President & CEO

The Fox Valley YMCA is an equal opportunity employer committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion.
Job Description

The Fox Valley YMCA has a commitment to creating a culture of safety. 

The Opportunity 

As the next Chief Executive Officer of the Fox Valley Family YMCA, you will have the unique opportunity to shape the future of a rapidly growing and vibrant community. With a strong foundation in place, including the Central and West Branches, the YMCA is now expanding with a state-of-the-art 59,700 sq. ft. East Branch facility, which will serve as a hub for health, fitness, education, and community engagement in Kendall County. The East Branch project is more than just a building—it's a strategic response to the region's population growth and increased demand for essential services, including health, recreation, and childcare. 

Leading this expansion will allow you to oversee groundbreaking initiatives, such as the establishment of an Olympic-sized pool, multi-purpose gymnasium, fitness center, and expanded daycare services. This role is ideal for a leader with a vision for growth, innovation, and community-building to secure long-term financial stability for the YMCA and ensure that its mission continues to thrive for generations. 

As CEO, you will be at the forefront of partnerships that are pivotal to the YMCA’s success, working with local government, schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations to broaden the Y’s reach and deepen its impact. You will have the opportunity to inspire future generations, bring innovative programs to life, and create a legacy of health, wellness, and inclusivity. 

This is not just an executive position; it’s an invitation to become a leader in a community that is actively shaping its future. With the backing of a committed Board of Directors, an experienced staff, and a supportive community, you will have the resources to drive transformative change. If you are looking for a leadership role that combines strategic oversight with meaningful community impact, this is the opportunity to make a lasting difference. 

Our Mission 

To instill Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body. 

Our Cause

We are driven by our cause of strengthening community. Every day, we work side by side with our neighbors to make sure everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

The Fox Valley Family YMCA is committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment where diversity and inclusion are valued. Our staff is dedicated to serving the diverse needs of our community. 

Fox Valley YMCA Facts 

  • Service Area: Plano, Sandwich, Yorkville, and Somonauk, with a population of over 50,000
  • Annual Budget: $6 million

Current Facilities:

  • Central Branch (Plano): 65,900 sq. ft. on 16 acres with a pool, fitness center, gymnastics facilities, and daycare.
  • West Branch (Sandwich): 14,000 sq. ft. on 5 acres with fitness and childcare facilities.
  • East Branch (Yorkville, opening in 2025): 59,700 sq. ft. facility, with future pool and daycare planned

Current Key Strategic Initiatives 

  • Capital campaign for the new East Branch facility.
  • Expanding program offerings, including swim teams, gymnastics, and fitness classes.
  • Developing the Early Learning Academy to meet increasing demand.

Membership  

  • Total Number of Members: 5,072
  • Total Number of Membership Units: 2,627
  • Percentage Breakdown:
    • Family: 33%
    • Adults: 19%
    • Youth: 20%
    • Seniors: 12% 

Branch/Facility Information 

  • Central Branch: 65,900 sq. ft. on 16 acres, including a pool, gymnastics gym, daycare, and fitness facilities.
  • West Branch: 14,000 sq. ft. on 5 acres, with daycare and fitness facilities.
  • East Branch (coming in 2025): 59,700 sq. ft. on 26 acres, featuring a fitness center and fieldhouse; future phases will include a pool and daycare.

Programs  

  • Strong swim team and growing gymnastics program.
  • Large summer day camp and before/after school care.
  • Les Mills fitness classes at both branches.
  • Early Learning Academy at full capacity.
  • Community partnerships with local law enforcement, schools, and rehabilitation centers 

Annual Campaign  

  • 2023 Goal: $19,000
  • 2023 Financial Assistance: $28,000

Capital Campaign(s)  

East Branch Construction:

  • The new 59,700 sq. ft. facility will be located on 26 acres of land in Bristol, IL.
  • Phase 1 includes a cutting-edge fitness center, a multi-purpose gymnasium, an indoor track, and multi-use community spaces
  • Phase 2 will add a natatorium with an Olympic-sized indoor pool for swim lessons, fitness, and competitions.
  • Phase 3 will introduce an expanded daycare facility, the Early Learning Academy, serving children from 6 weeks to 5 years.

Support for Community Health & Wellness

  • The campaign seeks to raise funds to enhance community access to fitness, health, and recreational activities.
  • Donations will also support youth programs, swim safety, fitness classes, and community engagement

Staff

Current Staff  

  • FT Employees: 15
  • PT Employees: 250 

CEO Direct Reports: 9

  • Facilities Director
  • Marketing & Communications Director
  • Director of Gymnastics Operations
  • Aquatics Director
  • Head Swim Team Coach
  • Healthy Living Director
  • Senior Director of Child Care Operations
  • Membership Director
  • West Branch Operations & Community Relations Director

Board of Directors 

  • 16 members 

Population & Demographics 

  • Total Population: Approximately 48,000 across Plano, Sandwich, Yorkville, and Somonauk.
  • Geographical Area: The YMCA serves a region that covers over 50 square miles, including growing suburban and rural communities.

