Chief Executive Officer

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: 

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 

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 

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 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  

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  

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 

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. Encourage the team by creating a spirit of camaraderie, connection, 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  

ABOUT THE YMCA OF GREATER SPARTANBURG

Founded in 1869 and chartered in 1903, the YMCA of Greater Spartanburg is one of the oldest nonprofit organizations in the Upstate region. For more than a century, the YMCA has served as a community anchor providing programs that promote healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility.

Today, the YMCA serves approximately 20,000 members through a network of facilities and community programs. The organization is supported by 35 full-time staff, more than 280 part-time staff, and over 500 volunteers who contribute their time and expertise to support the YMCA mission.

The YMCA operates multiple facilities including the Thomas E. Hannah YMCA, an 80,000 square foot flagship facility with an integrated physical rehabilitation center, the Middle Tyger YMCA with an Olympic distance pool, and the Rob Chapman Youth Center. The organization also provides a wide range of programs including youth sports, aquatics, swim team, chronic disease prevention initiatives such as Livestrong, youth leadership programs, and community outreach.

The YMCA is actively engaged in expanding its community impact through a major capital initiative to build a new YMCA facility in Polk County, North Carolina, in partnership with Polk County government.

Each year the YMCA provides significant community support through financial assistance, scholarships, and subsidized programs that ensure access to programs and services regardless of an individual’s ability to pay.

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 Christian 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: 

• Expanding community partnerships including collaboration with the Deaf and Blind School
• Strengthening communication and community engagement initiatives
• Growing the YMCA endowment and reducing organizational debt
• Enhancing staff recruitment and professional development
• Expanding YMCA presence in growing areas such as Boiling Springs and Woodruff
• Advancing a major capital project to build a new YMCA facility in Polk County, NC. While the Polk County facility is under development, the YMCA is already providing programming in the community through partnerships with local schools, recreation facilities, and athletic fields. These efforts are helping establish the YMCA presence in the community and build momentum ahead of the new facility’s opening.

Membership: Total Number of Members: 

• 20,000 members
• 7,800 membership units
  • 50% household memberships
  • 16% senior memberships
  • 14% adult memberships
  • 10% young adult memberships
  • 10% youth memberships

Branch Information: 
The YMCA of Greater Spartanburg operates several facilities across its service area.

• Thomas E. Hannah YMCA: 80,000 square feet including a 15,000 square foot physical rehabilitation space.
• Middle Tyger YMCA: 78,000 square feet including an Olympic distance pool.
• Rob Chapman Youth Center: 2,600 square feet youth focused facility.
• Willis Road YMCA: Future planning underway due to potential property changes.
• Polk County YMCA (planned): A new 35,000 square foot facility currently in development in partnership with Polk County Government.

Core Programs:

• Swim Team - A nationally recognized competitive swim program that consistently produces athletes who compete and place in national-level competitions.
• Afterschool and Summer Day Camp
• Youth Sports
• Livestrong at the YMCA
• R.I.S.E. youth programming
• Beast Mode youth fitness program
• Aquatics and drowning prevention initiatives

Annual Support Campaign:

• Current Year Goal: $848,000
• Current Year’s Progress Toward Goal: $508,067
• Prior Year’s Total: $865,568
• Prior Year’s Goal: $783,000
• Total number of people receiving financial assistance prior year: $1.2 million in membership assistance and $8 million in community benefit programs and scholarships Total community benefit is just under $2 million including scholarships, free programs and subsidies.
• Annual Campaign growth has grown steadily each year for the last 10 years.

Recent Capital Campaign: 

• The YMCA is currently leading a major capital initiative to construct a new YMCA facility in Polk County, North Carolina. Estimated project budget: approximately $17 million.
• Funding sources include:
  • $12.5 million supported by a county sales tax initiative
  • $3 million anonymous gift
  • $3.9 million in YMCA capital pledges
• Groundbreaking is expected in 2026 with construction anticipated to take approximately 12 to 14 months.

CEO Direct Reports: 

• 35 FT staff
• 282 PT staff
• 504 program volunteers

The CEO directly supervises nine senior leaders, who collectively oversee the organization’s program, branch, operational, and administrative teams. Direct Reports Include:

• Marketing Director
• Association Aquatics Director
• Vice President of Youth Development
• Vice President of Operations
• Two Branch Executive Directors
• Business Operations Director
• Controller
• Development Director

Board of Directors: 
The YMCA of Greater Spartanburg is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors representing diverse industries and community leadership across the region. The Board operates through several standing committees that support governance, strategy, and organizational oversight.

