Chief Executive Officer

The YMCA is an equal opportunity employer.
Job Description

The Opportunity: 

This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned professional to lead a thriving YMCA in Wilson, North Carolina. As the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), you'll join a dedicated team, and a strong board committed to providing exceptional community programs. With a strong financial foundation and a passion for our mission, we're seeking a visionary leader to take our YMCA to new heights.

The CEO will build trust and extend the breadth and depth of the Y’s reach across our service area. The CEO will lead collaborative efforts to grow and maintain productive working relationships in the community that enhance our reputation and further our mission and impact. One of the important roles of the CEO is to ensure the safety and well-being of young people. It’s foundational to everything we do as a youth-serving organization. The CEO creates a culture of safety for everyone by exceeding standards and maintaining compliance.

About the YMCA: 

The Foundation YMCA of Wilson is a new, state-of-the-art facility. It strengthens the foundation of our community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Our Y is for people of all ages, faiths, races, abilities and income…it is for all. We strive to reinforce a sense of personal worth of self and others as an experience characterized by supportive relationships and innovative opportunities to pursue a healthier and happier lifestyle.

The Y features an amazing middle school afterschool program Y-GIG (Youth Gather, Interact & Grow), two indoor swimming pools, over 50 weekly fitness classes, a robust wellness floor, an indoor track, gymnasium and childwatch that provide many opportunities to learn, grow and thrive.

Located in the heart of downtown, the Y is part of the exciting revitalization that is happening in historic, downtown Wilson. We opened the new Y on October 29, 2022. Read more about the Y: www.foundationymca.org.

Our Mission: 

To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

Our Cause & Values: 

Strengthening the foundations of community and instilling the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Our Vision:

Healthy People, Healthy Community, Healthy Future

Commitment to Inclusion:

The Foundation YMCA is an organization focused on addressing the most critical needs in our community. We are dedicated to advancing and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential with dignity.

Current Key Strategic Initiatives: 

  • Grow Revenue
  • Increase understanding of our community impact
  • Plan for Transition of Staff/Board Leadership

Membership: 

  • Total Number of Members: 8,200
  • Total Number of Membership Units: 4,628
    • 8% Youth
    • 16% Adults
    • 50% Household
    • 26% Senior

Core Programs: 

  • Y-GIG, Middle School Afterschool
  • Aquatics
  • Day Camp
  • Group Exercise
  • Classes for special populations
  • Teen Mental Health
  • Teen Leadership Development

Annual Support Campaign: 

  • Prior Year’s Total: $129,094
  • Current Year’s Goal: $130,000
  • Total financial assistance given: $132,517 
  • Capital: Capital Campaign, Strengthening our Foundation, 2023

Staff: 

  • FT: 15
  • PT: 82
  • Seasonal: 11

CEO Direct Reports: 

  • Senior Wellness Director
  • HR and Business Director
  • Aquatics Director
  • Membership Director
  • Y-GIG Director
  • Facilities and Operations Director
  • Marketing and Social Media Director
  • Youth Wellness & Program Director

Board of Directors: 

Number of Governing Board Members: 26

Committees:

  • Board Governance Committee
  • Finance Committee
  • Executive Committee
  • Task Forces Groups as needed

Financial: 

  • Current Annual Budget Size: $2,880,000
  • Current Debt: $0
  • Current Endowment: $1,500,000
  • 3-year annual surplus/deficit:
    • Last year: $400,000
    • Previous year: $375,000
    • Previous year: $300,000

County Population & Demographics: 

Fact (US Census)                                                            Wilson County, North Carolina

Population Estimates: July 1, 2023, (V2023)                       78,970

Persons under 5 years, percent                                          5.90%

Persons under 18 years, percent                                        22.80%

Persons 65 years and over, percent                                    19.40%

Caucasian/White                                                              55.50%

Black or African American                                                  40.00%

American Indian and Alaska Native                                     0.80%

Asian                                                                               1.20%

Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander                          0.20%

Two or More Races, percent                                               2.20%

Hispanic or Latino, percent                                                12.70%

Veterans, 2018-2022                                                         4,370

Households, 2018-2022                                                     32,287

Persons per household, 2018-2022                                     2.39

Median household income (in 2022 dollars), 2018-2022       $49,827

Persons in poverty, percent                                                19.70%

 

About the Area: 

Wilson has something for everyone! Wilson, NC is filled with southern charm as well as innovation and a collaborative spirit. There are many top companies (large and small), banks, retail and numerous local businesses that call Wilson County home. There is a robust agricultural presence as well as pharmaceutical, medical, and aerospace. 

Wilson is home to numerous art galleries, museums and gardens, locally owned brewery and bottle shops, theater, music events and festivals, and historic charm. A true hometown feeling.

Wilson County provides affordable living, solid infrastructure, great schools including Barton College and Wilson Community College, driving distance to beaches and mountains and 45 miles to an international airport. Wilson Medical Center is a Duke Life Point Hospital serving Wilson and surrounding counties.

The Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park makes its home in downtown Wilson. Whirligigs are large kinetic sculptures made from salvaged metal. Construction is underway just beyond Whirligig Park for a $75.5 million stadium. The Single A Minor League Baseball Team, the Carolina Mudcats, is expected to relocate to Wilson following the 2025 season. Wilson is also home to the Wilson TOBS Baseball Organization.

Wilson truly is where southern charm meets small-town delight! Wilson quickly feels like home.

