Chief Executive Officer

YMCA
Salary
$70,000.00
How to Apply
Apply Online
Resumes Accepted Until
The Telford YMCA is an equal opportunity employer. We work to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to...
Job Description

THE OPPORTUNITY AT THE TELFORD YMCA

The Telford Community Center YMCA is seeking an experienced and mission-driven leader to serve as its next Chief Executive Officer. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a well-established, community-focused YMCA that has been serving Richmond and Madison County since 1986.

The CEO will be a collaborative and visible leader who can build strong relationships across the community, inspire staff and volunteers, and position the Y for long-term sustainability. The next CEO will strengthen partnerships with the City of Richmond, United Way of the Bluegrass, and other key stakeholders to ensure the YMCA remains a vital hub for health, youth development, and community connection in Madison County.

With an annual budget of $1.37 million, a dedicated staff team, and a deep commitment to the Y’s mission, the Telford Community Center YMCA is poised for continued growth and impact under new leadership.

ABOUT THE YMCA OF TELFORD YMCA

Founded in 1986, the Telford Community Center YMCA has been a cornerstone of Richmond and Madison County for nearly four decades, a trusted community partner advancing health, youth development, and social responsibility.

Operating from a 42,000-square-foot facility featuring a gymnasium, two lap and warm-water pools, racquetball courts, group fitness studios, and training spaces, the Y serves more than 4,400 members across diverse programs that promote connection, wellness, and belonging.

The Y’s signature offerings include youth and adult basketball, volleyball, swim lessons, swim team, group fitness, and personal training. Through the Afterschool Program, the Y empowers young people to develop leadership, confidence, and academic success.

Deeply embedded in the community, the Telford YMCA partners with the City of Richmond, United Way of the Bluegrass, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) to advance access. In 2024, more than $117,000 in financial assistance was provided through the Telford Foundation, ensuring all families can participate in Y programs.

With an annual budget of $1.37 million, a strong volunteer Board of Directors, and no long-term debt, the Y is financially stable and poised for growth. The next CEO will have the opportunity to build on this legacy, strengthening community partnerships, deepening philanthropic impact, and shaping the Y’s next era of service and success.

Our Mission
To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

Our Cause & Values
To strengthen the foundations of community and instill the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Our Culture:

  • The Y Experience – The Y Experience is built from our mission and encompasses the values and philosophy by which we serve and operate.
  • Welcoming – We are open to all. We are a place where you can be yourself and find yourself in others.
  • Genuine – We value you and embrace your individuality.
  • Hopeful – We believe in you and your potential to do good in the world.
  • Nurturing – We support you as you become the best-version-of-yourself.
  • Determined – Above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

Current Key Strategic Initiatives: 

  • Expand youth engagement and afterschool programming
  • Strengthen partnerships with schools and community organizations
  • Grow membership and increase financial sustainability
  • Advance staff development and retention
  • Leverage community collaborations to broaden impact

Membership: Total Number of Members: 4,405 across 2,634 units

Branch Information: 42,000 sq. ft. facility featuring a gymnasium, lap pool, warm-water pool, racquetball court, group fitness rooms, and training studio

Core Programs:

  • Youth and Adult Basketball
  • Volleyball
  • Group Fitness and Personal Training
  • Swim Lessons and Swim Team
  • Afterschool and Summer Youth Programs
  • Telford YMCA Achievers Program

Annual Support Campaign: 

  • 2024 Campaign Goal: $15,000
  • Raised to Date: $12,830
  • Financial Assistance Awarded: $117,048 through Telford Foundation (2024)

CEO Direct Reports: 

2 FT exempt, 3 FT hourly, and 24 PT employees

Board of Directors: 15 members representing diverse sectors of the community

Financial Snapshot:

  • Annual Budget: $1,379,898
  • Endowment: $120,000
  • Debt: $929,000
  • Last Year Operating Net: Positive

ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY 
Richmond, Kentucky, is a vibrant city in Madison County with a population of approximately 94,000. Home to Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond offers the best of small-town charm and university-town energy. The community features top-rated schools, affordable living, and a strong sense of civic pride. Residents enjoy access to beautiful natural landscapes and recreational opportunities, including Fort Boonesborough State Park, Lake Reba Recreation Complex, and Historic Downtown Richmond. Annual events such as the Millstone Festival celebrate the area’s culture and community spirit. Richmond’s blend of education, innovation, and family-friendly atmosphere makes it an ideal home for those seeking to make a difference.

Information Sites:
•    https://www.richmond.ky.us/  
•    https://www.richmondchamber.com/  
•    https://www.eku.edu/  
•    https://www.madison.kyschools.us/ 

Qualifications

Criteria for Candidates: 

  1. Accredited 4-year college degree or equivalent work experience.
  2. Fiscally sound business management approach with a proven track record of budgetary and fiscal management more than $XM or more annually.
  3. Minimum seven 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 economic and 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 OF OUR NEXT CEO 

The board believes its new CEO should be an experienced leader who has the background and qualities that will permit him or her to achieve excellence in the following roles:  

Key competencies:  

  • 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 include 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
  • Build and Lead Staff: Ensure a talent development system is in place and executed effectively with cultural competence. 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
  • Fiscal Management: Use high-level financial analysis to forecast financial trends, growth, and stability, while consistently leading the organization to balance or surplus operations by growing earned revenue and contributions while 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

SALARY, BENEFITS, & CRITERIA

Salary Range: $70,000 annually

Benefits:

  • YMCA Retirement: 5% paid by YMCA, 3% employee contribution (eligibility required)
  • YMCA 403(b) Savings Plan: 100% employee contribution
  • Health Plan: 80% paid by YMCA, 20% by employee
  • Paid Time Off: Per personnel policy
  • Additional benefits per personnel policy

Residency Expectation: The CEO is expected to reside within the YMCA’s service area to maintain close community engagement.

SEARCH PROCESS TARGET DATES
Resumes accepted through: 1/5/26
Preliminary interviews scheduled: 2/16/26 & 2/17/26
In-person interviews: 3/5/26 & 3/6/26
New CEO on board (anticipated): April 2026

*dates subject to change

HOW TO APPLY

References, Background Check, and Organizational Leader Certification:
Candidates must submit (pdf format only) the following in their online application: a resume, cover letter. Applications submitted 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 are checked only with prior notifications. 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. The YMCA's personnel policies may require further screening.

Candidates must apply via the following website: https://tinyurl.com/ymca-of-telford-ceo 

QUESTIONS

About the Search Process?
Grace Matos 
Director of Executive Leadership/CEO Search 
312-419-6810
[email protected] 

About the YMCA?
Chris Francis
CEO
KY/WV YMCA State Alliance
513-526-0029
[email protected]