Lead with purpose at the Watsonville Family YMCA—building community, developing youth, and inspiring healthy living.
Job Description
Under the general direction of the Vice President of Branch Operations, the Executive Director provides strategic and administrative leadership for the Watsonville Family YMCA. This position is responsible for ensuring the achievement of branch goals and objectives in the areas of fiscal management, board and volunteer development, human resources, financial development, program innovation, member and participant engagement, facility operations, community relations, and overall planning and administration. All responsibilities are to be carried out in accordance with the policies, procedures, and bylaws of the Central Coast YMCA.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience
- A bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) in management or a related field is strongly preferred, or equivalent education and experience.
- Minimum of five years of progressive leadership experience in management, fundraising, volunteer engagement, fiscal management, and administration.
- Strong human relations skills with the ability to work effectively with staff and volunteers in a collaborative partnership.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and facilitate organizational growth and change.
Essential Functions
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
I. Fiscal Management
Working closely with the Vice President of Branch Operations:
- Assists in the development and management of the branch budget.
- Develop and maintain systems to monitor the achievement of budgeted goals and objectives, engaging key staff in the process.
- Ensures that budgeted outcomes for the branch are met.
II. Board and Volunteer Development
Working in collaboration with the Vice President of Branch Operations:
- Assists in identifying, recruiting, and orienting new members for the branch Board of Managers.
- Supports the Vice President with the Board of Managers, Campaign Committees, Board Development Committee,
- and other committees or task forces as assigned.
- Strengthens volunteer leadership through the ongoing development of the branch Board of Managers and program volunteers.
III. Human Resources Development
- Manages the full Human Resources cycle (recruitment, selection, onboarding, training, supervision, and recognition) for directly supervised staff.
- Ensures effective human resource management practices across all branch departments through coordination with management staff.
- Conducts regular one-on-one supervisory meetings with staff to set and evaluate performance standards.
IV. Financial Development
Working closely with the Vice President of Branch Operations:
- Leads the branch’s Annual Campaign and related fundraising efforts.
- Supports volunteer leadership, including the Campaign Chair, through clear direction and engagement.
- Achieves established goals for volunteer recruitment and financial development.
V. Program Development
- Directs the achievement of YMCA goals and objectives across all program areas.
- Promotes innovation and continuous improvement in programming, collaborating with other agencies and community partners to enhance effectiveness.
- Provides regular reports to the Board of Managers regarding program quality, participation, and impact.
VI. Member and Participant Satisfaction
- Ensures that members, program participants, and guests experience high levels of satisfaction with YMCA programs and services.
- Implement systems for collecting and analyzing member and participant feedback to measure satisfaction and guide improvements.
VII. Facility Management
- Oversee the operation of the branch facility, ensuring a clean, safe, and well-maintained environment.
- Maximizes facility used to support YMCA program goals and community needs.
VIII. Public and Community Relations
- Represents the YMCA within the community, maintaining positive relationships with community leaders, businesses, public officials, and the media.
- Oversee the development and execution of branch marketing and public relations strategies.
IX. Planning
- Leads both strategic (long-range, 5-year) and tactical (annual) planning efforts for the branch.
- Ensures alignment of branch operations with organizational goals and objectives.
X. Administration
- Ensures that administrative systems meet Association standards and provide effective reporting and accountability.
XI. Intangibles
- Serves as an active member of the Central Coast YMCA leadership team, participating in branch and Association meetings as appropriate.
- Pursues professional development goals in collaboration with the Vice President of Branch Operations.
- Participates in regional and national YMCA initiatives as appropriate.
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
The Executive Director must model the YMCA’s cause-driven leadership competencies, demonstrating a deep commitment to the organization’s mission and values. This includes the ability to inspire and motivate others to serve, foster meaningful relationships with members, staff, volunteers, and community partners, and ensure that all branch activities reflect the YMCA’s focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Executive Director is expected to lead with integrity, inclusiveness, and empathy while driving results through collaboration, accountability, and innovation.
Required Certifications
Other Skills, Requirements, and Personal Characteristics
- Strong teamwork orientation and interpersonal communication skills.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and other business software applications.
- Ability to set and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- You must possess a valid driver’s license and receive clearance from the YMCA’s insurance carrier before driving on business-related tasks.
- Enthusiastic, dependable, and able to maintain a positive attitude with a sense of humor.
- Willing to follow direction while also demonstrating initiative and sound judgment.
- Strong understanding and commitment to the mission and values of the YMCA.
- Demonstrates and models the YMCA’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility in all interactions with staff, members, and volunteers.
- Genuine interest in youth development and the ability to engage positively with children and families.
- Even-tempered and adaptable, able to adjust priorities as circumstances change.
- Must possess current CPR and First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain within 60 days of hire).
- Maintains a neat and professional appearance consistent with YMCA standards. Conservative use of earrings is permitted; other visible body piercings, including tongue piercings, are not allowed.
- Must complete Child Abuse Prevention Training annually and sign acknowledgment of having read and understood the Child Abuse Prevention Handbook.