President and CEO

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: 

 
1.    Implement a Strategic Plan: Work effectively with volunteers, community leaders, and key staff to implement the organization’s new strategic plan in a new way 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

2.    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

3.    Improve Operating Performance: Engage the board and appropriate staff to develop an annual tactical plan for identifying and achieving key goals and objectives for operating with safe, relevant and sustainable practices. Quickly address issues that may arise, forecast future needs, and manage and direct the Y’s operations and activities. Key Competencies: Developing Self & Others, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Innovation

4.    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.  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

5.    Fiscal Management: Use high-level analysis to forecast financial trends, growth and stability, while consistently leading the organization to achieve a balanced or surplus results 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

6.    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  

ABOUT YMCA BUFFALO NIAGARA
Serving nearly 100,000 members, volunteers, and program participants, YMCA Buffalo Niagara is one of Western New York’s leading nonprofits, the largest childcare provider, and one of the largest employers in the area.

Founded in 1852, YMCA Buffalo Niagara is the second-oldest YMCA in the United States and one of the longest-standing institutions in Western New York. Today, the Association operates five wellness centers, two overnight camps, 12-day camp sites, and delivers childcare and fitness programs at more than 50 locations across the community.

YMCA Buffalo Niagara provides services primarily in Erie and Niagara Counties in Western New York, including Buffalo and Niagara Falls.

Our Mission
YMCA Buffalo Niagara is a charitable, community-based organization committed to providing programs designed to build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

Our Purpose
To serve as a catalyst to transform lives and strengthen communities.

Our Impact

• Youth Development – we empower young people to reach their full potential.
• Healthy Living – we improve individual and community well-being.
• Social Responsibility – we provide support and inspiring action in our communities.

Our Culture and Guiding Principles

• We Are an Association of One - we are all in this together! Regardless of our area of expertise, we recognize that it takes a village to succeed.
• We Live Our Values - we have a high level of integrity, take responsibility, show respect, and create a caring environment.
• We Lead with Purpose - we maintain an intense focus on bringing our mission to life by exceeding expectations and developing solutions to community issues.
• We Embrace Fun & Innovation - we encourage creativity and teamwork to create an environment where great things can take place.

Current Key Strategic Initiatives: 

• Preparing Youth for Success - by 2030, the Y will raise the bar for youth development in our region, helping a generation emerge with the confidence, resilience, and skills needed for success throughout life.
• Preventing Drownings - by 2030, Western New York will be a leader in water safety, where every family is given the opportunity to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to stay safe around water.
• Increasing Social Connections - by 2030, the YMCA will lead a regional effort to ensure every person in Western New York has access to meaningful social connections, reducing isolation and strengthening community bonds across generations.
• Improving Community Health - by 2030, our community will have expanded access to programs and education that promote healthy living, support the prevention and management of chronic disease and obesity, and empower people of all ages and abilities to lead healthier, more active lives.

Membership: Total Number of Members: 47,500 (24,750 units)

Locations: 

Family Wellness Center       City/Town                     Opened              Sq. Feet              Members
Ken-Ton YMCA                        Kenmore, NY                     1955                 30,761                 2,500
William-Emslie YMCA              Buffalo, NY                         1983                 27,630                1,300
Southtowns YMCA                  West Seneca, NY                 2003                 69,800                14,500
Independent Health YMCA       Williamsville, NY                 2013                 97,254                18,700
Lockport YMCA                       Lockport, NY                      2018                 52,000                10,500       

Day Camp Center                City/Town                         Opened                Acres    
YMCA Camp Tahigwa              Corfu, NY                           1956                     60    
YMCA Camp Eggert                Orchard Park, NY                1964                     21.5    
YMCA Camp Swan (future)     Buffalo, NY                         In construction '25  6.9    
                
Overnight Camp                 City/Town                         Opened                 Acres    
YMCA Camp Weona               Gainesville, NY                     1897                     866    
YMCA Camp Kenan                 Barker, NY                           1924                    46  

Leased Office Space          City/Town                          Lease Dates        Sq. Feet    
Association Office                Cheektowaga, NY                5/1/24 - 2/23/33    11,065    

Annual Support Campaign: 

• 2026 Goal:     $625,000
• 2025 Total:     $550,000

In addition to traditional annual giving campaigns, YMCA Buffalo Niagara runs two signature special events that raise over $550,000 annually:

• YMCA Buffalo Niagara Turkey Trot, the oldest consecutively run footrace in the world, with over 14,000 participants is held on Thanksgiving morning in Downtown Buffalo.
• The YMCA Gala is held as a celebration on or near the Founding Day of the Y – April 26.

Recent Capital Campaign: The Y is currently constructing a new outdoor facility in the City of Buffalo to provide new opportunities for day camp, drowning prevention, youth sports, and community activities. The estimated project cost is between $8M - $9M. The Y has secured approximately $6M to date, with a goal of completing the project with no debt.

