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Job Description
The Executive Director supports the work of the state’s six Y associations, which collectively form one of Maryland’s leading and most impactful organizations committed to strengthening community across the state through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Executive Director is responsible for connecting with all six YMCA associations from across Maryland to build capacity, impact local communities, carry out the Y mission, speak with a unified voice and establish a strong statewide presence.
This position will be responsible for developing and advancing the alliance’s legislative priorities; elevating the Y’s reputation and presence with elected officials and governmental agencies across the state; forming collaborations across the state to advance the strategic goals of the alliance; and building strong networks
that provide opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and support. The Executive Director also provides direction and leadership for the achievement of alliance goals in accordance with the policies, procedures and standards established by the alliance member CEOs that will advance the mission of the YMCA.
Qualifications
∙ Bachelor’s Degree required
∙ At least 7 years or more experience in governmental affairs, whether working within local, state or federal government or alternatively, in an advocacy/government relations role with a large non profit, corporation or other such entity that significantly impacts the community
∙ Extensive background developing and delivering strategic solutions to complex issues, particularly those related to governmental relations
∙ Strong interpersonal, verbal/written communication and presentation skills
∙ Analytical and problem-solving skills
∙ Must possess a proven ability to establish and maintain collaborative partnerships with individuals, government entities and other organizations to enact positive change
∙ Commitment to the mission of the Y and its focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility
Essential Functions
Advocate and advance the State Alliance with Maryland’s state officials
Actively interact and communicate with Y CEOs and their designees in Maryland, elected and appointed state officials, the community at large, the Y’s lobbying firm, and volunteers and be seen as an active and integral member of the Y’s executive leadership in the state. Act as an ambassador for the mission, cause and vision
for the YMCA within the state and be seen and respected as a leader, with the ability to develop and cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, while always upholding the Y’s values.
∙ Support the alliance and individual Y association leadership in the development of annual legislative priorities; tracking and advocating on key issues
∙ Work with the alliance’s lobbying firm to manage relationships with state elected officials and state agencies to further the Y’s interests and issues
∙ Work with the Y’s lobbying firm to review legislation and, where relevant, monitor hearings ∙ Guide Y CEOs and associations in how best to engage in public policy issues
∙ Represent the Y on statewide initiatives, task forces and committees that are relevant to the Y’s policy objectives and interests
∙ Work with the Y-USA Government Affairs team to help the alliance and its member associations better understand the impact of federal issues, and to manage relationships with federal elected officials
∙ Working with the alliance members, its lobbying firm and the Y-USA Government Affairs team, plan and coordinate opportunities for elected officials to visit Y locations and programs across the state to further their understanding of the Y’s work, mission and impact in the state
∙ Represent the alliance at national and local advocacy activities, events, meetings and trainings ∙ Participate in community-based advocacy efforts.
∙ Coordinating with local Y CEOs and fundraising professionals, identify state and local governmental funding opportunities to support the capital and operating needs of local Ys
∙ When requested, work with local Y CEOs and fundraising professionals to design, submit and manage government funding proposals.
∙ Manage the alliance’s relationship with its contract lobbying firm, ensuring delivery of the contract
provisions. This includes evaluating their performance annually with input from Alliance members, developing and issuing a RFP when applicable, and communicating and strategizing regularly to ensure effective representation of Y legislative agenda and positions.
Ensure Compliance with the Y-USA State Alliance Agreement
Regularly review and ensure adherence to the requirements contained in the funding agreement the alliance has with Y-USA, specifically in the areas of:
∙ Elevating and Advancing State Advocacy
o Developing a State legislative agenda with local Ys, reporting on progress annually, incorporating alliance best practices as leading indicators.
o Submitting a statewide community benefit statements to Y-USA annually, by the end of the first quarter of each year
o Strategically recruiting and supporting state delegations at National Advocacy Days, including youth advocates at Youth Advocacy Days.
o Reporting on congressional visits in Quorum.
∙ Service Delivery
o Board Development/Governance
o CEO Onboarding & Engagement
o Strategy & Operational Planning
∙ Collaborate for Operational Excellence
o Supporting Executive Transitions (strategy through CEO Search Team)
o Supporting financial sustainability of Ys through financial assessments, operational assessments, collaborations, shared services, management agreements and mergers. o Supporting centralized intake at Y-USA (questions and resources).
∙ Child Protection
o Identifying a certified Praesidium guardian who will champion this work.
o Ensuring that Child protection is a biannual Alliance CEO Meeting agenda item. o Promoting 5 Days of Action
o Coordinating alliance plan to help move Ys through accreditation
∙ Engagement & Administration
o Visiting with local Ys to ensure consistent engagement and visibility to emergent needs. o Connecting local Y leaders to the available resources from within the local associations and the Y’s Service Delivery System continuum of support.
o Utilizing Salesforce to track, report and evaluate service and support through the system related to contract deliverables.
o Being an advocate for Y-USA and the Alliance to ensure that education and communication is effective and reaches all stakeholders.
o Developing an annual work plan to ensure effective implementation of deliverables o Participating in regular calls with Y-USA such as Service Delivery Town Halls, Public Policy calls, and Association Assemblies to connect and learn about key strategic initiatives, professional development opportunities, and important information about the ongoing work of the Network.
o Assisting Y-USA in communicating important information, and in securing information from Ys as requested regarding the safety, relevance, and sustainability of the Ys.
o Participating in Y-USA’s Network Partner Meetings and professional development and learning opportunities that support the advancement of the agreement deliverables.
Management of the Maryland Alliance’s operations and interests:
∙ In collaboration with the alliance CEOs, develop a Maryland Alliance strategic plan and annual operating plan
∙ Engage with like-minded organizations within the state to collaborate on issues and opportunities that align with the Y’s mission and priorities (i.e. chronic disease prevention, education funding and regulations, childhood obesity, child care, summer camp, child safety, safety around water etc.)
∙ Coordinate with the Y in Central Maryland SVP, Finance in developing and recommending an
annual budget, and monitor activity during the year to ensure adherence to the budget
∙ Develop an effective ongoing communication process to ensure that alliance CEOs and other interested parties are well informed on important issues and activities
∙ Consult with the alliance chair to develop relevant and engaging agendas and content for the alliance’s ongoing meetings; this includes an annual in-person meeting that focuses on critical strategic alliance issues and opportunities
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
Advancing Our Mission & Cause: Reinforces the Y’s values within the organization and the community. Effectively communicates the benefits and impact of the YMCAs efforts for all stakeholders. Implements effective systems to develop volunteers at program, fundraising, and policy leadership levels. Secures resources and support for all philanthropic endeavors.
Building Relationships: Develops strategies to ensure associates and volunteers reflect the community. Builds and nurtures strategic relationships to enhance support for the YMCA. Serves as a community leader building collaborations based on trust and credibility to advance YMCA mission and goals. Communicates for influence to attain buy-in and support of goals. Provides tools and resources for the development of others.
Leading Operations: Integrates multiple thinking processes to make decisions. Involves members and community in the development of programs and activities. Ensures execution of plans. Institutes sound accounting procedures, and financial controls. Assigns clear accountability and ensures continuous improvement.
Developing & Inspiring People: Fosters a learning environment embracing diverse abilities and approaches. Creates a sense of urgency and positive energy to support change. Anticipates challenges that can sidetrack or derail growth and personal learning. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology. Models and teaches the Y’s values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition. Cultivates relationships to support fundraising.
Cause-Driven Leadership® Competencies
∙ Change Leadership
∙ Engaging community
∙ Collaboration
∙ Critical Thinking & Decision Making
∙ Innovation
∙ Developing Self & Others