Chief Executive Officer

YMCA
Salary
$300,000.00
$350,000.00
How to Apply
Apply Online
Resumes Accepted Until
The YMCA of Honolulu is seeking a dynamic, mission-driven President & CEO to lead the organization into its next era of growth and impact.
Job Description

EXECUTIVE VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
YMCA OF HONOLULU

Position: Chief Executive Officer
Category: Executive
Team: YMCA of Honolulu
Location: Oahu, Hawaii
Posted on: 10/1/2025

Address: 1441 Pali Hwy, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96813

About The Opportunity: 

The YMCA of Honolulu is seeking a dynamic, mission-driven President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the organization into its next era of growth and impact. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will provide visionary leadership while ensuring the YMCA remains a trusted, inclusive, and innovative resource for Oʻahu. This role oversees all aspects of the Association, including operations, finance, philanthropy, partnerships, and staff development, while inspiring staff, donors, and community partners to advance the Y’s mission.

The ideal candidate is an accomplished leader who combines operational excellence with the ability to engage and inspire diverse communities. This individual will bring significant fundraising experience with a proven track record, have led large organizations or substantial teams, and have successfully overseen major capital projects from concept to completion. Importantly, this leader understands the YMCA not only as an organization but as a movement, with the cultural awareness and operational acumen to honor that unique identity.

The next CEO will guide implementation and execution of the YMCA’s 2025-2028 Strategic Plan, which prioritizes advancing holistic health, supporting youth in reaching their full potential, and elevating the Y’s visibility and brand. This includes expanding mental wellness programs, early learning initiatives, and teen leadership pathways, while strengthening evaluation systems, staff culture, and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity. As the YMCA looks to the future, insights gathered from an in-depth survey of board members, staff, community members, and branch volunteers revealed six clear priorities as the most critical drivers of the YMCA’s ongoing success. These include developing and implementing a strategic plan, strengthening operating performance, enhancing fiscal management, positioning the Y as a vital partner for community change, building and leading staff, and stewarding fundraising efforts. These priorities will guide our focus and drive impact across all branches.

A major focus will be the YMCA’s $60 million capital campaign and its three cornerstone initiatives: redeveloping the Nuʻuanu YMCA, expanding mental wellness programs, and enhancing childcare services. Revitalizing the historic Nuʻuanu flagship branch is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape a vibrant, multi-use campus that reflects Hawaiʻi’s evolving needs. Envisioned as a model of community-centered design, the Nuʻuanu Y will integrate affordable housing, modern health and wellness facilities, early learning, and intergenerational programming. The CEO will play a pivotal role in bringing this bold vision to life by driving strategic planning, securing philanthropic investment, and forging strong public and private partnerships.

Given the scale of this work, the CEO must bring expertise in complex financing, major project development, and multifaceted business partnerships. Just as critically, they will embody integrity, authenticity, and sound judgment, earning the trust of staff, Board, and community alike. By fostering meaningful relationships across diverse communities and leading with vision and courage, the CEO will advance the mission and spirit of the YMCA of Honolulu for generations to come. Given the scale of this work, the CEO must bring expertise in complex financing, major project development, and multifaceted business partnerships. Just as critically, they will embody integrity, authenticity, and sound judgment—earning the trust of staff, Board, and community alike. By fostering meaningful relationships across diverse communities and leading with vision and courage, the CEO will advance the mission and spirit of the YMCA of Honolulu for generations to come.

Our Mission:
To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. At the Y, kids can realize their potential, teens can prepare for higher education or career opportunities, and families can connect and have fun together. The Y empowers people of all kinds to be healthier in spirit, mind and body.

About the YMCA of Honolulu:
Year Founded: 1869
Number of Staff: 800+
Operating Revenue: $30M+
Website: https://www.ymcahonolulu.org/
Nine YMCA Branches
One Program Center
59 Elementary School Afterschool Programs
13 Middle School Outreach and Counseling Programs
15 High School Outreach and Counseling Programs, including off-island sites

Qualifications

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Skills/Knowledge: 

  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to write and deliver compelling, persuasive, and original speeches, articles, and presentations on complex or sensitive topics to a wide range of audiences, including Board members, community leaders, and the public.
  • Demonstrated ability to interpret and analyze complex documents, data, and reports, and respond thoughtfully and effectively to inquiries, feedback, or concerns.
  • Financial and operational acumen, with the ability to apply mathematical concepts to real-world planning, including budget development, forecasting, and program evaluation.
  • Strategic and adaptive thinker, capable of navigating complex, ambiguous, or evolving challenges with sound judgment, creativity, and a results-oriented approach.
  • Strong understanding of community dynamics and the ability to engage diverse stakeholders, build partnerships, and leverage community resources to advance the YMCA’s mission and strategic priorities.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and other relevant technologies necessary for executive communication, planning, and decision-making.
  • Committed to equity and inclusion, with demonstrated experience engaging and supporting individuals across diverse backgrounds, including differences in language, culture, race, age, physical ability, sexual orientation, and other lived experiences.
Essential Functions

