President and CEO

YMCA
Salary
$250,000.00
$300,000.00
How to Apply
Apply Online
Resumes Accepted Until
The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg plays a vital role in enriching the lives of individuals and families across southern Pinellas County.
Job Description

EXECUTIVE VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg

Position: President and CEO (Chief Executive Officer)

Address:  600 1st Avenue North, Suite 201, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

The YMCA of Greater St Petersburg is an equal opportunity employer committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion.

The Opportunity:

The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg plays a vital role in enriching the lives of individuals and families across southern Pinellas County. With a commitment to strengthening the foundations of community, the YMCA operates a variety of facilities and programs designed to meet the diverse needs of its population.

YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg's three Community Centers are dynamic, full-service branches offering a wide range of programs and services for all ages. These include personal training, group exercise classes, youth sports, aquatics programs, licensed childcare, enriching summer camps, and more.

The Association's two Resource Centers extend the Y’s impact by serving as hubs of community connection. These centers provide after-school academic and arts programs, computer access, fitness classes, summer enrichment, free tax preparation assistance, meeting space, and other outreach services aimed at fostering community engagement and empowerment.

Three YMCA Preschool Academies are dedicated to the holistic development of young children. Through state-licensed, full-day childcare for ages 2 months to 5 years, these academies create safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environments where foundational skills are cultivated for lifelong success.

At 25 school-age locations across southern Pinellas County, the YMCA Before-and-Afterschool Program offers students a supportive environment built on an innovative curriculum focused on education and character development. The YReads! Literacy Program further reinforces this commitment by providing targeted support to help children strengthen critical reading skills.

About The YMCA of Greater St Petersburg:     
Founded in 1920, the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg has been a steadfast presence in the community for over a century. Evolving with the changing needs of the population it serves; the organization remains mission-driven and community-focused. All programs and services are intentionally designed to align with its mission, organizational capabilities, and the unique needs of the region.

The Y’s mission—to put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all—guides every initiative and partnership. Grounded in the core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg continues to be a trusted leader in youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

About the St Petersburg Community:       
St. Petersburg, frequently referred to as “The Sunshine City,” offers an exceptional quality of life marked by sunshine nearly every day of the year. With a vibrant blend of cultural attractions, outdoor adventure possibilities, and an engaged community, it’s an ideal place to live, work and serve. The city features a stunning shoreline with award-winning beaches, a thriving arts and music scene, and abundant recreational opportunities that appeal to all lifestyles.

As part of the larger Tampa Bay region, residents enjoy the best of both worlds: the convenience and excitement of a major metropolitan area with access to professional sports, concerts, and a robust culinary scene, balanced by the inviting charm of a close-knit community. With two accessible airports and an average temperature of 74 degrees, St. Petersburg offers year-round comfort and connectivity, making it a thriving, welcoming place for over half a million residents.

Qualifications

Criteria for candidates:
1.    Accredited 4-year college degree or equivalent experience.
2.    Must demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills and personal values consistent with the YMCA mission.
3.    Minimum ten 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.
4.    Must be able to develop and strengthen community relationships.
5.    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.
6.    Strategic planning and Fundraising experience including annual campaigns and the securing of grants.
7.    Fiscally sound business management approach.
8.    A proven record of accomplishment of progressive budgetary leadership and advanced fiscal management practices.
9.    YMCA Organizational Leader Certification or ability to achieve within 3 years.

Essential Functions

Key Skills and Abilities

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 a variety of 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 

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

Maintenance and Development of Facilities (Capital Development): Lead your Y through stages of a current or future capital development project, whether it’s initial planning, research and viability; architectural and schematic design phases; construction management; or the operational start-up of your new, renovated, or expanded facility. Key competencies: Fiscal Management, Program/Project Management, Change Leadership, Critical Thinking & Decision Making  

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 

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

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

Membership:
●    Total Number of Members: 34,700
●    Total Number of Membership Units: 20,071 
(includes 9,996 in 3rd party reimbursement, i.e., Silver Sneakers)
●    % Youth: 22%
●    % Adults: 48%
●    % Senior: 30%
     
Branch/Facility Information: 

Bardmoor YMCA
8495 Bryan Dairy Rd.
Largo, FL 33777
727.394.9622

Jim & Heather Gills YMCA
3200 1st Ave. South
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
727.328.9622

Speer YMCA
495 62nd Ave. Northeast
St. Petersburg, FL 33702
727.565.1384

Resource Centers:

