Executive Director - Bartlett YMCA

YMCA
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Lead with purpose. Inspire teams. Strengthen your community. Join the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South as our next Executive Director 3.
Job Description

ABOUT THE YMCA OF MEMPHIS & THE MID-SOUTH 

Located in West Tennessee, the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South offers an ideal location with warm weather and a desirable setting for an active outdoor lifestyle. Memphis is an authentic and vibrant destination headlined by music and full of one-of-a-kind experiences: Elvis Presley’s Graceland, Sun Studio, performing arts, alternative rock and Blues music, an ornamental metal museum, Beale Street, the Memphis Zoo, National Civil Rights Museum, Mississippi River views, mouthwatering barbecue, lively festivals, and intriguing galleries and museums. These only begin the list of what’s so great about the Home of the Blues, Soul and Rock ’n’ Roll. 

Memphis and the Mid-South offers a low cost of living. Join a cause-driven association with a focus on nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving the nation’s health and well-being and providing opportunities to give back and support our neighbors. Learn more about the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South at www.ymcamemphis.org. 

THE OPPORTUNITY 

The YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South is seeking a dynamic, highly motivated, proven cause-driven leader for a tremendous career opportunity leading successful operations for a growing $70 million organization. The Executive Director must be a team motivator with an ability to create an environment that cultivates a culture of program innovation, staff development and fiscal responsibility. 

This is a great opportunity with the YMCA to join this dynamic association. We are seeking a proven, self-motivated, cause-driven professional to join our team. Under the general direction of the Senior Vice President of Center Operations, this position ensures the successful operation of a flagship center to include membership and program development, budgeting, financial results, personnel management, fundraising, and community relations. 

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Executive Director 3 provides strategic, operational and community-focused leadership for a flagship YMCA center while supporting the delivery of high-quality childcare and school age programs in collaboration with local school districts in partnership with the Youth Development team. This role is responsible for branch operations, program and membership growth, staff and volunteer leadership, fiscal oversight, fundraising, childcare, and ensuring alignment with the Association’s mission and strategic priorities. 

The Executive Director serves as the chief ambassador of the YMCA within the community, fostering strong partnerships, cultivating volunteers, and advancing philanthropic efforts, and ensuring exceptional experiences for members, program participants and families. 

Qualifications

Education and Experience 

  • Bachelor’s degree in human services, business, nonprofit management, education or a related field is required.  
  • A minimum of five years of senior leadership and supervisory experience in YMCA operations, nonprofit management, childcare or related environments. Preference will be given to candidates with YMCA experience 
  • Proven experience in branch or site-based operations, financial management and team leadership. 
  • Experience working with volunteer boards and fundraising initiatives preferred. 

Skills and Abilities

  • Strong leadership, communication and relationship-building skills. 
  • Demonstrated ability to lead fundraising and engage volunteers and board members. 
  • Financial acumen with experience managing budgets and ensuring accountability. 
  • Ability to lead through change, complexity and growth. 
  • Commitment to equity, inclusion and community impact.
Essential Functions

Branch Operations and Program Leadership 

  • Provide overall leadership and direction for YMCA branch operations, ensuring excellence in programs, services and facilities. 
  • Oversee the planning, delivery and evaluation of branch-based programs and services that support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. 
  • Ensure program and service quality, safety, and compliance with Association standards and applicable regulations.
  • Provide strategic oversight for branch operations and ensure program quality, innovation and alignment with Association goals while fostering strong community partnerships and meeting direct revenue goals. 

People and Culture Leadership

  • Recruit, hire, coach and develop a high-performing team of staff and key leaders. 
  • Foster a welcoming, inclusive and performance-driven culture rooted in YMCA core values. 
  • Promote professional development, accountability and continuous improvement across all branch functions.
  • Lead, engage and support volunteers in meaningful, mission-driven roles. 

