President and CEO

YMCA
Salary
$125,000.00
$150,000.00
How to Apply
Apply Online
Resumes Accepted Until
The YMCA of Ottawa IL is more than a building; it’s a vibrant space where health, connection, and opportunity converge.
Job Description

EXECUTIVE VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
YMCA OF OTTAWA ILLINOIS

Position: President and CEO (Chief Executive Officer)

Address: 411 Canal St., Ottawa, IL 61350

The YMCA of Ottawa Illinois is an equal opportunity employer committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion.

The Opportunity:

The Ottawa YMCA’s one year old facility at 411 Canal St. is a transformative addition to the community, blending traditional YMCA programming with cutting-edge health and wellness services. This 68,000- square-foot Healthy Living Campus sits along the Illinois River and features a competition pool, warm water therapy pool, elevated indoor track, multi-use gymnasium, and a children’s adventure center. The design also includes a community kitchen, demonstration, chapel, and versatile spaces for group classes and social gatherings.

A standout feature of the new facility is its partnership with OSF HealthCare, which has opened a 7,500- square-foot rehabilitation center within the YMCA. This center offers physical, speech, and occupational therapies, along with aquatic therapy for safe, advanced rehabilitation activities. The collaboration encourages members to pursue healthier lifestyles while receiving care in a familiar, community-focused setting. The new YMCA also continues its commitment to youth development and family support, offering expanded child watch services, family locker rooms, and secure spaces for children to play and learn. Programs like preschool, before and after school care, and summer camps remain central to the Y’s mission, now enhanced by the upgraded facility’s resources.

Our facility includes a state-of-the-art aquatic center. The Ottawa YMCA has had a strong history of competition swimming which we hope to build upon. Our wish is to host area and regional events to create a vibrant atmosphere and provide benefit to our local Ottawa community and economy.

In addition to fitness and youth programming, the Ottawa YMCA serves as a regional hub for wellness and community engagement. The elevated track and wellness center provide panoramic views of the river, while the building’s architecture pays tribute to Ottawa’s historic rail bridge and downtown charm. Community members can rent spaces for events, participate in volunteer opportunities, and enjoy inclusive programming designed for all ages and abilities.

Altogether, the new Ottawa YMCA represents a $26.5 million investment in the city’s future. It’s more than a building, it’s a vibrant space where health, connection, and opportunity converge.

About The YMCA of Ottawa Illinois:

The Ottawa YMCA first opened its doors in 1956, marking the beginning of a decades-long commitment to nurturing the spirit, mind, and body of its community. Rooted in the national YMCA movement that began in the 19th century, the Ottawa branch quickly became a hub for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Over the years, it expanded its programs to include aquatics, sports, wellness initiatives, and childcare, all while remaining steadfast in its mission to serve individuals and families across generations. In 2024, the community celebrated the opening of a new 68,000-square-foot facility, a testament to Ottawa’s enduring belief in the power of inclusive, purpose-driven spaces.

At the heart of the Ottawa YMCA is a mission grounded in Judeo-Christian principles and the core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. These values are not just aspirational, they’re woven into every program and interaction, from youth mentorship to senior wellness. The Y’s commitment to spiritual, mental, and physical development reflects a holistic approach to community building, where everyone is welcomed and empowered to thrive. By fostering leadership and personal growth through faith-informed service, the Ottawa YMCA continues to be a beacon of hope and connection for the region.

About the Ottawa Community:
Ottawa, Illinois is a vibrant riverfront community that blends rich history, natural beauty, and small-town charm with a growing spirit of innovation. Nestled at the confluence of the Illinois and Fox Rivers, it’s known as the “Gateway to Starved Rock Country,” offering easy access to four state parks and scenic trails that draw outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Its revitalized downtown boasts unique shops, locally owned restaurants, and cultural attractions like murals, art galleries, and historic landmarks, including the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate. Seasonal festivals, farmers markets, and community events foster a strong sense of connection and togetherness in the community.

At the heart of Ottawa’s future is the newly opened YMCA serves as the anchor for a transformative riverfront development plan. Plans are underway for an outdoor amphitheater, new restaurants, a boutique restaurant etc., all designed to turn the riverfront into a dynamic hub for recreation, entertainment, and community life. With the YMCA already sparking increased membership and civic pride, Ottawa is poised to become a model for small-town revitalization that honors its roots while embracing a bold, people-centered future.

