President & Chief Executive Officer

The Itasca County Family YMCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and an equal opportunity employer.

Job Description

The Itasca County Family YMCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and an equal opportunity employer. We work to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity.


THE OPPORTUNITY
The Itasca County Family YMCA is seeking a President & Chief Executive Officer who can translate vision into action and guide the organization through its next phase of growth. This role requires comfort leading through complexity, including close partnership with the board and key stakeholders on long-term facility planning and the potential execution of a significant capital project. We are looking for a collaborative leader who can align others around a clear direction, turn priorities into achievable plans, and keep the organization focused on results.


The next CEO will be expected to bring strong operational judgment, use financial insight to support stability and smart growth, and help the Y continue adapting its programs, partnerships, and resources to meet evolving community needs. This is also a highly visible leadership role-one that requires someone who can represent the YMCA with credibility, strengthen relationships across the region, and build momentum around future opportunities, including facility and capital priorities.


Just as important, the CEO will be responsible for developing an engaged and accountable team, strengthening organizational culture, and creating the conditions for staff and the mission to thrive.

ABOUT THE ITASCA COUNTY FAMILY YMCA
The Itasca County Family YMCA is a vibrant, community-rooted organization at the heart of Grand Rapids and the surrounding region. More than a fitness center, the Y is a welcoming and safe gathering place where individuals and families of all backgrounds build relationships, strengthen their health, and grow together.


From early learning and school-age care to youth sports, aquatics, and wellness programming, the Y is a vital community asset that supports children, families, and older adults at every stage of life. A deep commitment to access ensures that financial circumstances are never a barrier to participation, reinforcing the Y’s role as a place of belonging for all.


What makes this YMCA especially compelling is the strength of its partnerships and community support. Longstanding collaborations with ElderCircle and Grand Itasca, combined with significant investment from the Blandin Foundation, have positioned the Y as both a trusted partner and a catalyst for community well-being. This momentum is matched by an engaged, supportive board that is fully invested in the success of the next CEO.


Looking ahead, the Y is entering an important phase. Demand for youth and children’s programming continues to evolve, creating meaningful opportunities to expand programs, deepen relationships, and build new pathways for impact. The next CEO will have the chance to harness significant untapped community energy and help shape a bold, sustainable future for the organization.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• A welcoming, mission-forward culture grounded in belonging and community connection
• Deep, trusted partnerships (ElderCircle, Grand Itasca) and strong philanthropic support
• A highly engaged board committed to leadership success
• Real opportunity to expand community reach, talent, and leadership development
• A community ready for what’s next, with energy, optimism, and untapped potential

A Legacy of Community Investment and Growth
The Itasca County Family YMCA was founded in 1979 through a community-led vision to create a gathering place for all. Since then, the organization has grown steadily through strong local support, strategic partnerships, and ongoing investment in its facilities and programs.

• 1979-1981: YMCA established and facility opened through significant community and Blandin Foundation support
• 1994 & 2002: Major expansions responding to growing membership and community demand
• 2012-2015: Transformational partnership with ElderCircle and Grand Itasca, supported by a successful capital campaign
• 2023: Awarded a “Dream Big” grant from the Blandin Foundation to explore future growth and sustainability opportunities. Planning is now underway to evaluate significant facility investment options, including major renovation or potential new facility development

This legacy reflects a consistent pattern: when the Itasca County Family YMCA identifies a need, the community responds. That strong foundation now sets the stage for the next chapter of leadership and impact.

Mission and Cause
The Y’s mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities through growth in spirit, mind, and body. Its cause is to strengthen the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Our Culture - The Y Experience
The Y Experience is built from our mission and reflects how we serve and support our community:

• Welcoming - Open to all; a place to belong
• Genuine - We value each individual
• Hopeful - We believe in potential
• Nurturing - We support personal growth
• Determined - We are committed to strengthening community

CURRENT KEY STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

• Culture & People - Increase staff and membership retention
• Community Partnerships - Expand key partnerships, enhance wellness initiatives, and grow youth and teen programming
• Realize Dreams - Advance the YMCA master plan through strategic partnerships
  
  

MEMBERSHIP

• Total Members: 6,132
• Membership Units: 3,156

BRANCH INFORMATION AND PARTNERSHIPS

• Offsite childcare space leased from Itasca County (6,845 sq ft)
• Partnership with ElderCircle for programming and shared space
• Grand Itasca Physical Therapy provides on-site services
• Outdoor Courts Activity Complex supports community recreation through local partnerships
• Active partnership with Blandin Foundation, including support for organizational capacity, childcare expansion, staff development, and long-term planning

