President and CEO

YMCA
Salary
$250,000.00
$300,000.00
How to Apply
Apply Online
Resumes Accepted Until
Belong to Something Greater!
Job Description

THE YMCA OF METROPOLITAN HARTFORD

EXECUTIVE VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Position:  Chief Executive Officer (President and Chief Executive Officer)

Address:  50 State House Sq., 2nd Fl., Hartford, CT 06103

The YMCA of Metropolitan Hartford is an equal opportunity employer

committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Hartford has a commitment to creating a culture of safety.

The Opportunity

The YMCA of Metropolitan Hartford is seeking a new CEO to lead us forward. As one of the oldest and largest charities in the region, the Y serves over 36,000+ individuals annually through a wide range of impactful programs, including childcare, senior services, sports, education, fitness, health interventions, and more. 

As a beacon of social responsibility, the Y stands among the select few nonprofits equipped to tackle inequity and address social and physical determinants of health in the communities we serve. We seamlessly adapt to evolving community needs, championing causes like affordable childcare, educational attainment, and combatting food insecurity.

Your opportunity to make a difference starts here.  The YMCA of Metropolitan Hartford is not just a place; it’s a catalyst for change, we invite you to be a vital part of it. Become a leader in a community that embraces innovation and inclusivity and be part of an organization that has been at the heart of transformative impact for nearly 150 years.

Join us in Hartford, where you can be at the forefront of positive change. The area served by the YMCA of Metropolitan Hartford includes the capitol city of Hartford and several surrounding municipalities that are largely suburban. The Hartford area boasts excellent school systems and a numerous cultural, sports and entertainment attractions. 

Our Mission 

Belong to Something Greater!

The YMCA of Metropolitan Hartford is a charitable association open to all and committed to helping people develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind and body. This commitment is reinforced by our belief in living out universal values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

Vision: The YMCA of Metropolitan Hartford will be the premier charitable organization, for all by advancing Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.

Position Description

The YMCA of Metropolitan Hartford seeks a dynamic, strategic, and community-oriented leader to serve as its next President & CEO.

This role calls for an inspiring, visionary leader of high integrity, with a global perspective, a commitment to empathetic, attentive and servant leadership, and a blend of self-confidence and humility. The CEO will develop and drive a vision that brings the Y’s mission into a forward-looking, long-term focus. A passion for the Y and a commitment to fostering a culture of growth and innovation are essential.

The ideal candidate will be a skilled communicator with a strong background in building partnerships and driving fundraising efforts. A dedication to relationship-building and an understanding of the distinct needs of our diverse communities are key. Our next leader must be skilled at building the “one YMCA” culture with our board and inclusive engagement with our branches and camps.  Additionally, the CEO will be vigilant in identifying financial and operational challenges, ensuring prudent stewardship of the Y’s financial resources and leading a comprehensive approach to enterprise risk management.

Qualifications

Criteria for candidates:

  1. Accredited 4-year college degree or equivalent experience.
  2. Must demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills and personal values consistent with the YMCA mission.
  3. Minimum five years prior experience in a senior management role with a YMCA or related experience at a comparable organization with supervision of multiple levels of large staff teams.
  4. Must have demonstrable success in developing and strengthening community relationships.
  5. Have proven track record in developing innovative programs, reviewing and enhancing programs being offered or considered for both economy and the effectiveness in broadening our engagement in the communities in which we serve.
  6. Strategic planning and Fundraising experience including annual campaigns, major/planned gifts, and capital campaigns.
  7. Fiscally sound business management approach with demonstrated success in meeting and exceeding budget expectations and growing diverse revenue streams.
  8. A proven record of accomplishment of progressive budgetary leadership and advanced fiscal management practices.
  9. Proven experience working with and building effective and engaged volunteer boards.
  10. YMCA Organizational Leader Certification or ability to achieve within 3 years. 
Essential Functions

Key Performance Objectives

Develop and Implement a Strategic Plan: Work effectively with volunteers, community leaders, and key staff, to create and develop a strategic plan that addresses the needs of the communities served by the Y and includes defined organizational strategies, a clear implementation plan with deliverables, and measurable goals. Key competencies: Change Leadership, Communication & Influence, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Program/Project Management

Improve Operating Performance: Engage the board and appropriate staff to develop an annual tactical plan for identifying and achieving key goals and objectives towards operating with safe, relevant, and sustainable practices. 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

Fiscal Management: Use high-level financial analysis to forecast financial trends, growth and stability, while consistently leading organization to balance or surplus operations by growing earned revenue and contributions and controlling costs. Empower and guide staff leaders to lead their departments to successful financial operation. Develop and implement stewardship strategies. Key competencies: Fiscal Management, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Developing Self & Others, Philanthropy

Build and Lead Staff: Ensure a talent development system is in place and executed in affirming, culturally competent and effectively. 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 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 for the YMCA within the community. Possess the ability to develop and cultivate relationships with key stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, while always upholding the highest standards and values of the Y. Ensure your Y is seen as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening 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. Key competencies: Philanthropy, Engaging Community, Communication & Influence

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

Here at the Y, we embrace and encourage our differences in age, color, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status and other characteristics that make us unique. As an employee of the Y, you are expected to use respectful communication, to be cooperative with others, work in teams and value the different perspectives that others bring to the group, and in general promote inclusion at all our branches and in the communities we serve.

