President and CEO

This is an incredible chance to lead a highly respected, cornerstone community organization in Silicon Valley.  
Job Description

THE OPPORTUNITY AT THE YMCA OF SILICON VALLEY
This is an incredible chance to lead a highly respected, cornerstone community organization in Silicon Valley. The YMCA of Silicon Valley is one of the ten largest Ys in the country. In addition to our 11 branches (10 full facilities and a resident camp), our staff works side-by-side with our volunteers in hundreds of program locations across the valley. The CEO will collaborate with a devoted board and dedicated staff to deliver enriching programs and services across this vibrant two-county service area, building on a rich history of community service.

The President and CEO of the YMCA of Silicon Valley is a crucial leadership position, reporting directly to the Association Board of Directors. This person will be responsible for defining the vision, strategic direction, and organizational planning for the entire Association. This encompasses upholding the YMCA's mission and guiding principles, fostering growth, ensuring financial stability, spearheading fundraising efforts, cultivating strong community relationships, and overseeing all staffing and operations. 

We're looking for an inspiring leader who can quickly become a well-known and visible figure in the community. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of Silicon Valley's unique opportunities, challenges, needs, and resources, along with extensive knowledge of the YMCA at the local, national, and global levels.

This role requires a highly collaborative leader who can effectively engage with staff, the board, community and local government leaders, members, donors, and volunteers. The CEO will be a visionary with a proven history of building partnerships, fostering unity, and successfully navigating challenging periods. They'll be a strong advocate for the YMCA, strategically positioning it as a vital partner to achieve our mission with greater community impact.

The successful candidate will have substantial experience building and leading teams and possess the skills and expertise needed to successfully guide a multi-site, multi-program, complex organization through the current pandemic-affected environment and into the future.

ABOUT THE YMCA OF SILICON VALLEY
Our Y is a leading-edge nonprofit, committed to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Our mission is to strengthen our community by improving the quality of life and inspiring individuals and families to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind and body. Our approach is with an innovative mindset. Find more information on the YMCA’s website.

Our Y’s achievements are made possible by our passionate supporters, our dedicated team of staff and leadership volunteers, and the communities we serve. Learn more in our 2023 Community Impact Report.

We are one of the largest YMCA associations in the U.S. and among the largest nonprofits in Silicon Valley. In addition to our 11 branches (10 full facilities and a resident camp), our staff works side-by-side with our volunteers in hundreds of program locations across the valley. Explore the YMCA locations here. 

YMCA Camp Campbell is our Y’s year-round resident camp nestled in a magnificent 80-acre redwood forest in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The camp was recently rebuilt with donations exceeding $22 million and no operating debt. This stunning camp is themed around the Gold Rush era and reflects the innovative mindset that is part of this Y’s culture. Learn more about YMCA Camp Campbell here.

Our Mission
To strengthen our community by improving the quality of life and inspiring individuals and families to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind and body.

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 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

Volunteers and Staff Leadership
Thousands of passionate volunteers and staff make a meaningful, enduring impact on every child, adult and family who belong to this far-reaching and dynamic organization. The continuous theme in the partnership between volunteers and staff has been to work within a culture of innovation to achieve the greatest possible positive community impact. A few of our proudest accomplishments are worthy of note.

The YMCA of Silicon Valley has accomplished extensive transformational work in character development. The Association was recognized by Y-USA and the Bechtel Foundation for their work, and in 2016 were awarded first place in the “Character Development Bright Spot Award” in recognition for the extensive transformational work with youth in character development. 

In 1999, YMCA of Silicon Valley led a multi-county initiative, forming partnerships throughout our community, to launch Project Cornerstone. Project Cornerstone collaborates with other youth-serving organizations, schools, and cities to provide programs and services which help individuals and communities build a web of support around our youth, so they feel valued and supported, and grow into healthy, caring, responsible adults. Youth are provided with the opportunities, experiences, skills, knowledge and support to thrive.  

Prior to 2009, Silicon Valley was served by two YMCA associations – YMCA of the Mid-Peninsula and YMCA of Santa Clara Valley. It was clear that to achieve our dream of what we believed was possible -- we had to think differently. The opportunity to merge these two strong, high-performing YMCAs was before us. There were three compelling reasons that our boards decided to merge two financially healthy and vibrant YMCAs into one association – YMCA of Silicon Valley in January 2009: 1) capturing the synergy formed after five years of successfully modeling shared services, 2) scaling highly effective and specialized services from each association, and 3) expanding the scope of offerings to be more innovative and relevant for future generations.

It was clear that achieving these powerful outcomes would require building an extraordinary Board of Directors. Currently, our vision is being led by 27 tremendous volunteer leaders from various sectors including large, publicly traded corporations, as well as privately held and start-up companies. Our board provides expertise in finance, technology, medicine, law, construction/development, human resources, education, fundraising, investments, and risk/safety, with many directors being among the top decision makers in the Valley. As strong partners to our board members are talented and highly strategic chiefs and vice presidents who are competent and effective in their innovative approaches to finding solutions to challenges and opportunities in the areas of operations, financial development, finance, marketing, collaboration, property, public policy and risk/safety. Learn more about the Y’s leadership here.

