Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

YMCA
Salary
$57,000.00
$76,000.00
How to Apply
Apply Online
Resumes Accepted Until
The Mecklenburg County YMCA, in Clarksville, Virginia, is an equal opportunity employer. We work to ensure that everyone has the...
Job Description

THE OPPORTUNITY  
Since 1985, the Mecklenburg County YMCA has brought people together in Clarksville and the greater Mecklenburg County, Virginia, community. What began in a small space behind the Clarksville library has grown into a welcoming community hub with locations in Clarksville and Chase City. Through youth sports, gymnastics, group exercise, senior fitness, pickleball, social activities, summer camps, community events, and financial assistance, our Y helps children, families, adults, and seniors stay active, build connections, and find a place to belong.

Now, we’re looking for a CEO who sees the potential in our Y and is excited to help shape what comes next. Working alongside the board and staff, our next leader will set a clear direction, strengthen programs and operations, and make thoughtful financial decisions. Just as important is someone who enjoys being part of the community, sharing the Y’s story, and building support among donors, volunteers, businesses, and community partners. With a capital project on the horizon, this is an opportunity to help guide our facilities, expand how we serve, and bring people together around a shared future. 

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

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
Financial Snapshot:

  • Current Annual Budget Size: $700,000
  • Current Debt: $150,000 (forgivable loan)
  • 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.

Information Sites:

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. 
  • A minimum of seven years of prior experience at a comparable organization with direct supervision of multiple levels of staff. 
  • 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 impact and effectiveness in broadening our engagement in the communities in which we serve.
  • Strategic planning and fundraising experience, including annual campaigns and securing grants.
Essential Functions

SALARY, BENEFITS, & CRITERIA
Salary Range: $57,000 to $76,000 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 preferred.

SEARCH PROCESS TARGET DATES
Resumes accepted through: November 13, 2026
Preliminary interviews scheduled: Week of December 7, 2026
In-person interviews: Week of January 11, 2027
CEO selection made: Week of January 18, 2027
New CEO on board (anticipated): February 15, 2027
*Dates subject to change

HOW TO APPLY
Candidates must submit the following in their online application (PDF format only): a resume, cover letter. Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.

References and Background Check:
Candidates who advance to final interviews will need to submit six references (four professional and two personal). References checked only with prior notification. The successful candidate accepting the offer must pass a background check and must have a current Y-USA 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-county-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]