Membership 

  • Total Number of Members 29,933 (20,769 paying members and 9164 senior third party)
  • Total Number of Membership Units 16,963 (8774 paying units and 8189 senior third party)
  • % Youth: 4.65%
  • % Adults: 11.83%
  • % Household: 19.29%
  • % Senior 2.64%
  • % Corporate Memberships 692 units/8%

Branch/Facility Information 

The YMCA of Metropolitan Hartford is comprised of

  • 9 Branches
  • 2 overnight camps
  • 10 day camps
  • 5 Early learning centers
  • 2 preschools 24 After school care locations

Programs 

  • Childcare (Infant/Toddler, Preschool, SACC)
  • Membership
  • Wellness
  • Camp (Day & Residential)
  • Aquatics
  • Sports
  • Y Achievers
  • BellXCel
  • Adaptive Programming

Annual Campaign 

  • 2023 total raised - $894,286
  • 2024 Goal - $1,000,000
  • 2024 YTD raised (as of 10/24/24) - $970,732

Previous Year’s Campaign Impact

  • 6,476 received financial assistance
  • $890,388 awarded financial assistance 

Capital Campaign(s) 

  • Camp Woodstock (as of 9/30/24) 
    • Goal: $1,250,000
    • Pledged: $1,405,100 (112% of goal) 
    • Pledges Paid: $1,270,972 (90%)

Current Staff 

  • FT - 141
  • PT - 760

CEO Direct Reports

  • COO (Chief Operating Officer)
  • CFO (Chief financial Officer)
  • CHRO (Chief Human Resources Officer)
  • CDO (Chief Development Officer
  • VP of Facilities

Board of Directors & Trustees 

  • Number of Directors – 19  
  • Number of Trustees – 32 
  • Committees:
    • Audit 
    • Branch Leadership 
    • Endowment Investment 
    • Executive 
    • Finance 
    • Governance 
    • Philanthropy 
    • Strategic Plan  

Financial Snapshot

  • Current Annual Budget Size: 2024- 32,977,648 (included debt service- 1,799,990)
  • Current Debt- 9/2024: 22,379,466
  • Current Endowment- 9/2024: 77,359,464
  • 3-year pattern of annual surplus/deficit
    • Last year- 2023: (3,300,492)
    • Previous year- 2022: (2,394,483)
    • Previous year- 2021: (7,101,056)

Staff Demographics

  • 64% Female
  • 32% Male
  • 4% Gender not Specified
  • 2% Asian
  • 11% Black or African American
  • 61% Caucasian
  • 23% Hispanic or Latino
  • 3% Two or More Races

Additional Important Information

Community Benefits

  • Strong Community Organizations: There are numerous nonprofits and community organizations focused on improving local quality of life, providing support services, and fostering community engagement.
  • Healthcare Services: The area is home to several major hospitals and healthcare facilities, ensuring access to quality medical care.
  • Diverse Population: Hartford's rich cultural diversity fosters a sense of inclusivity and community, with various cultural festivals and events throughout the year.
  • Economic Opportunities: The city has a growing job market, particularly in sectors like insurance, healthcare, and education, attracting professionals and families.
  • Community Events: Throughout the year, Hartford hosts festivals, markets, and community gatherings that encourage social interaction and civic pride.

Area Amenities:

  • Cultural Institutions: Hartford is home to several museums and theaters, including the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, the Mark Twain House, and the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts.
  • Several golf courses included the TPC River Highlands which is known for hosting the Traveler’s Championships.
  • Dunkin Donuts Park which is home to the Minor League Baseball team the Hartford Yard Goats. In addition, Dunkin Donuts Park hosts concerts, community events (including the Y’s Healthy Kids Day) and other activities.
  • Parks and Recreation: The city boasts numerous parks, such as Bushnell Park and Riverside Park, which provide green spaces for outdoor activities, picnics, and community events.
  • Dining and Shopping: The Hartford area features a diverse array of restaurants, cafes, and shops, particularly in neighborhoods like West End and Downtown.

Salary Range:  $250,000-$300,000 annually

Benefits:  We offer the full range of benefits including medical, dental, vision, health savings account with employer contributions, flexible spending accounts, disability and life insurance, as well as other voluntary benefits, Y Retirement contribution at 12%, after eligibility period is met, generous TOP time plan,  2 floating holidays as well as 7 paid holidays, free Y family memberships, and discounts on programs. 

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:

YMCA of Metropolitan Hartford - https://www.ghymca.org/

YMCA of the USA - www.ymca.org

Target Dates for the search process

Resumes accepted through:              12/20/2024

Preliminary interviews scheduled:    January 27th & 28th

Final interviews:                                February 24th & 25th

New CEO on board (anticipated):     April 2025

To Apply

Candidates will apply via the following website: https://tinyurl.com/YMCA-of-Metro-Hartford-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:

Sandy Morander                              Chris Pallatto

Sr. Consultant, CEO Search               CEO, CT&RI State Alliance of YMCAs

[email protected]              [email protected]