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Visionary Leadership: Shapes and communicates a bold vision, balances big-picture strategy with execution, and fosters innovation and growth. May identify the need for an operational partner to ensure priorities are carried out.
  • Board Leadership: Serves as the executive officer to the Board, ensuring strong governance, policy implementation, and Board engagement aligned with mission and strategy.
  • Ambassador & Fundraising: Acts as the chief spokesperson, elevating visibility, cultivating partnerships, engaging donors, and leading fundraising efforts to support sustainability.
  • Operations & Programs: Oversees programs and operations to meet community needs, staying connected to diverse voices and fostering inclusive, mission-driven service.
  • Strategic Planning: Leads the creation and execution of the strategic plan, driving organizational growth, impact, and sustainability.
  • Community Partnerships: Builds relationships with schools, nonprofits, businesses, and agencies to expand awareness, trust, and regional impact.
  • Advocacy: Engages government leaders and influencers, representing the organization in advocacy efforts and within broader state, regional, and national networks.
  • Resource Development: Secures and stewards resources for operations, capital projects, and innovation, ensuring financial stability and leadership continuity.
  • Financial Oversight: Oversees budgets, policies, and long-term fiscal planning to ensure responsible stewardship and sustainability.
  • Risk Management: Leads enterprise risk management, prioritizing child safety, compliance, and organizational protection.
  • Innovation & Change: Monitors trends, embraces new ideas and technologies, and guides the organization through growth and change.
  • Engagement & Representation: Maintains visibility in community and national events, securing certifications and advancing organizational alignment with standards.
  • Mission-Driven Programs: Translates mission and strategy into impactful programs, fostering collaboration, communication, and staff development.
  • Administrative Management: Delegates effectively, establishes strong systems, and ensures operational efficiency and accountability.
  • Real Estate Oversight: Provides leadership on property planning, development, and management, aligning assets with mission and future growth.
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

YMCA COMPETENCIES:

  • Mission and Community Oriented: Incorporates YMCA mission and values into the organization’s vision and strategies, advocates for and institutionalizes inclusion and diversity, and promotes the global nature of the YMCA movement.
  • People Oriented: Is recognized as an inspirational community leader who initiates the development of relationships with influential leaders and people within and outside the YMCA.
  • Results Oriented: Possesses insight and strategic thinking skills to deliver organization-wide results and achieve objectives. Develops a culture of philanthropy and stewardship.
  • Personal Development Oriented: Shares authority and demonstrates courage and humility. Creates a learning organization.
Required Certifications

Education/Training: 

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in business administration, nonprofit management, human services, or a related field is required; a relevant graduate degree is strongly preferred.
  • Proven executive leadership experience is required. YMCA of the USA Organizational Leader Certification must be obtained within three years of hire, if not already held.

Experience: 

  • Minimum of 10 years of progressive, broad-based leadership experience, preferably within the YMCA or nonprofit sector, with demonstrated success in areas such as strategic planning, board and volunteer development, philanthropic leadership, and managing multi-site operations.
  • Five to seven years of CEO or senior executive experience is strongly preferred, with a proven ability to lead large, complex organizations and navigate cross-functional priorities.
  • Extensive experience managing and leading large, diverse teams, with a strong track record in addressing complex human resources issues, fostering inclusive workplaces, and building a high-performing staff culture.
  • Demonstrated success in financial management and navigating financial challenges; must have hands-on experience managing complex business lines, developing budgets, analyzing financials, and leading organizations through fiscal decision-making with confidence and clarity.
  • Strong background in infrastructure development, including the ability to build and scale internal systems in both stable and rapidly evolving environments.
  • Proven ability to cultivate and maintain strong relationships with community stakeholders, donors, public officials, and volunteers. Must be regarded as a respected peer among top community leaders.
  • Exceptional ability to recruit, engage, and inspire both staff and volunteer leadership toward a shared vision.
  • Passionate commitment to the mission, values, and ethical standards of the YMCA, with personal values that align with the organization’s core principles.
  • Skilled public communicator and spokesperson, capable of articulating the YMCA’s impact and value across diverse audiences.

Salary Range: $300,000 to $350,000

Benefits:

  • YMCA Retirement contribution once eligibility is met
  • YMCA 403B savings account
  • Health plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Other benefits per personnel policy.

Timeline:
Resume deadline: November 2, 2025.

How to Apply: Please submit the following, addressed to YMCA of Honolulu Search Committee, c/o Inkinen Executive Search, via email to [email protected]:

  • Cover Letter – expressing the reason for your interest in YMCA of Honolulu, and how your skills and experiences match the President & Chief Executive Officer role.
  • Resume

For detailed information, please visit https://www.inkinen.com/ymca-ceo

Questions?

Inkinen Executive Search, [email protected]
Derek Smith, CEO, Pacific Alliance of YMCAs, [email protected] 
Richard Clegg, Senior YMCA CEO Search Consultant, [email protected]