boards.
• YMCA leadership certification or commitment to continued professional development.
• Experience supporting organizational growth, facility improvements, or community-based initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Branch Leadership & Operations

• Provide overall leadership and direction for the Alliance Family YMCA, ensuring strong daily operations, quality programs, and an exceptional member experience.
• Develop and implement branch goals and strategies that align with association priorities and respond to community needs.
• Establish clear expectations, monitor performance, and ensure accountability across all departments.
• Maintain a visible, engaged presence throughout the branch, building relationships with staff, members, and volunteers.
• Lead effectively through change while maintaining a positive, supportive environment for staff and members.

Fiscal Management & Organizational Performance

• Develop and manage the branch's $775,000 annual operating budget, ensuring responsible financial management and long-term sustainability.
• Monitor key performance indicators, including membership, program participation, revenue, and expenses.
• Identify opportunities for membership and program growth while maintaining appropriate expense controls.
• Make thoughtful, data-informed decisions that balance financial performance with the YMCA's mission and community impact.

Philanthropy, Board Development & Community Engagement

• Lead the branch's annual campaign, currently with a $120,000 fundraising goal, strengthening existing relationships and identifying opportunities to grow philanthropic support.
• Engage staff, volunteers, and advisory board members in developing a strong culture of philanthropy.
• Lead the Alliance Family YMCA Advisory Board, supporting meaningful volunteer engagement and community leadership.
• Build and maintain relationships with local businesses, schools, community organizations, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Represent the YMCA as an active, visible, and trusted community leader.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Recruit, lead, coach, and develop a strong branch leadership team.
• Establish a culture of teamwork, accountability, inclusion, and professional growth.
• Provide clear communication and consistent support to staff, particularly during periods of organizational change.
• Develop emerging leaders and create opportunities for staff to take ownership of their work and contribute to branch success.

Membership, Programs & Community Impact

• Lead strategies that strengthen membership recruitment, engagement, satisfaction, and retention.
• Ensure the branch provides a welcoming, inclusive environment that reflects and serves the diverse needs of the Alliance community.
• Evaluate programs and services to ensure they remain relevant, accessible, and responsive to changing community needs.
• Support high-quality programs in youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
• Build meaningful connections with members and seek opportunities to remove barriers to participation.

Association Leadership & Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with association leadership and fellow Executive Directors to advance the YMCA of Central Stark County's strategic priorities.
• Participate in association-wide initiatives, share best practices, and contribute to a culture of organizational excellence.
• Model the YMCA's mission and core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.