Branch Executive Director

THe YMCA of the Florida's First Coast is seeking to hire a Branch Executive Director for our Flagship branch.

Job Description

About the Winston Family YMCA

The flagship branch of the First Coast YMCA, offering association-wide influence, visibility, and community impact at scale.

The Winston Family YMCA is more than a YMCA branch—it is the heart of the First Coast YMCA and a powerful force for community well-being in downtown Jacksonville.

For generations, Winston has brought people together around a shared commitment to health, connection, and service. Today, it stands as the association's flagship location, reflecting the very best of the YMCA movement: a place where lives are changed, communities are strengthened, and people are inspired to reach their full potential.

Winston's impact is amplified through deep partnerships with healthcare organizations, community leaders, corporate partners, and philanthropists who share a commitment to improving quality of life across Northeast Florida. These relationships position the branch as a center for innovation, collaboration, and mission-driven leadership.

As the flagship branch, Winston provides a unique opportunity to influence not only the local community but the broader direction and success of the association. The Executive Director will lead a talented team, develop future leaders across the organization, steward critical community relationships, and champion strategies that expand the YMCA's impact throughout the region.

For visionary leaders who are passionate about people’s development, organizational culture, and community transformation, Winston offers a rare opportunity to leave a lasting legacy through both mission impact and leadership advancement.

Lead with Purpose. Build Community. Change Lives.

At the YMCA, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. As our next Branch Executive Director, you will have the unique opportunity to lead a dynamic YMCA branch that serves as a cornerstone of our community.

We are seeking a mission-driven, strategic, and relationship-focused leader who is a passionate and forward-thinking executive with a proven track record of advancing organizational impact. The ideal candidate will demonstrate success in developing and engaging a strong branch board, growing philanthropic support through annual giving, strengthening community relationships, increasing membership and program participation, and leading initiatives that expand the YMCA’s mission and impact within the community.

Why the YMCA?

Working For The YMCA Means Joining a Cause-driven Organization Dedicated To Strengthening Communities Through Youth Development, Healthy Living, And Social Responsibility. As a Branch Executive Director, You Will

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of children, families, and seniors.

Lead a talented and dedicated team of staff and volunteers.

Build relationships that create lasting community change.

Develop innovative programs that meet critical community needs.

Grow professionally through leadership development opportunities and YMCA networks.

The Executive Director is responsible for creating a welcoming and inclusive culture that reflects the YMCA's core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility while ensuring the branch achieves its mission, strategic goals, and financial objectives.

Qualifications

8 years overall leadership experience or closely related non-profit.

2 years of successful experience managing large teams in an executive level/senior management position.

Demonstrated success in securing philanthropic support and leading annual fundraising efforts, preferably generating $100,000 or more annually through annual campaigns, donor cultivation, grants, sponsorships, or community partnerships.

Membership and program management

Must pass Level 2 Background Screening. Level 2 is a fingerprint check of state and federal criminal history information conducted through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). https://info.flclearinghouse.com

A history of success in:

• Financial and budget management
• Staff supervision and team development
• Strategic planning and goal achievement
• Community partnership development
• Preferred
• Bachelor's Degree
• Previous YMCA leadership experience.
• YMCA Organizational Leader Certification or willingness to obtain.
• Experience leading multi-department operations and managing complex organizations.
  
  

Essential Functions

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for all branch operations, ensuring achievement of the YMCA's mission, strategic plan, and annual goals.
• Establish a culture of service excellence that delivers exceptional members and staff experiences.
• Develop, manage, and monitor the branch operating and capital budgets to achieve financial sustainability and revenue growth.
• Lead membership growth and relationship-based engagement strategies that increase participation, retention, and community impact.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality, mission-driven programs that meet YMCA standards and respond to community needs.
• Develop and utilize key performance metrics to evaluate branch performance, member satisfaction, staff engagement, and program outcomes.
• Serve as the YMCA's ambassador by building and strengthening strategic relationships with community leaders, businesses, government agencies, and partner organizations.
• Lead the branch's annual fundraising efforts, including volunteer recruitment, campaign execution, donor engagement, and achievement of philanthropic goals.
• Recruit, develop, and support an effective volunteer board and committee structure that reflects and represents the branch community.
• Recruit, mentor, supervise, and develop staff and volunteers, fostering a high-performing, inclusive culture that supports personal and professional growth.
• Participate as an active member of the association leadership team, Executive Cabinet, and cross-functional initiatives to advance organizational priorities.
• Ensure excellence in facility operations, risk management, and safety by maintaining high-quality facilities, emergency procedures, required certifications, and compliance with all YMCA policies and applicable laws and regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the YMCA's mission and strategic objectives.
• Ensure all First Coast YMCA standards and best practices are implemented and followed.
• Applies YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to best practices, emergency procedures, medical and disciplinary situations, and child abuse prevention.
• Ensures the health and safety of all members/guests.
• Inspect physical space to ensure the safety, orderliness, sanitation, and cleanliness of facilities.
• Demonstrates compliance with YMCA Child Abuse Prevention and Abuse Risk Management policies.
  
  

Required Certifications

Compensation & Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation package that may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance Retirement benefits Paid time off. Professional development and leadership training YMCA membership
  
  

The YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and the communities we serve.