Similar Positions
Associate Executive Director of Operations
YMCA of Kingston and Ulster County
Executive Director
Taylor Bend Family YMCA
Community Executive Director
Western Branch YMCA
Chief Operating Officer – YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi ValleyLead with Purpose, Transform Communities!
Job Description
Are you a visionary leader ready to make a lasting impact? The YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley, one of the Midwest’s most vibrant and rapidly growing YMCA associations, is seeking an inspiring Chief Operating Officer (COO) to drive our
mission forward. Serving over 53,000 members and program participants across 7 branches, camps, early learning centers, and recreational facilities, our Y is a cornerstone of community empowerment, dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Join us to lead transformative change and shape a brighter future!
Our Growth Story: The Past Five Years
Our YMCA has achieved remarkable growth, positioning us as a leader in the region:
● Membership Surge: Grown from 25,000 to over 50,000 members since 2020, a 50%+ increase, reflecting our expanding community reach.
● Program Innovation: Launched new programs like tennis, pickleball, gymnastics, and ninja, significantly boosting engagement and participation.
● Financial Assistance Growth: Increased financial aid from $1.2 million in 2020 to over $1.8 million in 2025, supporting 22% of members with income-based pricing.
● Fundraising Success: Doubled annual campaign donations from $650,000 in 2020 to over $1.2 million in 2025, fueling mission-driven initiatives.
● Facility Expansion: Opened new facilities, including the R. Richard Bittner YMCA, North Scott Community YMCA, YMCA Sports Center, Hubbell-Waterman Soccer Complex, and YMCA Water Park at The Landing, with the upcoming
LeClaire YMCA set for 2026.
● Strong Financial Position: We are a YMCA with a strong balance sheet, low debt and the ability to reinvest into our current locations and expand our reach with new opportunities.
2026 Opportunities: Shape the Future
As our COO, you’ll lead exciting initiatives in 2026 and beyond:
● LeClaire YMCA Launch: Oversee the completion and opening of our state-of-the-art $18 million LeClaire YMCA, a collaborative project with the City of LeClaire, IA, set to open in November 2026.
● Program Innovation: Introduce inclusive, cutting-edge programs to meet evolving community needs and engage diverse audiences.
● Membership Growth: Drive strategic initiatives to expand our membership base, leveraging new facilities and programs.
● Community Partnerships: Strengthen collaborations with local organizations, schools, and businesses to amplify our impact.
● Capital Projects: Lead facility enhancements, ensuring our branches, camps, and recreational sites remain vibrant community hubs.
Qualifications
Who You Are
● A strategic thinker with a Bachelor’s degree in business, nonprofit management, or a related field.
● An experienced leader with a history of developing teams and multi-site operations, ideally in the YMCA or nonprofit sector. Experience with outdoor pools is a plus!
● A results-driven innovator with expertise in operations, program development, membership growth, financial stewardship, and fundraising.
● An exceptional communicator with a talent for building inclusive relationships and a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
● A passionate advocate for the YMCA’s mission of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Essential Functions
About the Role
As COO, you’ll be a strategic partner to our President & CEO, driving operational excellence and community impact. You’ll oversee branch operations, program delivery, membership growth, staff development, and fundraising, ensuring our Y remains a leader in the Midwest. This role is ideal for a collaborative, mission-driven leader with a proven track record of operational success and community engagement.
What You’ll Do
● Lead Strategically: Provide visionary oversight of daily operations across branches, camps, and indoor/outdoor pools, delivering mission-driven programs that inspire.
● Empower Teams: Mentor and develop a diverse team of executive directors, directors, and staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusion.
● Drive Growth: Spearhead initiatives to boost membership, enhance program participation, and deepen community engagement through creative strategies.
● Shape the Vision: Partner with the CEO and Board on strategic planning, innovation, and growth to position our Y as a community cornerstone.
● Ensure Financial Success: Oversee budgets, drive revenue growth, and lead our annual fundraising campaign to fuel our mission.
● Enhance Facilities: Manage facilities and capital projects, including the LeClaire YMCA, ensuring vibrant spaces for connection and growth.
● Build Relationships: Represent the Y as a passionate ambassador, forging strong partnerships with members, donors, and stakeholders.
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
Why Join Our YMCA?
● Transform Lives: Make a profound difference in the lives of children, families, and communities through innovative programs and initiatives.
● Lead with Impact: Join a forward-thinking leadership team at one of the Midwest’s premier YMCAs, driving innovation and growth.
● Grow Your Career: Access unparalleled professional development and opportunities to advance within the YMCA movement.
● Enjoy Competitive Rewards: Benefit from a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package and a supportive environment that values your leadership.