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The YMCA of the Triangle is seeking an experienced and relational Branch Executive Director for the Durham YMCAs.
Job Description
Key Attributes, Skills, and Abilities of Our Next Branch Executive
Experienced System Leader: Brings experience managing multi-site operations with clarity, confidence, and strategic oversight.
Flexible and Forward-Thinking: Able to adapt quickly during periods of transition, especially in overseeing a new facility opening and staffing shifts.
Nuanced Cultural Awareness: Possesses (or can develop) a deep understanding of Durham’s unique identity, dynamics, and community expectations.
Accountability-Driven: Builds a culture where high standards, follow-through, and ownership are the norm for both self and others.
Professional and Grounded: Balances relational leadership with the ability to hold respectful but tough conversations; sets the tone for professionalism and alignment across teams.
Campaign-Savvy: Comfortable leading major fundraising efforts and engaging donors with clarity and purpose.
Politically Astute: Able to navigate local political environments, build trust, and advocate effectively in policy-related conversations across the City of Durham.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, human services, or a related field required; graduate degree preferred.
Eight or more years of management experience, preferably in the nonprofit sector, with a strong background in strategic planning, board and volunteer engagement, fundraising, and overseeing multi-site operations.
Proven ability to lead complex operations in collaboration with the corporate office and subject matter experts through staff and community engagement and supervision, volunteer development, philanthropy and fundraising, branch operations management, and program delivery.
Strong financial acumen and management skills, with the ability to develop, implement, and manage complex budgets, evaluate financial performance, and take proactive and decisive action when needed.
Strong understanding of business drivers, strategic priorities, and funding opportunities, with the ability to lead local efforts in support of and connected to broader organizational goals and objectives.
Skilled in building and sustaining strong, collaborative relationships with high-level community volunteers and leaders.
Exceptional communication and presentation skills, including public speaking, meeting facilitation (in person and virtual), and written communication.
Demonstrated ability to relate effectively and work in partnership with diverse groups of people from all backgrounds; multilingual ability is a plus.
Proven ability to coach, mentor, lead, and develop staff through change, fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture.
Ability to provide essential feedback to key leaders and staff with the goal of continued professional growth, development, and success.
Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure while maintaining excellence.
An outstanding commitment to the YMCA Mission and Purpose—with the proven ability to model and teach unifying behavior to support Y culture and develop high-performing and collaborative teams.
Essential Functions
Key Focus Areas for the First 18 Months
Oversee Major Transition Projects: Successfully lead the opening of the new Downtown YMCA while managing the closure of the current American Tobacco Storefront Y and realigning staffing structures.
Enhance Day-to-Day Operations: Provide strong oversight of core operations across all four branches to ensure efficiency, quality, and alignment.
Build and Sustain Culture: Help rebalance the personal and professional dynamic in branch culture — reinforcing accountability, excellence, and respect.
Grow Philanthropy and Engagement: Sustain and expand fundraising and volunteer leadership efforts while deepening donor relationships.
Lead Courageous Conversations: Establish clear expectations, hold teams accountable, and model respect and empathy during change.
Reinforce External Relationships: Maintain and grow trust with key partners and position the Y as a leading voice in community well-being and youth development.