Fiscal Management and Accountability 

  • Develop and manage the branch operating budget, forecasting and financial controls. 
  • Ensure strong fiscal stewardship through regular monitoring of revenues, expenses and financial performance. 
  • Align financial resources with strategic priorities while meeting revenue and expense targets. 
  • Identify and mitigate financial, operational and organizational risks. 

Philanthropy and Fundraising 

  • Lead the branch annual campaign and actively support additional fundraising and philanthropic initiatives. 
  • Build and steward relationships with donors, volunteers and community partners to advance charitable giving. 
  • Partner with Association leadership to support capital efforts, grants and donor strategies. 
  • Serve as a visible and effective spokesperson for the Y’s mission and impact within the community. 

Volunteer Development 

  • Partner closely with the Center Advisory Committee to advance branch goals and philanthropic efforts, including volunteerism. 
  • Support recruitment, orientation, engagement and development to ensure strong volunteer participation and leadership.
  • Collaborate with volunteers to expand community reach, fundraising success and advocacy for the Y. 
  • Active volunteer involvement in philanthropy, community engagement and mission advancement. 

Childcare and School Age Program Operations 

  • In partnership, with the youth development team, provide strategic and operational oversight of before and after school and camp programs as assigned, ensuring safe, high-quality and developmentally appropriate experiences for children. 
  • Ensure full compliance with state licensing, regulatory requirements, YMCA standards and child safety policies, including staffing ratios, training and documentation. 
  • Partner with childcare and school age leadership to support program quality, staff development, enrollment growth and financial sustainability. 
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with school district leaders, principals and community partners to support program alignment and long-term success. 
  • Monitor program performance using data and outcomes to identify opportunities for continuous improvement. 
    Anticipate and mitigate operational, compliance and reputational risks related to childcare and youth-serving programs.
  • Collaborate with Association leadership to support expansion, innovation and strategic planning for childcare and youth development services. 
  • Provide safe and high-quality break and summer camp opportunities within the community center and/or in collaboration at community partner sites. 

Community Engagement and Partnerships 

  • Serve as the Y’s primary representative within the branch’s service area.
  • Build strong relationships with local government, school leaders, community organizations and civic partners. 
  • Strengthen the Y’s visibility and reputation as a trusted community leader and partner. 
  • Advocate for the needs of children, families and communities served by the Y. 

Organizational Leadership 

  • Collaborate with Association leadership and cross-functional teams to implement strategic initiatives. 
  • Uphold and model YMCA values in all actions and decisions. 
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the Y’s mission-driven work. 

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES 

Mission Advancement: Champions the Y’s cause and mission. Builds effective systems for volunteer development and secures resources to advance philanthropic impact. 

Collaboration: Builds trust-based relationships that reflect community needs. Communicates for influence and develops others through shared leadership and partnership. 

Operational Effectiveness: Integrates strategic thinking with execution. Ensures strong financial practices, accountability systems and continuous improvement. 

Personal Growth: Embraces learning, adaptability and innovation. Anticipates challenges and models resilience and professional growth. 

Behavioral Characteristics: Welcoming, Nurturing, Determined, Hopeful and Genuine. 

WORK SCHEDULE

This role requires flexibility, including evenings and weekends, to support branch operations, board meetings, fundraising events and community engagement. Travel within the Mid-South region may be required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

  • Climbing, sitting, standing, pushing, walking, kneeling, and stooping 
  • Some exposure to the outdoor elements 
  • Exposure to some chemical elements 
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds 
  • May be required to assist during inclement weather

COMMITMENT TO CHILD SAFETY 

The YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South aims to provide quality and safe youth programs for all. We are committed to making a continuous effort to prevent the abuse of children: verbally, physically, emotionally and sexually. All allegations or suspicions of child abuse are taken seriously and will be reported to the State for investigation with full cooperation from the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South. 

The YMCA of Memphis and the Mid-South has partnered with Traingle2 to lead this search. To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume through YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South Careers. For questions about the position or to recommend a candidate, contact Paul McEntire at [email protected].