Position Summary:

The Chief Operations Officer (COO) is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team that reports directly to the CEO. The COO is responsible for aligning operational strategies with the YMCA’s mission and goals. This role oversees strategic planning and implementation across branches and programs, ensuring effectiveness, growth, and alignment with community needs. The COO leads efforts in budget oversight, metrics tracking, and continuous improvement to drive operational excellence. By cultivating a culture that values communication, diversity, equity, and belonging for all, the COO cultivates a cohesive and collaborative organization. Additionally, the COO builds and sustains community partnerships, supports advisory boards, and advocates for the YMCA’s mission to maximize its impact in the community.

Our Culture: 

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

Entry Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree in human services, business, social services or equivalent.
• Certifications: YMCA Organizational Leader certification preferred.
• Experience: Five+ years of professional experience, preferably in the YMCA or nonprofit sector.
• Collaboration: Proven ability to manage cross-departmental relationships and align teams toward shared goals.
• Community Engagement: Experience working with and serving diverse communities, with demonstrated ability to connect effectively across social and economic groups.
• Innovation: Track record of driving innovation and process improvements in adaptive and dynamic environments.
• Operational Expertise: Knowledge of operations, including staff development, membership growth, program implementation, volunteerism, facility management, and financial oversight.
• Mission Alignment: Understanding of the YMCA’s mission and the roles of volunteers and staff within the organization.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Program Leadership and Organizational Alignment

• Lead strategic planning efforts across branches and programs to drive growth and effectiveness, while ensuring alignment with the Association’s program service model and community impact goals.
• Supervise branch and program leadership in the implementation of strategic/tactical plans, procedures and priorities, ensuring safety and consistency with organizational policies and priorities.
• Collaborate with department leaders to align operational strategies with organizational objectives while prioritizing the well-being of staff, volunteers and program participants.
• Evaluate and adjust branch and program strategies and policies to respond to changing community needs, emerging opportunities, and systemic challenges.
• Serve as a member of the Executive Leadership Team to advance the YMCA’s mission and organizational goals.
• Recruit, onboard, cross train, and mentor staff to foster an inclusive workplace and ensure team members are equipped with the skills and support needed for ongoing success.

2. Operational Excellence and Performance Management

• Support branch and program leadership in creating and managing development budgets, ensuring financial health and accountability.
• Collaborate with the CEO and Chief Organizational Development Officer to establish and monitor KPIs and program outcomes.
• Ensure SOP alignment, consistency and formalization to enhance efficiency and operational excellence.
• Manage safety and risk assessment protocols to ensure compliance with YMCA standards.
• Utilize continuous improvement methodologies to analyze and enhance processes, increase efficiencies and drive measurable outcomes.
• Foster innovation in member-focused programs, leading staff in planning and implementing new initiatives and impact improvements.

3. Organizational Culture and Wellness

• Prioritize the well-being of individuals by fostering a supportive environment that promotes physical, mental, and emotional health.
• Champion a culture that values communication, diversity, equity, and belonging for all embedding these values and principles across the organization.
• Cultivate a shared impact vision across the organization that fosters collaboration, innovation and operational excellence.
• Collaborate with branch and program leadership to ensure cohesion and coordination between departments and teams.
• Develop and implement internal communication strategies to enhance transparency, engagement, and alignment with YMCA values.

4. Community Partnerships and Impact

• Advocate for the YMCA’s mission, values and program service model to strengthen its community presence and impact.
• Develop and support branch Advisory Boards to ensure alignment with organizational priorities.
• Build and steward partnerships with local organizations, businesses, volunteers, donors, and government agencies to advance strategic priorities.

Physical/Mental

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Sit, reach, and move around the work environment.
• Physical ability and stamina to perform the duties as outlined above, including but not limited to extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, lifting, and carrying up to 40 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
• Ability to work in an environment that is usually moderate to loud.
• Ability to travel and work in multiple locations.
• Ability to work a flexible work schedule.

This job description may not be all inclusive and employees are expected to perform all other duties as assigned and directed by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified when deemed appropriate by management. 

All candidates must have reliable transportation. Job offers are contingent upon completion of a rigorous criminal history background check.