Our Mission: To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

Qualifications

Criteria for candidates:

  1. Accredited 4-year college degree or equivalent experience.
  2. Must demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills and personal values consistent with the YMCA mission.
  3. Minimum ten years prior experience in a senior management role with a YMCA or related experience at comparable organization with direct supervision of multiple levels of staff and employees.
  4. Must be able to develop and strengthen community relationships.
  5. Have the ability to develop innovative programs, review and enhance programs being offered or considered for both economy and the effectiveness in broadening our engagement in the communities in which we serve.
  6. Strategic planning and Fundraising experience including annual campaigns and the securing of grants.
  7. Fiscally sound business management approach.
  8. A proven record of accomplishment of progressive budgetary leadership and advanced fiscal management practices.
  9. YMCA Organizational Leader Certification or ability to achieve within 3 years.
Essential Functions

Key Skills and Abilities

Fiscal Management: Use high-level financial analysis to forecast financial trends, growth and stability, while consistently leading the organization to balance or surplus operations by growing earned revenue and contributions and controlling costs. Empower and guide staff leaders to lead their departments to successful financial operation. Develop and implement stewardship strategies. Key Competencies: Fiscal Management, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Developing Self & Others, Philanthropy

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

Build and Lead Staff: Ensure a talent development system is in place and executed effectively with cultural competence. Hire, motivate, nurture, retain, and hold staff accountable for key objectives. Work towards recruiting, retaining, developing and promoting staff. Encourage the team by creating a spirit of camaraderie, connection, and sense of mission and purpose. Create a learning organization to help staff achieve their highest potential. Key Competencies: Developing Self & Others, Inclusion, Emotional Maturity, Change Leadership

Position the Y as a Vital Partner for Community Change: Serve as an ambassador for the mission, purpose, and vision for the YMCA within the community. Possess the ability to develop and cultivate relationships with key stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds, while always upholding the highest standards and values of the Y. Ensure your 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 will establish the YMCA as a leading nonprofit organization within the community through the engagement of members, volunteers, staff, and donors. Identify the need for successful capital fundraising, while taking the organization to a new level of effectiveness and impact in annual giving and endowment. Key Competencies: Philanthropy, Engaging Community, Communication & Influence

Cause-Driven Leadership: Inspire and mobilize staff, volunteers, members, community members and community partners to strengthen communities for all. Bring together people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and generations to ensure access to the opportunities, relationships and resources necessary to learn, grow and thrive. Creates a welcoming, affirming, genuine, hopeful, and nurturing environment dedicated to making the communities served stronger. Key Competencies: Developing Self & Others, Communication & Influence

Membership:
•    Total Number of Members: 7250
•    Total Number of Membership Units: 3050
•    % Youth: 7%
•    % Adults: 13%
•    % Senior: 26%
•    % of Families 45%

Branch/Facility Information:
YMCA of Ottawa, Illinois 
411 Canal St.
Ottawa, IL  61350

School Aged Locations:
Riordan Pool (Seasonal)
600 Utica Dr, Ottawa, IL  61350

Wallace Elementary School
1463 N 33rd Rd, Ottawa, IL  61350

Marseilles Elementary School
201 Chicago St, Marseilles, IL  61341

Philanthropy:
Annual Giving: $175,000
Previous Year's Annual Giving Impact
•    Total number of people receiving financial assistance scholarship): 1782
•    Total amount awarded in financial assistance (scholarship): $180,450

Staff:
Current Staff:
12 FT Staff
120 PT Employees

CEO Direct Reports:
Membership and Marketing Director
Wellness Director
Facility Director
Youth and Family Director
Aquatics Director
Program Director
Business office Manager
HR Generalist

Board of Directors:
19 Board Members
6 Committees

Financial Snapshot:
•    Revenue & Expenses 2025 Budget - $3.4 million
•    Total Liquidity* - $4 million as of 6/30/25

The new facility was achieved using an innovative capital stack resulting in this level of liquidity. These varying funding sources are complex and require continuous monitoring and oversight of 30-year cash flow projections. 

Salary Range: $125,000-$150,000
      
Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision
plans, life and disability insurance, and voluntary benefits. Eligible employees receive a 10% retirement contribution. Paid time off includes generous PTO and additional leave benefits. Employees also enjoy free memberships and discounts on YMCA programs like day camps, after school care, and swim lessons. '
Residency Expectation: The CEO is expected to be highly engaged and visible in our community. Living in the YMCA's service area is required.

Other sites for information: www.vmca.net, https://ottawaymca.org/

Target Dates for the search process
Resumes accepted through:                 September 5th
Preliminary interviews scheduled:         October 9 & 10- via zoom
Final interviews:                                  October 22 & 23
New CEO on board (anticipated):          December 1st 

To Apply
Candidates will apply via the following website: https://tinyurl.com/YMCA-of-Ottawa-IL-CEO

Application, References, Background Check, and Organizational Leader Certification: Candidates must submit the following in their online application, uploading a PDF of your cover letter and resume. Applications 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.

Questions regarding this position should be directed to:

Sandy Morander
Senior Consultant, Y-USA
[email protected]

Glenn Haley
CEO, Illinois Alliance of YMCAs
[email protected]