Chief Operating Officer

Lead with purpose and impact as COO, driving operational excellence and launching a transformational new YMCA community center!

Job Description

The YMCA of the Palm Beaches is seeking an innovative, visionary, and hands-on Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join our Executive Leadership Team at an exciting time of growth and transformation. A dynamic leader who can turn strategy into results, build high-performing teams, drive innovation, strengthen operations, and ensure long-term sustainability.


This is an extraordinary opportunity to help launch a brand-new, state-of-the-art community center and shape its success from the ground up. The COO will lead operations across YMCA facilities, programs, and services while building the teams, systems, culture, and operational excellence needed to take our YMCA Association to the next level.


YMCA operational experience is highly preferred and if you’re ready to help build something exceptional from day one, we want to hear from you!

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, nonprofit management, organizational leadership, or related field; master’s preferred.
• 8-10+ years of progressive operations leadership experience.
• YMCA experience strongly preferred. Experience opening a new YMCA branch, community center, or similar facility is a plus.
• Proven experience managing multiple departments, facilities, budgets, and operational functions.
• Strong financial, strategic planning, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
  Demonstrated ability to recruit, develop, coach, and hold leaders accountable.
• Experience working with Boards, volunteers, donors, and community stakeholders preferred.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and public-speaking skills.
• YMCA Multi-Team or Organizational Leader Certification preferred, or willingness to obtain.

Essential Functions

New Community Center Launch


The COO will lead operational readiness for the new facility, including:

• Facility operations, policies, safety, and emergency preparedness
• Licensing, regulatory compliance, and inspections
• Staffing, recruitment, onboarding, and training
• Vendor contracts and facility services
• Procurement and equipment installation
• Operating budget, membership fees, and program pricing
• Technology, access control, and point-of-sale systems
• Program development and scheduling
• Marketing and charter membership coordination
• Soft launch and grand opening execution

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight of daily operations, facilities, membership, and program quality.
• Lead, coach, and empower existing directors and managers to achieve results.
• Monitor budgets, financial performance, staffing, membership trends, and KPIs.
• Strengthen organizational systems, communication, and operational efficiency.
• Oversee safety, risk management, compliance, and emergency preparedness.
• Identify opportunities for growth, innovation, partnerships, and sustainability.
• Build relationships with community partners, donors, schools, businesses, and government agencies.
• Collaborate with philanthropy leadership on fundraising and capital campaigns.
• Support the CEO with Board reporting, data analysis, and strategic recommendations.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and exceptional service.

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

Mission Advancement | Collaboration | Operational Effectiveness | Personal Growth


The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to the YMCA mission, effective leadership and collaboration, sound operational judgment, financial accountability, and continuous professional development.

Required Certifications

YMCA Multi-Team or Organizational Leader Certification preferred, or willingness to obtain.


TO APPLY


Please submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected] . Please include Chief Operating Officer in the subject line and please indicate any YMCA experience, especially facility/program start-up experience. NO CALLS OR DIRECT EMAILS, PLEASE.

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