Step into the SVP & COO role—guide strategy, elevate operations, and help amplify our mission with bold, collaborative leadership.
Job Description
This position supports the work of the YMCA, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
The Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as a vital member of the CEO’s senior leadership team and ensures the successful day-to-day operation of YMCA branches. This role is instrumental in aligning programs and services with the Y’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities while positioning the YMCA as a community convener and collaborator in addressing critical social issues.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field (Master's preferred).
- At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience in operations, including at least 5 years in a senior management role within a nonprofit organization.
- Proven experience in nonprofit management, program implementation, and staff leadership.
- Strong financial acumen and experience with budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships at all levels.
- Knowledge of nonprofit governance and experience working with a Board of Directors.
- Proven ability to drive organizational change and improve operational performance.
Essential Functions
Operational Leadership
- Provide leadership and management to ensure the smooth operation of all operational aspects of the organization.
- Oversee the implementation and execution of the organization's programs and services, ensuring alignment with the overall strategic goals.
- Drives the operational growth of the YMCA by leading program expansion, member recruitment and retention efforts, strategic pricing initiatives, new site development, and collaborative partnerships.
- Guides the organization to make tough choices about what to stop, start, and continue in order to align with strategic priorities.
- Design, implement, and monitor key operational policies and systems to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization.
- Lead the organization’s resource allocation and budgeting process in partnership with the CFO & CEO and other senior leaders.
Staff Management & Development
- Provides oversight and support to Branch Executive Directors. Focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of systemic issues rather than just treating symptoms.
- Leads, mentors, and supports the operational teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and high performance.
- Builds and sustains a high-performing operational team by ensuring the right talent is in place to achieve organizational goals—emphasizing the importance of having the right people in the right roles.
- Oversee the development and implementation of staff training programs and professional development initiatives in collaboration with the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), ensuring alignment with organizational goals and talent development strategies.
- Ensure that the organization's values and culture are reflected in its staffing and human resource practices.
Financial Management
- Oversee the day-to-day financial operations and ensure efficient allocation of resources across Branches.
- Collaborates closely with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to monitor budgets, track expenditures, and identify opportunities for cost savings and strategic reinvestment.
- Support the development of funding strategies, identifying and pursuing new opportunities for operational growth.
Strategic Planning & Organizational Development
- Contribute to the strategic planning process and help define key organizational priorities.
- Track and report on organizational performance metrics, identifying areas for improvement and growth.
- Advise the CEO and Board on operational needs and opportunities to enhance the organization's capacity and impact.
- Help ensure that operational and strategic goals are integrated across all Branches.
Board & Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as a key liaison between the operational team, senior leadership, and the Board of Directors, providing regular updates on operational goals, strategic initiatives, and performance outcomes.
- Actively contribute to Branch Board meetings and support board development efforts, as needed, to strengthen governance and community engagement.
- Build and maintain relationships with key external stakeholders, including funders, partners, and community organizations.
Program Management & Improvement
- Lead the development and continuous improvement of the organization’s programs and services.
- Ensure the effective delivery of programs in line with budget, timeline, and quality standards.
- Collect and analyze program data to drive decisions and optimize program effectiveness.
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
- Collaboration
- Critical Thinking & Decision Making
- Engaging Community
- Inclusion