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Lead a Movement. Strengthen Communities. Inspire Collaboration.
Job Description
This position is based within Connecticut or Rhode Island and requires regular travel throughout both states to meet with member YMCAs, government officials, community partners, and stakeholders. Occasional overnight travel is required.
Reporting to the Alliance Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer provides strategic leadership for the Alliance, advancing the collective mission and impact of member YMCAs through advocacy, collaboration, philanthropy, and organizational development. The CEO serves as the Alliance's primary representative and is responsible for building partnerships, securing resources, leading statewide initiatives, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the organization and its member associations.
The YMCA Alliance of Connecticut & Rhode Island is seeking a visionary and collaborative Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead a dynamic organization dedicated to strengthening YMCAs across the region. This is an exceptional opportunity for an accomplished executive leader who is passionate about advancing the YMCA mission through advocacy, strategic partnerships, innovation, and collective impact.
As the Alliance's chief executive, you will work alongside YMCA CEOs, state and national leaders, policymakers, funders, and community partners to build capacity, champion public policy, secure resources, and position YMCAs for long-term success. Your leadership will help ensure that communities throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island continue to benefit from the life-changing programs and services the YMCA provides every day.
If you are a relationship-builder, strategic thinker, and purpose-driven leader who thrives in a collaborative environment, we invite you to apply. Qualified candidates are invited to submit a résumé and a cover letter describing their leadership experience, strategic accomplishments, and commitment to the YMCA mission.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Qualifications
We're seeking an experienced executive who combines strategic leadership with a passion for community impact.
Qualified candidates will have:
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
- Significant senior executive leadership experience within the YMCA or a comparable mission-driven organization.
- Demonstrated success leading strategic planning, organizational growth, and financial stewardship.
- Experience developing partnerships across nonprofit, government, philanthropic, and community sectors.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence, inspire, and unite diverse stakeholders around a shared vision.
- Proven ability to manage complex initiatives, navigate public policy, legal, and public relations matters, and lead organizational change.
- Exceptional communication, public speaking, and relationship-building skills.
- An entrepreneurial mindset with experience identifying opportunities, securing resources, and driving sustainable growth.
- YMCA Organizational Leader Certification or the ability to obtain certification within the established timeframe.
Essential Functions
Strategic Leadership
- Lead the development and execution of the Alliance's strategic vision and priorities.
- Strengthen organizational effectiveness while advancing measurable outcomes that benefit member YMCAs.
- Partner with YMCA national leadership to align regional efforts with broader movement priorities and emerging opportunities.
Member Services & Collaboration
- Support member YMCAs through consulting, shared services, operational collaboration, and capacity-building initiatives.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiencies, increase revenue, reduce costs, and expand shared resources.
- Foster collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing among member associations.
- Build strong relationships with YMCA leaders, volunteers, and strategic partners.
Advocacy & External Relations
- Serve as the primary spokesperson and advocate for the YMCA throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island.
- Lead advocacy and public policy initiatives that advance the YMCA mission and strengthen community impact.
- Build meaningful partnerships with government officials, community organizations, funders, and statewide stakeholders.
- Collaborate with government relations professionals to advance legislative priorities.
- Represent the Alliance at conferences, events, and public forums.
Financial Leadership & Resource Development
- Provide sound financial stewardship and oversee budgeting and long-term financial planning.
- Identify and secure grants, sponsorships, philanthropic support, and strategic investments.
- Develop sustainable revenue strategies that enhance services for member YMCAs.
Governance & Organizational Excellence
- Partner with the Board of Directors to support effective governance and strategic oversight.
- Serve as staff liaison to the Board and its committees.
- Serve as an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors of the Y Professional Network (YPN), Chapter 3.
- Ensure compliance with YMCA standards, accreditation requirements, and applicable federal and state regulations.
- Promote a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
- Mission Advancement
- Collaboration
- Communication & Influence
- Operational Effectiveness
- Program & Project Management