Staff Team: The Y’s workforce consists of approximately 800 employees (70 full-time), with an additional 150 seasonal employees in the summer.

Direct reports to the President/CEO include: 

• Executive VP / COO
• Executive VP / CFO
• VP – Development & Government Relations
• VP – HR & Leadership Development
• VP – Real Estate & Facilities
• VP – Strategy & Marketing

Governance: 12 members of the Board of Trustees and 21 members of the Board of Directors, with the following standing committees:

• Finance/Audit
• Financial Development
• Global Relations and Community Engagement (GRACE)
• Governance
• Human Resources
• Properties

Financial Snapshot:

• 2026 Budget:     $28.5 million
• Long-Term Debt:     $15 million
• Endowment:         $20 million
• 2025 operating net:     $ 945,000
• 2024 operating net:     $(350,000)

The Association has returned to strong operating performance in 2025 following a targeted rebuild of membership post pandemic and enters its next chapter with improving margins, a $20M endowment, and a clear path to long-term sustainability.

ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY 
The Buffalo Niagara region offers an exceptional quality of life that appeals to professionals, families, and community-minded leaders. With a metropolitan population of approximately 1.5 million, the area blends the cultural amenities of a vibrant mid-sized city with the warmth, accessibility, and strong civic pride of a close-knit community.

Buffalo is a passionate professional sports city, home to the Buffalo Bills (NFL), Buffalo Sabres (NHL), Buffalo Bandits (NLL), and Buffalo Bisons (MiLB). Sports play a central role in the region’s identity, fostering a strong sense of community connection and shared pride that extends well beyond game day.

The region also stands out for its housing affordability and overall cost of living, which remain significantly lower than many peer metropolitan areas. Short commute times and accessible neighborhoods allow residents to enjoy a high quality of life with more time and resources for family, recreation, and community engagement.

Buffalo’s food scene has gained national recognition for its creativity, diversity, and authenticity. From locally owned restaurants and revitalized historic districts to waterfront dining and a deep-rooted culinary culture, the region offers a dining experience that rivals much larger cities.

Anchored by world-class natural attractions such as Niagara Falls, a growing and accessible waterfront, extensive parks and trails, nearby ski and winter attractions, and a thriving arts and cultural community, the Buffalo-Niagara region provides an outstanding environment for both professional leadership and personal fulfillment - making it an inviting place to live, work, and lead.

Nearby Attractions Include:

• Professional Sports: NHL (Sabres), NFL (Bills), NLL (Bandits), MLB-AAA (Bisons)
• Museums: Buffalo AKG Art Museum, Burchfield-Penney Art Gallery, Buffalo Zoo, Explore & More Children's Museum, Naval & Military Park
• Visual & Performing Arts: Shea's Buffalo Theater, ArtPark, Outer Harbor, Darien Lake Amphitheater
• Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture: Darwin Martin House
• Ski Resorts - Kissing Bridge, Holiday Valley, Peek N Peak
• Amusement Park: Six Flags Darien Lake
• Park System: Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Niagara Falls State Park
• Lake Erie/Buffalo River: Buffalo Waterfront
• Nearby Canada Destinations: Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Toronto
• Many colleges and universities

Information Sites:

YMCA Website: YMCA Buffalo Niagara
Area Information: Visit Buffalo Niagara
Area Events: Step Out Buffalo
Chamber of Commerce: Buffalo Niagara Partnership

SALARY, BENEFITS, & CRITERIA

Salary Range: $230,000 - $265,000 annually 

Benefits:

• Health Insurance (option available for 100% premium coverage for family paid by Y)
• YMCA Retirement (12% paid by Y) contribution once eligibility is met.
• YMCA 403B savings account available
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Complimentary YMCA Membership
• Other benefits per personnel policy

Residency Expectation: Living in the YMCA’s service area is required.

Criteria for Candidates: 

1. Accredited 4-year college degree and or equivalent work experience.
2. Fiscally sound business management approach with a proven track record of budgetary and fiscal management, more than $10M or more annually.
3. Minimum seven years prior experience in a senior management role with a YMCA or related experience at a 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 economic and 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. YMCA Organizational Leader Certification or ability to achieve within 3 years.

SEARCH PROCESS TARGET DATES

Resumes accepted through:                        April 3rd
In Person Preliminary interviews scheduled: April 30 & May 1st
In-person Final interviews:                         May 19 & 20
New CEO on board (anticipated):                July-August 2026

*Dates subject to change

HOW TO APPLY

References, Background Check, and Organizational Leader Certification:
Candidates must submit (pdf format only) the following in their online application: a resume, cover letter. Applications submitted 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. The YMCA's personnel policies may require further screening.

Candidates must apply via the following website:

https://tinyurl.com/YMCA-Buffalo-Niagara-CEO

QUESTIONS 

About the Search Process? 

Sandy Morander    
Director CEO Search
[email protected]
210-284-5593

About the YMCA?

Rob Totaro
Director of Member Advancement
Alliance of New York State YMCA’s
[email protected]
518-429-1701