District Executive Director

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the Chief Operations Officer (COO), the District Executive Director provides strategic and operational leadership for the Newman YMCA and East Side/Mt. Hope YMCA branches. The position ensures alignment with the YMCA of Greater Providence’s mission, goals, and strategic priorities through effective leadership in membership, programs, facilities, fundraising, and community engagement.

The District Executive Director is responsible for driving operational excellence, fiscal accountability, and mission impact across both branches. This role requires a dynamic leader who can manage diverse teams, strengthen community partnerships, and deliver consistently high-quality member experience across the district.

Reports to: Chief Operations Officer Supervises: Executive and program directors, managers, and key staff at assigned branches.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Include the following:

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Provide leadership and direction in achieving the Association’s strategic and operational goals for both the Newman and East Side/Mt. Hope branches.
• Oversee daily branch operations, ensuring high standards in service delivery, safety, staff performance, and member satisfaction.
• Develop, manage, and monitor branch budgets; ensure strong fiscal performance and accountability.
• Analyze operational trends and make data-driven adjustments to maintain balanced and sustainable operations.
• Lead the implementation of membership, program, and financial growth strategies aligned with the Association’s goals.
• Serve as a thought partner to the COO and contribute to Association-wide initiatives and innovation projects.
• Staff & Volunteer Development
• Recruit, train, and develop an outstanding, diverse, and culturally competent team.
• Provide mentorship, guidance, and professional development opportunities for branch leadership and staff.
• Foster a positive, mission-driven culture that values teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Support and guide volunteer leadership through the development of strong Branch Council and committees.
• Strengthen council engagement, succession planning, and fundraising participation.
• Membership, Programs & Community Engagement
• Develop and execute strategies to increase membership growth, retention, and engagement across both branches.
• Oversee delivery of high-quality, mission-driven programs that respond to community needs and reflect the Y’s commitment to equity and inclusion.
• Serve as a visible ambassador for the YMCA, cultivating relationships with civic leaders, schools, businesses, and community organizations.
• Promote the YMCA’s financial assistance program to ensure equitable access for all.
• Collaborate with the Association marketing team to implement effective outreach and communication strategies.
• Financial Development & Philanthropy
• Provide strong leadership and accountability for branch fundraising efforts, including the Annual Campaign, sponsorships, and special events.
• Identify and cultivate new partnerships, donors, and grant opportunities to advance the Y’s mission.
• Engage staff and volunteers in a culture of philanthropy and stewardship.
• Ensure branch fundraising aligns with Association development goals and best practices.
• Facility & Risk Management
• Ensure all branch facilities and grounds are safe, well-maintained, and provide a welcoming environment for members and staff.
• Partner with Property Management to prioritize and complete maintenance, capital projects, and safety improvements.
• Oversee risk management and compliance with YMCA, OSHA, and state/local regulatory standards.

Association & Community Leadership

• Participate actively in Association leadership meetings and initiatives.
• Represent the YMCA of Greater Providence in community networks, partnerships, and regional collaborations.
• Support special events, Association programs, and cross-branch projects that enhance organizational visibility and impact.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s (BA) degree required.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive leadership experience, including at least 5 years in senior or executive management (YMCA or nonprofit experience preferred).
• Demonstrated success in fiscal management, membership growth, community engagement, and staff development.
• Proven experience in fundraising, volunteer board development, and strategic partnerships.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to lead through influence, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to changing community needs.
• Experience overseeing multiple branches or business units is strongly preferred.
• Certification as YMCA Multi-Team or Branch Leader (or ability to obtain within two years of hire).
• YMCA Leadership Competencies
• Mission Advancement: Builds and expand community partnerships that advance the Y’s mission.
• Operational Effectiveness: Executes strategy through clear metrics, staff engagement, and fiscal accountability.
• Philanthropy: Champions a culture of giving and actively leads fundraising efforts.
• Volunteerism: Builds, supports, and inspires effective volunteer leadership at both branches.
• Community Engagement: Develops strong partnerships that extend the Y’s reach and relevance.
• Change Leadership: Encourages innovation and adaptability in a dynamic, multi-branch environment.

Certifications / Training:

• CPR, First Aid, and required safety certifications (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire).
• CPR for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid, Oxygen Administration, AED, and Bloodborne Pathogens

YMCA of Greater Providence Team Standards:

• Know our mission and be able to tell our story.
• The mission of the YMCA of Greater Providence is to build healthy spirit, mind and body for all, through programs, services and relationships that are based on our core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
• Honor your colleagues by being on time, present and fully engaged at all times.
• If you disagree, propose a solution.
• Be accountable for results.
• A commitment to valuing and acting as one YMCA as evidenced by referring to ourselves as employees of the YMCA of Greater Providence.
• Display leadership that requires not only skill, but energy, passion, optimism and creativity.
• Build open and honest communication. Face to face, or voice to voice, is the preferred method of communication with email for information sharing only.
• Deliver exceptional service that is of high value. Build a positive staff team. Be friendly.