Executive Director

Position SummaryUnder the general supervision of the Chief Operating Officer, the Executive Director is responsible for establishing and implementing the mission, goals, and values of the YMCA within the Kent County community. This role provides overall leadership for branch operations, staff development, branch council engagement, fundraising, financial performance, community impact, and participation in the planning and execution of the branch redevelopment.

As a key leader within the Association and the Kent County community, the Executive Director will balance strong day-to-day operating leadership with long-range redevelopment planning. The position is responsible for growing membership, revenue, strengthening operating performance, advancing mission-based programming, building philanthropic support, and coordinating the capital, project management, and community engagement work necessary to position the Kent County YMCA for its next phase of service and impact.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic & Operational Branch Leadership

Provide overall leadership for branch operations in alignment with the YMCA’s mission, strategic plan, and Association-wide priorities. Ensure strong operational performance, financial sustainability, program quality, stewardship of YMCA assets, and alignment between current operations and the long-term redevelopment strategy. Provide direct leadership to Kent County YMCA operations and strengthen staff capacity to work effectively as a unified, accountable team.

2. Membership, Programs & Community Impact

Oversee membership growth, retention, and engagement strategies that deepen member commitment and increase volunteer and donor involvement. Ensure programs are outcome-driven, data-informed, and responsive to community needs, with particular focus on underserved populations.

3. Financial Management, Fund Development & Capital Planning

Prepare, manage, and administer the annual operating budget while developing multi-year financial projections that account for redevelopment priorities, operating impacts, and capital needs. Ensure branch financial oversight and performance management to ensure balanced operations. Coordinate annual branch fundraising, major donor cultivation, grant development, and capital planning efforts with Association leadership and Development team. Develop a strong pipeline of donors, community investors, and funding partners to support both current operations and future redevelopment needs. Partner with Association leadership, development staff, volunteers, and consultants on feasibility planning, case development, prospect strategy, grant opportunities, major gifts, sponsorships, and capital campaign readiness.

4. Staff Leadership & Organizational Development

Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing, culturally competent staff team. Foster a collaborative, mission-driven culture through effective leadership, training, accountability, and partnership with HR.

5. Community Engagement, Partnerships & Branch Council Leadership

Serve as a visible community leader and ambassador for the YMCA throughout Kent County. Build and sustain collaborative relationships with community organizations, businesses, schools, municipalities, donors, foundations, and civic groups. Develop and engage a branch council capable of advancing annual support, major gifts, strategic partnerships, community advocacy, and the redevelopment vision. Recruit, develop, and engage a strong branch council and campaign volunteers who can support fundraising, community partnerships, advocacy, and redevelopment planning.

6. Redevelopment & Project Management

Serve as the branch-level leader for the Kent County YMCA redevelopment plan in partnership with consultants and Association leadership. Coordinate with Association leadership on planning, timelines, stakeholder communication, community input, and implementation readiness. Monitor financial performance, analyze trends, and recommend operational adjustments that strengthen sustainability and prepare the branch for redevelopment.

Other Duties & Responsibilities

• Ensure appropriate data collection and evaluation for outcome-based program measurement.

• Partner with Human Resources on staffing, training, performance management, and procedural updates.

• Ensure effective implementation and oversight of risk management and safety practices, particularly child and water safety. Participate in Praesidium child safety accreditation process to insure proper branch safety measures are in place.

• Maintain a highly visible presence throughout Kent County, communicate the YMCA’s impact and redevelopment vision, and uphold the highest standards and values of the YMCA.

• Identify key community challenges and align YMCA programs and resources to address community needs.

• Support facility and capital planning by helping evaluate program demand, space utilization, operating implications, project phasing, and long-term sustainability.

• Prepare clear written and verbal updates for senior leadership, the branch council, donors, community partners, and other stakeholders.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Managerial and Consultative Skills

Demonstrated experience in executive leadership, financial management, community development, fundraising, capital planning, project management, strategic planning, facility operations, membership and program delivery, organizational development, risk management, and leading through change is integral to this position. The successful candidate must be able to manage complex, multi-year initiatives while maintaining strong branch operations and building confidence among staff, volunteers, donors, community partners, and Association leadership.

Experience & Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, nonprofit management, public administration, community development, or a related field preferred. A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible leadership experience is preferred. YMCA Organizational Leader certification is preferred or must be obtained within an agreed-upon timeframe.

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw sound conclusions

• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Physical Demands

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands; balance, stoop, kneel or crouch; and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be able to travel to other branches, within the community and local region.

The position has exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens and the incumbent will be educated and prepared to do so. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.