President and CEO

YMCA
Salary
$57,000.00
$67,000.00
How to Apply
Apply Online
Resumes Accepted Until
The Mecklenburg County YMCA is an equal opportunity employer. We work to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to reach...
Job Description

THE OPPORTUNITY AT THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY YMCA

The Board of Directors seeks a President and CEO who can lead with vision, build organizational capacity, and translate opportunity into lasting impact. This is not simply an operational leadership role. It is an opportunity to shape the next chapter of a respected community institution while advancing the YMCA's mission and strengthening its long-term sustainability. The next CEO will work closely with board members, donors, community leaders, volunteers, and staff to align resources, build momentum, and ensure the YMCA remains a vital force for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility throughout the region.

At the center of this opportunity is the YMCA's Building Tomorrow Together Capital Campaign, a transformational initiative that will expand the Clarksville campus and create new opportunities for recreation, wellness, and community connection. The campaign offers the next CEO an opportunity to broaden the YMCA's reach, strengthen its community impact, and help create spaces where future generations can learn, connect, and thrive.
Success will require a leader who can inspire confidence, cultivate philanthropic investment, strengthen key partnerships, and unite stakeholders around a shared vision for the future. For the right executive, this role offers a rare chance to lead meaningful growth, guide significant community investment, and leave a lasting legacy through an organization that is deeply valued and uniquely positioned to shape the future of Mecklenburg County.

ABOUT THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY YMCA
The Mecklenburg County YMCA has served the Clarksville and greater Mecklenburg County community since 1985, growing from a small space behind the Clarksville library into a trusted community hub for youth development, healthy living, recreation, and social connection. With locations in Clarksville and Chase City, the Y serves children, families, adults, and seniors through youth sports, gymnastics, group exercise, senior fitness, pickleball, social activities, summer camps, community events, and financial assistance. Today, the YMCA continues to play an important role in connecting residents, supporting wellness, and creating welcoming spaces where people of all ages and abilities can belong, participate, and build community.

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 grow together in community.
  • 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 Programs and Participation: Increase high-quality programs and activities that serve youth, adults, seniors, and families across all fitness levels.
  • Strengthen Community Access: Ensure YMCA programs, services, and facilities remain welcoming, affordable, safe, and accessible to all.
  • Advance the Capital Campaign: Build community and financial support for the new gymnasium, Frank Ruff Memorial Park, and improvements to the existing YMCA including Child Watch.
  • Grow Community Partnerships: Strengthen relationships with local government, businesses, schools, healthcare organizations, nonprofits, and community leaders to expand the YMCA’s reach and impact.
  • Ensure Organizational Sustainability: Strengthen membership, fundraising, financial performance, staff development, and board engagement to position the YMCA for long-term success.

Membership: Total Number of Members: 924 units and 1,622 individuals

Branch Information: 

  • Clarksville Branch: Opened in 2010, this 15,000-square-foot, multi-use facility serves as the YMCA’s main location.
  • Chase City Branch: Located in the Estes Community Center on North Main Street.
  • Gymnastics Facility: Located in downtown Clarksville.

Core Programs:

  • Youth Development: Gymnastics, basketball, soccer, volleyball, cheerleading, and summer youth camps.
  • Health & Wellness: Group exercise, senior fitness, personal training, wellness activities, and hiking.
  • Pickleball & Recreation: Pickleball instruction/open play and other recreational opportunities for adults and seniors.
  • Social & Community Engagement: Bridge, ping pong, pinochle, Mahjong, educational classes, and other activities that build connection and reduce isolation.
  • Community Outreach & Family Programs: Healthy Kids Day, Back-to-School Bash, Lakefest 5K/Kids Fun Run, and other family-focused community events.

Annual Support Campaign: 

  • Current Year Goal: $20,000 (starts November 2026)
  • Prior Year’s Total: $19,071
  • Current Year’s Progress Toward Goal: $700
  • Total number of people receiving financial assistance prior year: 17

Capital Campaign:

Building Tomorrow Together Capital Campaign: $6 million goal
The Building Tomorrow Together Capital Campaign offers the next CEO an opportunity to guide a significant expansion that will bring multiple facilities and programs together at the Clarksville campus. The centerpiece of the project is a new 17,000-square-foot gymnasium complex that will unite volleyball, basketball, gymnastics, and other programs under one roof, along with a new Child Watch area for parents while they are at the Y. The campaign also includes the proposed Frank Ruff Memorial Park, a 25-acre, multi-use outdoor recreation space adjacent to the current Clarksville facility. Named in honor of the late state senator, the park is envisioned as a hub for outdoor recreation in Mecklenburg County, with three regulation-size soccer fields, eight covered pickleball courts, two sand volleyball courts, a multi-use field, a disc golf course, a perimeter walking path, two covered shelters, and more than 200 additional parking spaces. Leading this effort will give the next CEO the opportunity to expand programs, strengthen operations, build community support, and significantly increase the YMCA’s capacity to serve Mecklenburg County.

