What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Operations Officer position at YMCA of the USA?
A once in a lifetime opportunity to join a thriving Mid-Major Y in Central New Jersey - where leadership counts!
Job Description
Reporting to the President & CEO, the COO serves as a key member of the senior leadership team and is responsible for the oversight of branch operations, program delivery, and key functional areas. The COO ensures alignment with the YMCA’s strategic plan and advances the organization’s mission through high-quality programs and services.
Qualifications
Cause-Driven Leadership
Models the YMCA’s mission and values in all aspects of leadership
Builds relationships that support community engagement and impact
Serves as a visible and trusted leader internally and externally
Operational Leadership
Provides direct leadership and oversight of branch operations and program delivery
Ensures high-quality, consistent program execution across all locations
Drives operational efficiency, performance, and accountability
Youth Development & Child Care
Provides strategic oversight of early learning and school-age childcare programs
Strengthens enrollment, retention, and program quality
Enhances competitiveness in school-based partnerships
Financial Development & Stewardship
Partners with the CEO and finance team to achieve budget targets
Improves program profitability and cost management
Identifies and executes opportunities for revenue growth and sustainability
Strategy & Innovation (Builder Role)
Builds and implements scalable systems, processes, and operating models
Work in tandem with the CEO to lead the conversion of strategic priorities into clear operational plans supporting the Association’s Balance Scorecard and KPIs.
Leads initiatives that strengthen organizational infrastructure and long-term sustainability
Supports new program development and expansion opportunities
Human Resources & Team Leadership
Leads, develops, and inspires a high-performing leadership team
Fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, and inclusion
Supports leadership development and succession planning
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
The COO Will Demonstrate The Following Y-USA Leadership Competencies
Mission Advancement
Reinforces the YMCA’s values within the organization and the community
Builds relationships that advance the YMCA’s cause
Collaboration
Develops and maintains strategic relationships
Works effectively with staff, volunteers, and community partners
Operational Effectiveness
Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process
Effectively manages resources to meet strategic objectives
Personal Growth
Demonstrates adaptability and emotional maturity
Models a commitment to continuous learning and development
Job Description
Reporting to the President & CEO, the COO serves as a key member of the senior leadership team and is responsible for the oversight of branch operations, program delivery, and key functional areas. The COO ensures alignment with the YMCA’s strategic plan and advances the organization’s mission through high-quality programs and services.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
- Minimum of 7–10 years of senior leadership experience in a multi-site organization
- YMCA experience preferred; nonprofit or mission-driven leadership required
- Strong operational, financial, and program management experience
- Demonstrated success in building systems, improving performance, and scaling operations
- Proven ability to lead and develop teams
- YMCA Organizational Leader Certification preferred (or ability to obtain within an agreed-upon timeframe)
Cause-Driven Leadership
Models the YMCA’s mission and values in all aspects of leadership
Builds relationships that support community engagement and impact
Serves as a visible and trusted leader internally and externally
Operational Leadership
Provides direct leadership and oversight of branch operations and program delivery
Ensures high-quality, consistent program execution across all locations
Drives operational efficiency, performance, and accountability
Youth Development & Child Care
Provides strategic oversight of early learning and school-age childcare programs
Strengthens enrollment, retention, and program quality
Enhances competitiveness in school-based partnerships
Financial Development & Stewardship
Partners with the CEO and finance team to achieve budget targets
Improves program profitability and cost management
Identifies and executes opportunities for revenue growth and sustainability
Strategy & Innovation (Builder Role)
Builds and implements scalable systems, processes, and operating models
Work in tandem with the CEO to lead the conversion of strategic priorities into clear operational plans supporting the Association’s Balance Scorecard and KPIs.
Leads initiatives that strengthen organizational infrastructure and long-term sustainability
Supports new program development and expansion opportunities
Human Resources & Team Leadership
Leads, develops, and inspires a high-performing leadership team
Fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, and inclusion
Supports leadership development and succession planning
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
The COO Will Demonstrate The Following Y-USA Leadership Competencies
Mission Advancement
Reinforces the YMCA’s values within the organization and the community
Builds relationships that advance the YMCA’s cause
Collaboration
Develops and maintains strategic relationships
Works effectively with staff, volunteers, and community partners
Operational Effectiveness
Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process
Effectively manages resources to meet strategic objectives
Personal Growth
Demonstrates adaptability and emotional maturity
Models a commitment to continuous learning and development