Associate Executive Director

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Job Description

As the nation’s leading nonprofit organization committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the Y offers more than just a job.  We offer you a career with a future and the chance to make a lasting difference in your community.  The YMCA of Greater Louisville is a vibrant member of the YMCA North American Network, known as a mission-oriented, cause-driven organization.  Improving the health and wellness of the community we serve and relationship building with members are high priorities.

The Associate Executive Director, reporting directly to the Executive Director, is responsible for leading a dynamic, high-achieving staff team across Family Programming, Camp, Aquatics, Sports, and the Norton Commons Elementary School partnership programming, with the aim of delivering an exceptional experience for members and participants. The ideal candidate should be a goal-driven, results-focused leader who sets high standards for success and exceeds established goals. This role promotes a member-centered culture and exemplifies relationship-building skills in all interactions. The right candidate needs strong leadership skills to communicate and engage effectively with coworkers, members, associates, volunteers, donors, and the public. The preferred candidate should also have a demonstrated history of staff development, budget management, program growth and quality, community engagement, customer service focused on members, and fundraising. 

This is a key second-in-command leadership role with the opportunity to share branch strategy, develop future leaders, and directly influence community impact. The Associate Executive Director will play a critical role in driving membership growth, strengthening community partnerships, and building a high-performing, mission-driven team.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in human services, recreation, business, or related field, plus three years related experience or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
  • Three or more years of management experience, preferably in a YMCA or other not-for-profit healthy living agency.
  • Ability to direct assigned operations, including volunteer development, supervision of staff, development and monitoring of budgets, marketing and public relations, and program development/management.
  • Ability to establish and maintain collaborations with community organizations.
  • YMCA Team Leader or Multi-Team/Branch Leader certification preferred.
  • CPR, First Aid & other program-specific certifications required upon or after hire.
Essential Functions
  • Serve as a role model and advocate for the YMCA Mission, Promise, Values, Voice, and Strategic Vision.
  • Establish, with the branch leadership team, long-range plans for program growth and increase program quality, in harmony with overall YMCA objectives.
  • Provides leadership to Sr. Family Program Director, Aquatics Operations Director, Aquatics Program Director, and Youth Sports Director.
  • Support board development and lead in the annual fundraising campaign.
  • Represent and promote the YMCA within the local community and cultivate positive working relationships with other organizations, businesses, and government entities. Develop and sustain collaborative partnerships with community agencies involved in service delivery.
  • Provides leadership in the areas of day-to-day operations of the branch.
  • Communicates across departments to provide a member-focused experience that results in increased member retention.
  • Recruit, hire, train, develop, and direct staff teams under your supervision. Review and evaluate staff performance. Develop strategies to motivate staff and reach goals.
  • Develop, manage, and monitor assigned operating budgets to meet or exceed targets. Recommend budget adjustments to ensure balanced operations and submit reports on current operations.
  • Develop and lead effective member engagement strategies and programs that support the branch and Association's mission, goals, and strategies.
  • Practice active listening with members to build relationships, understand their goals and interests, and take the initiative to help them achieve those goals.
  • Maintain a professional image and manner consistent with the YMCA mission and goals.

YMCA COMPETENCIES:

  • Mission Advancement: Reinforce the Y's values within the organization and the community. Effectively communicate the benefits and impact of the YMCA's efforts to all stakeholders. Implement effective systems to develop volunteers at the program, fundraising, and policy leadership levels. Secure resources and support for all philanthropic endeavors.
  • Collaboration: Develop strategies to ensure staff and volunteers reflect the community. Build and nurture strategic relationships to enhance support for the YMCA. Serve as a community leader, building collaborations based on trust and credibility to advance the YMCA's mission and goals. Communicate for influence to attain buy-in and support of goals. Provide tools and resources for the development of others. Excellent public relations and conflict resolution skills in order to facilitate positive relationships.
  • Operational Effectiveness: Integrate multiple thinking processes to make decisions. Involve members and community in the development of programs and activities. Ensure execution of plans. Institute sound accounting procedures and financial controls. Assign clear accountability and ensure continuous improvement. Have a concern for detail and accuracy, and have the ability to delegate responsibility.
  • Personal Growth: Foster a learning environment embracing diverse abilities and approaches. Create a sense of urgency and positive tension to support change. Anticipate challenges that can sidetrack or derail growth and personal learning. Utilize functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well. Use best practices and demonstrate up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY: 

  • Staff development responsibilities will include 4 FT/Exempt leadership staff, 100+ part-time staff.
  • Must successfully manage program revenue totaling $800,000 
  • Annual Campaign goals will total to $195,000
  • Effectively manage Family Programming, including Summer Camp, Kids Club, Youth Sports, School
  • Programming, and Aquatics Operations/Program. 
  • Maintain all records related to the staff certifications and general operations.

EFFECT ON END RESULT:

  • Creates a culture of belonging that strengthens member connection, improves retention, and supports positive mental and physical well-being. Expand opportunities for all community members.
  • Increases community engagement and partnerships, driving greater volunteerism, program reach, and philanthropic support.
  • Expands access to YMCA programs, resulting in increased participation and deeper community impact across youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
  • Develops youth and families through the YMCA’s core values—Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility—resulting in stronger individuals and a more connected community.