Staff

  • Full-Time Staff: 20%
  • Part-Time Staff: 80%

Staff Demographics

  • American Indian/Alaska Native: Less than 1%
  • Asian: 17%
  • Black/African American: 3%
  • Hispanic/Latino: 42%
  • Two or more Races: 5%
  • White: 30%
  • Unknown: 2%

Financial Snapshot: 
Our Y is in a solid financial position ending fiscal year 2024 with revenues of $82.0 million and current membership of over 18,000 units across the Association.

  • Total Operating Revenue: $82.0 million
  • Total Endowment: $13.6 million
  • Total Debt: $282,000

Revenue, Assets and Annual Change in Net Assets

  • FY 2024: Revenue $82.0 million, Assets $92.9 million, Surplus $7.6 million
  • FY 2023: Revenue $60.0 million, Assets $95.2 million, Deficit ($4.6) million
  • FY 2022: Revenue $54.9 million, Assets $93.4 million, Surplus $9.0 million
  • FY 2021: Revenue $31.3 million, Assets $92.2 million, Deficit ($1.9) million
  • FY 2020: Revenue $66.7 million, Assets $86.3 million, Deficit ($2.3) million

Fiscal Year ends June 30.

Association Annual Campaign

  • FY 2025 goal: $3.2 million
  • FY 2024 raised: $2.8 million
  • FY 2023 raised: $2.5 million

Government Grants Contracts

  • FY 2025 (current): $23.3 million
  • FY 2024: $21.6 million

DISCOVER SILICON VALLEY: INNOVATION, BEAUTY, AND COMMUNITY
Silicon Valley, located in the southern San Francisco Bay Area, stands as the global epicenter of technological innovation. It's the proud home to tech giants like Apple, Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, Oracle, and Adobe, alongside thousands of other groundbreaking companies. A drive through the area quickly reveals its dynamic and entrepreneurial spirit.

This vibrant region is geographically stunning, bordered by the San Francisco Bay to the east and the majestic Santa Cruz Mountains to the west, with the Pacific Ocean just a few miles away. Our service area stretches north through Redwood City (home to Oracle) and south to Gilroy (famous as the garlic capital). The people here are as diverse as the landscape, sharing a culture rooted in the belief that anything is possible. World-class academic institutions such as Stanford University, Santa Clara University, and San Jose State University further enrich our communities with their contributions to academics, arts, sports, and innovation.

Silicon Valley offers convenient access to a wealth of Northern California's most cherished destinations. San Francisco, a global city, is just a 45-minute drive north. An hour away lies the charming town of Carmel, home to the renowned Pebble Beach. For those seeking natural wonders, Yosemite National Park and pristine Lake Tahoe are both within a three-hour drive. Additionally, the world-renowned wine regions of Napa and Sonoma valleys are just two hours north, offering exceptional culinary and cultural experiences.

Despite its incredible wealth, 20% of Silicon Valley's population lives at or near the poverty level. This reality presents significant challenges for families and children, challenges the YMCA of Silicon Valley is actively addressing. We are leading the way in program innovation, outreach to underserved communities, technology integration, progressive people policies, and sound financial management.

Guided by our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, we believe that lasting personal and social change flourishes when we collectively invest in our kids, our health, and our neighbors. We welcome everyone, regardless of age, income, orientation, race, or background, providing opportunities to learn, grow, connect, and thrive. Our members don't just join; they belong to a community that fosters health, confidence, hope, and security.

Donors play a crucial role, taking pride in investing in an organization that thoughtfully and deliberately collaborates with hundreds of community organizations. Together, we are committed to making Silicon Valley the best place for children to grow up and one of the healthiest places to live, ultimately creating a stronger, more vital place to live, work, and play for all.

COMPENSATION 
$450,000 to $550,000 commensurate with experience, accomplishments and competencies. A market study of area executive salaries is underway. Additional compensation, temporary housing and housing assistance may be offered to help with relocation. 

BENEFITS

  • Benefits provided to all YMCA full-time staff, per the personnel policy. For health benefits, employees can choose one of four plans: three Kaiser plan options, along with Sutter Health Plan’s HMO.
  • PTO: Vacation, Sick, and Holiday Hours
  • Y Retirement Fund, 10% YMCA contribution rate after eligibility is met.
  • Y Retirement Fund, 403B Savings Account available.
  • Car allowance, cell phone
Qualifications