Plano:

  • Population: 11,847
  • Gender: 53.9% Male, 46.1% Female
  • Racial Composition:
    • White (Non-Hispanic): 53.9%
    • Hispanic or Latino: 37.8%
    • Black or African American: 4.3%
    • Asian: 2.7%
    • Two or More Races: 1.3%
    • Median Age: 32.4 years
    • Median Household Income: $88,018

Sandwich:

  • Population: 7,221
  • Gender: 51% Male, 49% Female
  • Racial Composition: 
    • White: 83.81%
    • Hispanic or Latino: 14.78%
    • Black or African American: 1.05%
    • Asian: 0.73%
    • Two or More Races: 7.37%
  • Median Age: 37.2 years
  • Median Household Income: $70,563

Yorkville:

  • Population: 23,835
  • Racial Composition:
    • Predominantly White, with a growing Hispanic and minority population.
  • Median Household Income: $105,271

Somonauk:

  • Population: 1,751
  • Racial Composition:
    • White (Non-Hispanic): 91.8%
    • Hispanic or Latino: 3.17%
    • Other Races / Two or More Races: 2.5%
  • Median Household Income: $78,750

Education:

  • Public Schools: Plano, Sandwich, and Yorkville school districts serve the community, with multiple elementary, middle, and high schools in each.
  • Higher Education: Waubonsee Community College has a satellite campus in Plano.

Community Facilities:

  • Parks and Recreation: Numerous parks and sports facilities, including multiple ball fields and tennis courts. Plans for expanded fitness and recreational spaces are underway with the new East Branch.
  • Healthcare: The region has access to healthcare through local clinics and nearby hospitals in Kendall County.

Transportation:

  • Rail Service: The region is serviced by Metra’s commuter rail line, providing access to Chicago and surrounding areas.
  • Airports: Chicago's O'Hare and Midway airports are within a 45-minute drive.

Additional Important Information 

Area Amenities and Community Benefits

Fox Valley is one of the fastest-growing counties in Illinois, offering a variety of housing options and a close-knit community feel. The area is home to both small towns and more developed suburbs, with close proximity to Chicago and major airports.

Qualifications

Criteria for Candidates: 

  • Accredited 4-year college degree or equivalent experience.
  • Must demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills and personal values consistent with the YMCA mission.
  • 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 be able to develop and strengthen community relationships.
  • Have the ability to develop innovative programs, review and enhance programs being offered or considered for both economy and the effectiveness in broadening our engagement in the communities in which we serve.
  • Strategic planning and Fundraising experience including annual campaigns and the securing of grants.
  • Fiscally sound business management approach.
  • A proven record of accomplishment of progressive budgetary leadership and advanced fiscal management practices.
  • YMCA Organizational Leader Certification or ability to achieve within 3 years. 
Essential Functions

Position Description

The Fox Valley Family YMCA is seeking an individual to lead this dynamic organization through a period of strategic growth and innovation. The President & CEO will guide efforts to grow and maintain productive working relationships in the community, enhance membership, and strengthen partnerships. The leader will oversee operations, manage budgets, and drive fundraising initiatives, while fostering a culture of safety and inclusion. 

Key Performance Objectives  

  • Build and Lead Staff: Ensure a talent development system is in place and executed effectively with cultural competence. Hire, motivate, nurture, retain, and hold staff accountable for key objectives. Work towards recruiting, retaining, developing, and promoting staff that represent the diversity of the communities you serve. Encourage the team by creating a spirit of camaraderie, inclusion, and a sense of mission and purpose. Create a learning organization to help staff achieve their highest potential. Key competencies: Developing Self & Others, Inclusion, Emotional Maturity, Change Leadership.
  • Position the Y as a Vital Partner for Community Change: Serve as an ambassador for the mission, purpose, and vision of the YMCA within the community. Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, while upholding the highest standards and values of the Y. Ensure your Y is recognized 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.
  • Improve Operating Performance: Engage the board and appropriate staff to develop an annual tactical plan for identifying and achieving key goals and objectives with safe, relevant, and sustainable practices. Address issues promptly, forecast future needs, and manage the Y’s operations and activities effectively. Key competencies: Developing Self & Others, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Innovation.
  • Fiscal Management: Utilize high-level financial analysis to forecast financial trends, growth, and stability. Consistently lead the organization to balanced or surplus operations by growing earned revenue and contributions while controlling costs. Empower and guide staff leaders to successful financial operations in their departments. Develop and implement stewardship strategies. Key competencies: Fiscal Management, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Developing Self & Others, Philanthropy.
  • Maintenance and Development of Facilities (Capital Development): Lead your Y through the stages of a current or future capital development project, whether in initial planning, research and viability, architectural and schematic design phases, construction management, or operational start-up of new, renovated, or expanded facilities. Key competencies: Fiscal Management, Program/Project Management, Change Leadership, Critical Thinking & Decision Making.

Salary Range: $105,000-$130,000

Benefits: 

  • Healthcare: Full-time staff are offered health, dental, disability, life, and vision insurance, with the YMCA covering 75% of employee premiums.
  • Retirement: YMCA contributes 10% of the employee’s salary to their 401(a) retirement plan.
  • Vacation: 2 weeks accrued annually for 0-7 years of service, 3 weeks for 8-11 years, and 4 weeks for 12+ years.
  • Holidays: 7 paid holidays, including New Year's Day, Memorial Day, and Christmas.

Residency Expectation: The CEO is expected to be highly engaged and visible in our community. Living in the YMCA’s service area is required. 

Other Sites for Information:

www.ymca.org 

foxvalleyymca.org 

 

Target Dates for the Search Process

Resumes accepted through: 10/15/2024        

Preliminary interviews scheduled: 11/4-11/5/2024

Final interviews: 11/21-11/22                

New CEO on board (anticipated): 12/2024    

 

To Apply

Candidates will apply via the following website: https://tinyurl.com/fox-valley-family-ymca-ceo 

Application, References, Background Check, and Organizational Leader Certification: 

Candidates must submit the following in their online application, uploading a PDF of your cover letter and resume. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. 

Candidates who advance to final interviews will need to submit six references (four professional and two personal). References checked only with prior notification. 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. 

 

Questions regarding this position should be directed to:

Glenn Haley, CEO

Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs

[email protected] 

Grace Matos

CEO Search, YMCA of the USA

[email protected]