Information Sites: 

Foundation YMCA: http://www.wilsonymca.org/ 

Wilson Arts: http://www.wilsonarts.com/ 

Wilson Board of Realtor: www.wilsonboardofrealtors.com 

Wilson Downtown Development Corp: http://www.historicdowntownwilson.com/

Wilson Economic Development Council: http://www.edc.com/

Wilson Forward: http://www.wilsonforward.org/ 

City of Wilson: http://www.wilsonnc.org/

County of Wilson: http://www.wilson-co.com/

Wilson Visitors Center: http://www.wilson-nc.com/

Barton College: http://www.barton.edu/ 

Wilson Community College: http://www.wilsoncc.edu/ 

Wilson Chamber of Commerce: http://www.wilsonncchamber.com/ 

Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park: http://www.whirligigpark.org/ 

Wilson County Schools: http://www.wilsonschools.net/

Wilson Medical Center: http://www.wilsonmedical.com/ 

YMCA of the USA: http://www.ymca.org/ 

Qualifications

Criteria for Candidates: 

  • Accredited 4-year college degree and or equivalent work experience.
  • Fiscally sound business management approach with a proven track record of budgetary and fiscal management more than $2M or more annually.
  • Minimum five years prior experience in a senior management role with a YMCA or related experience at a comparable organization with direct supervision of multiple levels of staff and employees.
  • Must develop and strengthen community relationships and partnerships.
  • Can lead a staff team to develop new programs, review and enhance programs being offered or considered for economy and effectiveness in broadening our engagement and impact in the communities in which we serve. 
Essential Functions

Key Skills and Abilities of Our Next CEO: 

The board believes its new CEO must be a leader who will achieve excellence in the following roles: 

Build and Lead a High-Performing Team: Develop and implement a robust talent development strategy that fosters a supportive, inclusive, and culturally competent workplace. Recruit, develop, and retain a team aligned with the needs of our community. Cultivate a high-performance culture characterized by collaboration, shared purpose, and continuous learning. Foster positive communications with staff members and maintain clear and consistent expectations. Ensure the staff members feel valued and have the resources and support to accomplish their tasks. Key competencies: Developing Self & Others, Inclusion, and Emotional Maturity.

Fiscal Management and Operating Performance: Engage the board and appropriate staff to develop an annual tactical plan for identifying and achieving key goals and objectives toward operating with safe, relevant, and sustainable practices. Use high-level financial analysis to forecast financial trends, growth, and stability, while consistently leading an organization to balance or surplus operations by growing earned revenue and contributions and controlling costs. Quickly address issues that may arise, forecast future needs, and manage and direct the Y’s operations and activities. Key competencies: Developing Self & Others, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Innovation

Position the Y as a Vital Partner for the Benefit of the Entire Community: Serve as an ambassador for the mission, purpose, and vision for the YMCA within the community. Possess the ability to develop and cultivate relationships with key stakeholders from all backgrounds, while upholding the highest standards and values of the Y. Ensure your Y is seen as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening the community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. Key competencies: Communication & Influence, Engaging Community, Collaboration

Steward Fundraising Efforts: Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan that will establish the YMCA as a leading nonprofit organization within the community through the engagement of members, volunteers, staff, and donors. Identify the need for successful capital fundraising, while taking the organization to a new level of effectiveness and impact in annual giving and endowment.

Implement the Strategic Plan: Work effectively with volunteers, local leaders and key staff to implement the Y’s strategic plan that addresses the needs of the community and builds internal capacity to do more, serve more. Key competencies: Communication, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Program/Project Management

Establish a Strong Partnership with the Board of Directors: Work with the board and board governance committee to help evaluate strengths and support the cultivation of an inclusive pool of board members relative to the strategic plan and key goals.   Partner with the board to establish a best-practices process to recruit, train, develop, and renew the board volunteers. Actively support the board’s activities and functions based on best practices and governance. Key competencies: Volunteerism, Engaging Community, Inclusion

Residency Expectation: Living in the YMCA’s service area is preferred. The CEO is expected to be engaged fully in the communities that the YMCA serves.

Salary Range: $100,000 to $120,000 annually. 

Benefits:  

  • 12% Retirement (percent paid by Y, once eligibility is met)
  • 403B Savings Account
  • Stipend for health insurance
  • PTO: 20 vacation days, 15 sick days, 2 personal days
  • Other benefits per personnel policy

Search Process Target Dates*: 

Resumes accepted through: October 17, 2024

Preliminary interviews scheduled: November 25 and 26, 2024 (late afternoon-early evening)

In-person interviews: December 18-19, 2024. Expected to be in the area by late afternoon of December 17 and depart no later than mid-afternoon December 19.

CEO selection made: Following In-Person interviews

New CEO on board (anticipated): February 1, 2025, or earlier

*Subject to change 

References, Background Check, and Organizational Leader Certification: 

Candidates must submit (pdf format only) the following in their online application: a resume, cover letter. Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered. No other documents need to be uploaded.

Successful candidate accepting the offer must pass a background check and must have a current Y-USA’s Organizational Leader Certification or obtain certification within the first three years from start date as the CEO.

Candidates must apply via the following website: https://tinyurl.com/foundation-ymca-of-wilson-ceo

Questions about the Search Process?

Contact Richard Clegg, CEO Search Senior Consultant, YMCA of the USA, [email protected]

Questions about the YMCA?

Bruce Griffin, Senior Consultant, North Carolina Alliance of YMCAs, [email protected]