Associate Executive Director

Lead with purpose! Join the D.D. and Velma Davis Family YMCA as Associate Executive Director and serve 10,000 members.

Job Description

Provides operational leadership for assigned departments by implementing branch priorities established by the Executive Director. Oversees branch operations through the leadership of Maintenance and Program Directors and is accountable for operational performance, member experience, staff development, safety, financial results, and organizational effectiveness. Serves as Acting Executive Director in the Executive Director's absence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Recreation, Education, Sports Management, Nonprofit Leadership, or related field required.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience managing multi-department operations within a complex service organization or nonprofit.
• Demonstrated success leading day-to-day operations, staff development, and program growth.
• Experience managing departmental budgets, operations, and performance outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through others by developing department directors and building collaborative teams.
• Demonstrated success implementing strategic initiatives while balancing operational excellence and organizational priorit
• Demonstrated ability to provide operational leadership for multiple departments while aligning performance with branch and Association priorities.
• Strong fiscal management, operational planning, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to coach, develop, and hold department leaders accountable.
• Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships with employees, volunteers, donors, community partners, and organizational stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and data interpretation skills with the ability to use performance metrics to inform operational decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, CRM systems, financial software, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to improve communication, analysis, operational effectiveness, and decision-making.
• High level of integrity, judgment, professionalism, and accountability.

Essential Functions

1. BRANCH LEADERSHIP & ASSOCIATION COLLABORATION-Provides operational leadership by implementing the YMCA of Youngstown Strategic Plan and branch priorities established by the CEO and Executive Director. Collaborates on Association-wide initiatives, aligns branch operations with organizational priorities, represents the YMCA within the community, and serves as Acting Executive Branch Director as assigned.


2. MISSION ADVANCEMENT-Advances the YMCA's mission by building relationships with members, volunteers, donors, community organizations, businesses, and strategic partners. Supports fundraising, annual campaign initiatives, marketing, volunteer engagement, and community outreach while collaborating with association departments to strengthen the YMCA brand, expand community impact, and achieve strategic priorities.


3. MEMBER EXPERIENCE-Assists Executive Director in leading branch strategies for member recruitment, engagement, retention, and service excellence by fostering a welcoming, mission-driven culture. Collaborates with Membership Services and program leaders to deliver seamless member experience, strengthen relationships, increase participation, and improve retention. Uses member feedback, operational trends, and performance measures to drive continuous improvement and achieve branch goals.


4. FACILITY MANAGEMENT-Provides operational oversight of branch facilities by collaborating with the Maintenance Director to ensure a safe, clean, welcoming, and well-maintained environment. Supports preventative maintenance planning, capital improvement projects, vendor coordination, facility scheduling, equipment replacement, and operational readiness while ensuring facilities effectively support member experience and program delivery.


5. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT-Assists with developing and managing departmental operating budgets, monitoring financial performance, analyzing variances, preparing forecasts, and implementing corrective action plans. Supports membership, program, and revenue growth while ensuring responsible stewardship of YMCA resources.


6. PROGRAM MANAGEMENT-Directs the daily operation of assigned departments by providing leadership, coaching, and accountability to Program Directors. Ensures high-quality programs through continuous evaluation of participation, operational performance, safety, compliance, and strategic outcomes while supporting program growth and grant requirements.


7. RISK MANAGEMENT-Provides leadership for branch-wide risk management by ensuring compliance with YMCA policies, licensing requirements, and regulatory standards. Promotes a culture of safety through child protection practices, emergency preparedness, operational compliance, staff training, and collaboration with department leaders to maintain Praesidium accreditation, reduce risk, and protect members, staff, volunteers, and YMCA assets.


8. TALENT MANAGEMENT-Provides leadership for the recruitment, onboarding, development, evaluation, and retention of program directors and coordinators. Builds a culture of accountability, collaboration, servant leadership, and continuous improvement while developing future leaders and succession plans. Participates in the planning and execution of Team Leader and Department Quarterly In-services.


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