CORE PROGRAMS

• WeeFolks Childcare
• Before & After School Care
• Camp Wannago Summer Day Camp
• Youth & Adult Sports
• ForeverWell Programming
• Aquatics, Swim Lessons & Swim Team
• Health & Wellness (personal training, classes, massage)
• Community bike programs

ANNUAL SUPPORT CAMPAIGN

• Prior Year: $181,161
• Current Goal: $190,000
• Raised (as of April 2025): $94,783
• Individuals receiving assistance: 1,031
• Financial assistance provided: $236,063
  
  

CEO Direct Reports

• Finance Director
• Healthy Living Director
• Mission Impact Director
• Membership Director
• Education Director
• School-Age Director

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

• 16-member Board of Directors
• Committees: Executive, Board Development, Property & Finance, Mission Impact
• Task Forces: HR, Building Expansion, Childcare

FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT

• Operating Budget: $4.39M
• Debt: $0
• Endowment (Board Designated): $1.6M
• Maintenance Fund: $705K
• Recent results reflect grant-related fluctuations

ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY
The Grand Rapids and Itasca County area offers an exceptional quality of life, combining the charm and connection of a close-knit community with the natural beauty and recreation of northern Minnesota.


Residents are drawn to the region for its welcoming, relationship-driven culture where collaboration and civic engagement are a way of life. Leaders across nonprofits, business, education, and local government work closely together, creating a strong sense of shared purpose and momentum around community priorities.


Outdoor living is central to the lifestyle here. With access to lakes, forests, and extensive trail systems, the area provides year-round opportunities for recreation-from boating and fishing in the summer to cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. This connection to the outdoors contributes to a strong culture of health, wellness, and work-life balance.


Grand Rapids serves as a vibrant regional hub, offering a diverse economic base and access to healthcare, education, and workforce development resources. The community is supported by strong schools and Minnesota North College’s Itasca campus, along with key regional employers, making it an attractive place for both families and professionals.
The area also boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, with local theaters, galleries, and community events that bring people together throughout the year. There is a deep commitment to youth development, lifelong learning, and expanding opportunities for all-values that align closely with the YMCA’s mission.


For a leader looking to make a meaningful impact, Itasca County presents a unique opportunity to engage with a supportive, forward-thinking community that values partnership, innovation, and long-term investment in its people.

Information Sites

• Itasca County Family YMCA official website -
• U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Itasca County, Minnesota -
• U.S. Census Bureau profile: Grand Rapids city, Minnesota -
• City of Grand Rapids official website -
• Itasca County official website -
• Visit Grand Rapids -
• Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce -
• Minnesota North College, Itasca Campus -
• Grand Rapids Area Schools -
• Blandin Foundation -

Qualifications

Criteria for Candidates

• Accredited four-year college degree or equivalent work experience
• Demonstrated ability in fiscal management and analysis with a proven track record of budget management of at least $4M or more annually
• Seven or more years of prior senior management experience in a YMCA or another nonprofit preferred, with direct supervision of multiple levels of staff and employees
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborations with community organizations
• Demonstrated success in previous positions managing staff and board culture
• Ability to develop and strengthen innovative programs and evaluate and enhance existing and proposed programs for both economic and social impact
• Strategic planning and fundraising experience, including annual campaigns and grant expertise
• YMCA Organizational Leader Certification or ability to achieve within 3 years

Essential Functions

KEY SKILLS AND ABILITIES OF OUR NEXT CEO

• Develop and Implement a Strategic Plan

• Improve Operating Performance

• Fiscal Management

• Position the Y as a Community Convener and Change Agent

• Maintenance and Development of Facilities (Capital Development)

• Build and Lead Staff
  
  

SALARY, BENEFITS & CRITERIA
Salary range: $100,000-$120,000
Benefits include retirement plans, health coverage, paid time off, and additional employee benefits.
Residency expectation: Living in the YMCA’s service area is required.
Work arrangement: This is an on-site leadership role and is not a remote position.

SEARCH PROCESS

• Application deadline - July 1, 2026
• Preliminary interviews - August 12, 2026 (Zoom)
• Final interviews - August 25-26, 2026
• Anticipated start date - October 3, 2026

HOW TO APPLY
Candidates must submit a resume and cover letter in PDF format. Candidates advancing to final interviews will provide references and complete background requirements.


Candidates can apply here:


Residency & Work Arrangement: Due to the community-facing nature of the role, the CEO is expected to reside within the YMCA’s service area and work on-site; this position is not remote.


About the search process:
Shea Boschee, YMCA of the USA CEO Search
[email protected] | View phone number on click.appcast.io


About the YMCA:
Chris Stenberg, Upper Midwest Alliance of YMCAs
[email protected] | View phone number on click.appcast.io

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