CEO Direct Reports: 

  • Business Manager
  • Programs/Marketing Director
  • Wellness Director/Gymnastics Program Coordinator
  • Membership Coordinator
  • Facility Manager
  • Board of Directors: 11 members with the following standing committees:
  • Finance
  • Marketing
  • Grants
  • Board Development Committee

Financial Snapshot:

  • Current Annual Budget Size: $700,000
  • Current Debt: $150,000 (forgivable loan)
  • Current Endowment: $0
  • Last year operating net: $91,905
  • Two years ago operating net: $13,598
  • Three years ago operating net: $74,952

ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY 
Mecklenburg County offers a welcoming, small-town lifestyle with the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of Southern Virginia’s Lake Country. Located on Kerr Lake, also known as Buggs Island Lake, the Clarksville area is known for boating, fishing, hiking, community events, and a slower pace of life that appeals to individuals and families seeking connection, affordability, and access to the outdoors.

The community has a strong sense of local pride and civic engagement, with residents, businesses, schools, churches, nonprofits, and local leaders working together to support quality of life across the region. Clarksville’s historic downtown, lakefront setting, and annual events help create a close-knit environment where the YMCA can continue to serve as an important hub for wellness, youth development, recreation, and community connection.

For the next CEO, this is an opportunity to be highly visible and deeply engaged in a community where relationships matter. Mecklenburg County offers the chance to lead a YMCA that is closely tied to local needs while helping strengthen partnerships, expand access, and support healthy living for people of all ages.

Information Sites:
Mecklenburg County, VA: https://www.mecklenburgva.com/  
Town of Clarksville, VA: https://clarksvilleva.org/  
Clarksville Tourism / Visitors: https://clarksvilleva.org/tourism-visitors/  
Clarksville Lake Country Chamber of Commerce: https://clarksvilleva.org/  
Mecklenburg County Public Schools: https://mcpsweb.org/  
Mecklenburg County Economic Development: https://www.mecklenburgva.com/  
Regional Healthcare Information: https://www.vcuhealth.org/community-memorial-hospital  

Qualifications

Criteria for Candidates: 

  • Accredited 4-year college degree and or equivalent work experience. 
  • Fiscally sound business management approach with a proven track record of budgetary and fiscal management of $750,000–$1 million annually. 
  • 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. 
  • Must be able to develop and strengthen community relationships.
  • 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.
  • Strategic planning and Fundraising experience including annual campaigns and the securing of grants.
  • Fiscally sound business management approach.
  • A proven record of accomplishment of progressive budgetary leadership and advanced fiscal management practices.
  • 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: 

Develop and Implement a Strategic Plan: Work effectively with volunteers, community leaders, and key staff to enhance existing 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

Position the Y as a Vital Partner for Community Change: Serve as an ambassador for the mission, purpose, and vision of the YMCA within the community. Develop and cultivate relationships with key stakeholders from diverse backgrounds while upholding the highest standards and values of the Y. Ensure the 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 establishes the YMCA as a leading nonprofit organization within the community through the engagement of members, volunteers, staff, and donors. Identify and lead successful capital fundraising while advancing the organization’s 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 that support safe, relevant, and sustainable practices. Quickly address issues that arise, forecast future needs, and manage and direct the Y’s operations and activities. Key competencies: Developing Self & Others, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Innovation

Maintenance and Development of Facilities (Capital Development): Lead the Y through the stages of a current or future capital development project, including initial planning, research and viability, architectural and schematic design, construction management, and the operational start-up of a 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 the organization to balanced or surplus operations by growing earned revenue and contributions and controlling costs. Empower and guide staff leaders to achieve successful departmental financial performance, and develop and implement effective stewardship strategies. Key competencies: Fiscal Management, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Developing Self & Others, Philanthropy

SALARY, BENEFITS, & CRITERIA

Salary Range: $57k to $67k annually

Benefits:

  • YMCA Retirement: 8% paid by the Y and 4% optional by the employee once eligibility is met.
  • YMCA 403B savings account: 100% employee contribution.
  • Health insurance stipend provided to support the purchase of individual health coverage, subject to Board approval and personnel policy.
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) provided in accordance with YMCA personnel policy.
  • Other benefits per personnel policy.

Residency Expectation: Living in the YMCA’s service area is required/preferred.

SEARCH PROCESS TARGET DATES

Resumes accepted through: October 23, 2026

Preliminary interviews scheduled: Week of November 9, 2026

In-person interviews: December 7 and 8, 2026

CEO selection made: Week of December 14, 2026

New CEO on board (anticipated): February 1, 2027
 

*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 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. The YMCA's personnel policies may require further screening.

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

QUESTIONS

About the Search Process?
Shea Boschee, YMCA of the USA CEO Search, [email protected], 312-419-8363

About the YMCA?
Dean Mattix, Virginia Alliance of YMCAs, [email protected]