Executive Director – Paul & Carol David YMCA (YMCA of Central Stark County)

Executive Director – Paul & Carol David YMCA (YMCA of Central Stark County)

Location: Paul & Carol David YMCA – Jackson Township, Ohio

Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Reports to: Vice President of Operations

Position Summary

The YMCA of Central Stark County is seeking an experienced, strategic, and mission-driven leader to serve as the Executive Director of the Paul & Carol David YMCA in Jackson Township.

As one of the association's prominent branches, the Paul & Carol David YMCA operates with an annual budget of $2.6 million, serving a dynamic community and requiring a leader who can balance strong operational performance with a forward-thinking approach to membership, programs, philanthropy, and community engagement.

The Executive Director will provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the branch, ensuring financial sustainability, operational excellence, and meaningful community impact. This individual will lead and develop a strong team of professionals, cultivate relationships with community partners and volunteers, and work collaboratively with association leadership to advance the YMCA's mission and strategic priorities.

The ideal candidate is an experienced YMCA or nonprofit professional who understands the complexities of leading a large, multifaceted operation and has demonstrated success in building teams, driving results, and positioning an organization for continued growth.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary: $72,000–$82,000, 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 prominent YMCA branch and make a meaningful impact in a strong, engaged community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, nonprofit management, human services, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible leadership experience, preferably within the YMCA or a comparable nonprofit or community-based organization.
• Demonstrated success leading a complex operation with significant financial, staffing, and program responsibilities.
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans, manage financial performance, and drive organizational growth.
• Experience in fundraising, volunteer board development, and community relationship building.
• Strong record of building, mentoring, and leading high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, decision-making, and change-management skills.
• Ability to think strategically while maintaining accountability for day-to-day operational performance.
• Commitment to the YMCA's mission and core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience as a YMCA Executive Director, Associate Executive Director, or comparable senior leadership position.
• YMCA Organizational Leader certification or demonstrated commitment to continued professional development.
• Experience leading through organizational change, growth, or facility improvements.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Branch Operations

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the Paul & Carol David YMCA, ensuring operational excellence and alignment with association priorities.
• Develop and execute branch strategies that support membership growth, program innovation, financial sustainability, and community impact.
• Evaluate branch performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and lead initiatives that strengthen long-term success.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and exceptional service.

Fiscal Management & Organizational Performance

• Provide leadership and accountability for the branch's $2.6 million annual operating budget, including budget development, revenue growth, and expense management.
• Analyze financial trends and key performance indicators to guide decisions and achieve established goals.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen revenue through membership, programs, and strategic initiatives.
• Balance financial responsibility with the YMCA's commitment to accessibility and community service.

Board Development, Philanthropy & Community Engagement

• Serve as the primary staff leader for the Paul & Carol David YMCA Advisory Board, engaging volunteers in philanthropy and community initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, businesses, donors, and strategic partners.
• Lead the branch's annual campaign, currently with a $160,000 fundraising goal, cultivating a culture of philanthropy among staff, volunteers, and community supporters while identifying opportunities for continued growth.
• Provide leadership and support for the branch's signature fundraising event, which has historically generated $18,000–$25,000 in net proceeds, ensuring its continued success and community engagement.
• Represent the YMCA as a visible and engaged leader within Jackson Township and the surrounding community.

Staff Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing branch leadership team, establishing clear expectations and accountability for results.
• Build leadership capacity through mentoring, succession planning, and professional development.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace where staff feel supported, challenged, and empowered to succeed.
• Navigate organizational change effectively while maintaining team engagement and a positive branch culture.

Membership, Programs & Community Impact

• Drive strategies that strengthen membership acquisition, engagement, satisfaction, and retention.
• Ensure high-quality, innovative programs that respond to changing community needs and advance the YMCA's focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
• Use data, member feedback, and community trends to evaluate performance and identify opportunities for growth.
• Champion an exceptional member experience across all areas of the branch.

Association Leadership & Collaboration

• Serve as a key member of the YMCA of Central Stark County's leadership team, contributing to association-wide initiatives and strategic priorities.
• Collaborate with fellow Executive Directors and association leadership to share resources, strengthen operational practices, and advance organizational goals.
• Model the YMCA's core values and support a culture of organizational excellence.