Standing Committees include:

• Executive Committee
• Finance Committee
• Governance / Nominating Committee
• Development Committee
• Property and Facilities Committee

Financial Snapshot:

• Current Annual Budget Size: $12,193,701
• Current Debt: $4,912,198 as of February 2026
• Total Cash: $9,782,720 as of February 2026
• Current Endowment & Other: $7,477,771 as of February 2026
• Last year operating net: $3,558,191

ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY 

Location
Spartanburg is located in the Upstate region of South Carolina, one of the fastest growing areas in the Southeast. The Spartanburg County has a population of approximately 356,000 residents and continues to experience exponential growth. The city sits at the intersection of major interstate corridors, providing convenient access to Charlotte, North Carolina (approximately 75 miles) and Asheville, North Carolina (approximately 65 miles), Charleston, SC (approximately 200 miles)

Economy
Spartanburg has become a major economic hub in the Southeast. The region is supported by a diverse economy that includes advanced manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, education, and technology. In recent years, the area has experienced billions of dollars in capital investment and continued job growth, attracting both global companies and new businesses to the region.

Quality of Life
Spartanburg offers a cost of living below the national average and is known for its welcoming culture and strong civic leadership. The community has experienced steady population growth as new residents are drawn to the region’s economic opportunities, affordability, and quality of life. Faith communities play a meaningful role in the civic and social fabric of the region. Recent data indicate that more than 580 churches are located throughout the Spartanburg metro area, reflecting the strong presence of faith based organizations and their ongoing engagement in community service, outreach, and partnership.

Arts and Culture
The city has a vibrant arts and cultural community anchored by the Downtown Cultural District and Chapman Cultural Center, which host concerts, festivals, theater productions, and public art throughout the year. Fifth Third Park, home of the Hub City Spartanburgers minor league baseball team, has quickly become a central gathering place for residents and visitors.

Outdoor Recreation
Spartanburg and the surrounding region offer abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. Residents enjoy the Mary Black Rail Trail, Cottonwood Trail, Barnet Park, and Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve. The Saluda Grade Trail, a 30 mile paved rail trail connecting Spartanburg County with the Blue Ridge Mountains, is in the planning stages. Nearby Croft State Park provides hiking, camping, mountain biking, fishing, and equestrian trails. Lake Bowen offers boating and water recreation, while the Blue Ridge Mountains are less than an hour away. Also, South Carolina beaches are less than three hours away.

Education
Spartanburg County is home to seven institutions of higher education, creating a vibrant college town atmosphere and a strong talent pipeline for local employers and nonprofit organizations.

Spartanburg’s combination of economic growth, cultural vitality, outdoor recreation, and community collaboration makes it an exceptional place to live and work.

Culture of Philanthropy
The Spartanburg community bosts a strong culture of philanthropy, with more than 100 charitable foundations in its footprint. Residents of Spartanburg County are highly philanthropic, with studies showing they give 6.8 percent (more than $137 million) of their discretionary income to non-profit organizations, ranking the county in the top 17 percent of U.S. counties for giving. A spirit of collaboration exists among local non-profits.

Information Sites:

City/County Website: City of Spartanburg, South Carolina, https://www.cityofspartanburg.org/ 
Chamber of Commerce: OneSpartanburg, Inc., https://www.onespartanburginc.com/success/ 
University/College: Wofford College, https://www.wofford.edu/ 
Hospital System: Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, https://www.spartanburgregional.com/ 
School System: Spartanburg School District 7, https://www.spartanburg7.org 

SALARY, BENEFITS, & CRITERIA
Salary Range: $200,000 – 250,000 

Benefits:

• YMCA Retirement Fund with a 12% employer contribution
• Health, dental, and vision benefits
• YMCA membership
• Professional development support
• Cell phone and laptop
• Paid holidays, vacation, and personal leave
• Company vehicle
• A relocation stipend is available for candidates relocating from outside the state
• Paid memberships for local organizations (Country Club, Rotary Club, Piedmont Club, etc.)

Residency Expectation: Living in Spartanburg County is required.

SEARCH PROCESS TARGET DATES

Resumes accepted through:              4/13/26      
Preliminary interviews scheduled:      5/18-5/19/2026
In-person interviews:                       6/16-6/17/2026
CEO selection made:                        June
New CEO on board (anticipated):      July
*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/Spartanburg-YMCA-CEO

QUESTIONS 
About the Search Process?
Grace Matos, YMCA of the USA CEO Search, [email protected], 312 419 6810

About the YMCA?

Chet Tucker, South Carolina Alliance of YMCAs, [email protected], 803 517 1740