Chief People and Culture Officer

The Chief People and Culture Officer (CPCO) is a key member of the executive leadership team at the YMCA Southcoast.
Job Description

This position is responsible for developing and leading a comprehensive people strategy that attracts, develops, engages, and retains top talent while fostering a thriving culture rooted in the Y’s values and mission.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Organizational Development, Business, or related field – preferred, Master's degree is a bonus.
  • 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in human resources, organizational development, or people strategy.
  • Experience designing and leading leadership development and learning strategies.
  • SHRM-SCP or HRCI Senior Professional certification strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated success in building organizational culture, leading change, and driving employee engagement.
  • Knowledge of employment law, benefits administration, HRIS systems, and workforce compliance.
  • Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups and build inclusive teams.
  • Excellent planning, organization, and communication skills.
  • YMCA leadership certification preferred or commitment to obtain within two years.
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus.

 

Essential Functions

The Chief People and Culture Officer will:

Lead Culture & Strategy

  • Champion an inclusive, mission-driven, and high-performance culture aligned with the YMCA’s values.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the CEO and executive leadership on culture, equity, leadership, and organizational health.

Leadership & Learning Development

  • Design and implement leadership and learning development initiatives to build the next generation of YMCA leaders.
  • Advance strategies to strengthen executive, manager, and staff capacity through training, coaching, mentorship, and continuous learning pathways.

Talent Management & HR Operations

  • Oversee all aspects of talent acquisition, recruitment, onboarding, and retention to build a diverse, engaged, and mission-driven workforce.
  • Ensure effective and compliant administration of employee benefits, compensation, HRIS systems, and workforce policies.
  • Provide leadership and support in employee relations, conflict resolution, and organizational change management.
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)
  • Drive organizational commitment to equity and inclusion, ensuring practices, policies, and leadership behaviors align with YMCA values.
  • Embed DEI principles into all people processes, including hiring, professional development, and employee engagement.

Organizational Health & Compliance

  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and YMCA standards, including risk management and safety.
  • Oversee workers’ compensation, unemployment, and related processes.

 

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
  • Critical Thinking & Decision Making
  • Inclusion & Belonging
  • Communication & Influence
  • Emotional Maturity
  • Developing Self & Others