MINIMUM CRITERIA FOR CANDIDATES

  1. Education: Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred.
  2. Leadership Experience: At least ten (10) years of senior leadership experience, preferably within a YMCA or a comparable, complex multi-site organization, including direct oversight of diverse teams. Proven leadership abilities and demonstrated success developing strong teams and corporate culture.
  3. Financial Expertise: Proven financial acumen with a track record of successfully managing multi-site operations and annual budgets exceeding $40MM.
  4. Fundraising Acumen: Demonstrated success in cultivating philanthropic support, including securing corporate, major private, foundation, government, and individual gifts. Experience successfully leading a major capital campaign.
  5. Change & Innovation: A history of leading successful change management initiatives and driving innovative solutions.
  6. Interpersonal & Strategic Leadership: Exceptional interpersonal skills and proven ability to build trust, coupled with a strong track record as a thought leader in building and executing strategic planning initiatives.
  7. Language Proficiency: Ability to speak languages other than English is a plus.
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: 
 
Execute the Strategic Plan: Collaborate with leadership and the board to implement the current Y strategic plan, laying the groundwork for future planning. Develop organizational strategies with clear, measurable goals and actionable implementation plans. Key competencies: Change Leadership, Communication & Influence, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Program/Project Management

Improve Operating Performance: Work with the leadership team to develop an annual tactical plan specifically designed to drive new revenue streams and achieve key financial objectives. By operating safely, staying relevant, and maintaining sustainable practices, we'll be well-positioned to proactively address issues, forecast future demands, and strategically manage the Y's operations and activities to enhance performance - sustainability and secure long-term financial health. Key competencies: Developing Self & Others, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Innovation

Fiscal Management: Drive the organization towards sustained financial health and growth by utilizing advanced financial analysis to anticipate future trends and ensure stability. Your leadership will consistently result in balanced or surplus operations, achieved through proactive revenue generation (earned and contributions) and effective cost management. Additionally, you'll equip and mentor staff leadership to manage their departmental finances successfully and implement comprehensive stewardship practices. Key competencies: Fiscal Management, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Developing Self & Others, Philanthropy 

Position the Y as a Vital Partner for Community Change: Embody and champion the Y's mission, purpose, and vision throughout the community. You'll skillfully develop and maintain crucial relationships with a wide array of stakeholders, all while adhering to the Y's foundational values. Your leadership will firmly establish the Y as a pivotal nonprofit, relentlessly working to strengthen the community by fostering individual potential, purpose, and connection. Key competencies: Communication & Influence, Engaging Community, Collaboration 

Elevate Fundraising Efforts: Develop and execute a fundraising plan that includes annual, capital, and endowment planning that positions the YMCA as a leading nonprofit through deep donor engagement and innovative fundraising strategies. Implement and leverage robust systems that significantly streamline fundraising efforts, allowing the Y to cultivate donor relationships more effectively and maximize their support. Actively involve members, volunteers, and staff in cultivating relationships, while also identifying opportunities for impactful capital campaigns and new avenues for revenue generation. Our goal is to elevate annual giving and grow our endowment to unprecedented levels, significantly enhancing the Y's effectiveness and community impact. A key deliverable is to reach or exceed the capital campaign goal for building a new YMCA in Redwood City. Key competencies: Philanthropy, Engaging Community, Communication & Influence

Build Upon and Lead a High-Performing Team: Drive the development and implementation of an impactful talent strategy to establish our YMCA as supportive, inclusive, and culturally competent. Efforts will focus on recruiting, developing, and retaining a diverse workforce that mirrors our community's needs. Cultivate a high-performance culture where collaboration thrives, purpose is shared, and continuous learning is evident. Key competencies: Developing Self & Others, Inclusion, Emotional Maturity, Change Leadership

Maximize Board Engagement: Collaborate closely with the board and its governance committee to proactively increase board members’ engagement. This critical effort will directly support our strategic plan and key goals. Partner with the board to establish, implement, and continuously refine best-practice processes for the recruitment, comprehensive training, ongoing development, and thoughtful renewal of board members and empowering their ownership in the future. Key competencies: Volunteerism, Change Leadership, Engaging Community, Inclusion 

SEARCH PROCESS TARGET DATES

  • Resumes accepted through: September 1
  • Preliminary Zoom interviews scheduled: October 7 and 8
  • Final In-person interviews: November 17 and 18
  • New CEO on board (anticipated): January 2, 2026, or earlier

*dates subject to change

HOW TO APPLY

References, Background Check, and Organizational Leader Certification:
Candidates must submit the following in their online application: a resume (PDF only), and a cover letter (PDF only). Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.

Candidates who advance to final interviews will submit six references. Your references must include a direct report, current or former supervisor, and peer or colleague with two personal references. Additional reference checking may be conducted as part of our comprehensive background review. A complete background check will be performed by HireRight on final candidates. HireRight conducts comprehensive background checks for employment, including criminal records, education, and employment verification.

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 and or requirements.

Candidates must apply via the following website: https://tinyurl.com/ymca-of-silicon-valley-ceo   

QUESTIONS 

About the Search Process?
Richard Clegg
Senior CEO Search YMCA Consultant
DBD Group
[email protected] 

About the YMCA?
Dan Crocker 
Director of Association Resources, California State Alliance of YMCAs
[email protected]