Childs Park YMCA
691 43rd St. South
St. Petersburg, FL 33711
727.209.9622

YMCA at Lealman Exchange
5175 45th St. North
St. Petersburg, FL 33714
727.209.0294

Preschool Academies: 

Bardmoor YMCA Preschool Academy
8495 Bryan Dairy Rd.
Largo, FL 33777
727.565.4414

Lealman YMCA Preschool Academy
5175 45th St. North
St. Petersburg, FL 33714
727.205.3115

Speer YMCA Preschool Academy
2100 26th Ave. South
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
727.822.2156

School-Aged Locations:

https://www.stpeteymca.org/locations/

Philanthropy:
•    Annual Giving: $1,187,500
•    JWB/ELC/Other Funding: $4,036,107
Previous Year’s Annual Giving Impact 2024:
•    Total number of people receiving financial assistance (scholarship): 24,000.
•    Total membership units: 9,781
•    Total amount awarded in financial assistance (scholarship): $446,269.58.

Comprehensive Fundraising Campaign:

The Y For Life Campaign is the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg’s bold and visionary comprehensive fundraising effort to ensure that all generations have access to spaces, programs, and support systems that foster belonging, growth, and long-term success. This campaign reflects a transformative commitment to equity, opportunity, and community development across Pinellas County. 

At the heart of the campaign is the Speer YMCA Partnership Project, a $43.7 million capital investment made possible by a diverse capital stack of philanthropic gifts, government funding, strategic financing, and mission-aligned partnerships. Developed in collaboration with Pinellas County Schools, the Speer YMCA opened in December 2023 and shares a joint-use campus with Mangrove Bay Middle School, a health and wellness magnet. In 2025, the Speer YMCA is projected to generate over $5 million in gross annual revenue and serve more than 15,000 members, underscoring its role as a cornerstone of community health, youth development, and family engagement.

Looking ahead, “The Y For Life” campaign also includes capital fundraising for the Gills Redevelopment Project, aimed at reimagining and reinvesting in one of the Y’s legacy facilities to better serve evolving community needs. The project will complement the adjacent mixed-use residential and retail development currently under construction on the property directly east of the YMCA — land recently sold by the YMCA to local developers with the vision of creating a walkable, health-focused community hub. Additionally, the campaign supports the Speer YMCA Preschool Academy expansion, which will broaden access to high-quality early learning for working families. This includes $750,000 in capital funding from the State of Florida, aligning the effort with statewide priorities in education and workforce readiness. 

A key pillar of the campaign is the YMCA’s strategic priority to become the “Charity of Choice” in the community. To achieve this, the campaign includes intentional growth of the Endowment Fund, expansion of Planned Giving, and development of new philanthropic initiatives designed to sustain long-term impact and ensure the Y’s ability to respond to emerging community needs.

Current Staff:  
●    FT – 135  Staff      
●    PT – 590  Employees     

CEO Direct Reports:
●    Chief Development Officer      
●    Chief Financial Officer              
●    Chief Human Resources Officer 
●    Chief Operations Officer 
●    Chief Marketing Officer
●    Executive Assistant
     
Board of Directors:  
●    27 Board Participants     
●    4 Board Emeritus Members
●    8 Committees     

Financial Snapshot:
●    Revenue & Expenses 2025 Budget - $22.5 million
●    Required Debt Covenants Ratio - 1.1. The Actual Ratio is 1.4         
●    Current Endowment - $3 million ($2.1 million restricted corpus)
●    Undesignated Cash on Hand - as of 4/30/25 $2.4 million
●    Total Liquidity - as of 4/30/25 $14.5 million

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

Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, life and disability insurance, and voluntary benefits. Eligible employees receive a 12% YRetirement contribution. Paid time off includes generous PTO and additional leave benefits. Employees also enjoy free Y family memberships and discounts on YMCA programs like day camps, after school care, and swim lessons.                 

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.net
https://www.stpeteymca.org/

Target Dates for the search process

Resumes accepted through:             July 11th     
Preliminary interviews scheduled:  September 8 & 9          
Final interviews:                               September 29 & 30               
New CEO on board (anticipated):    November         

To Apply
Candidates will apply via the following website: 

https://tinyurl.com/St-Petersburg-Y-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                                         Lynne Wilcox
YMCA of the USA                                          President/CEO, Florida State
Sr. Consultant, CEO Search                           Alliance of YMCAs & Foundation 
[email protected]                          [email protected]