Executive Director

If you enjoy a secluded and mountain area and passionate about resident camp, this next position is for you!

Camp Description

Nestled in the North Carolina mountains between Lenoir and North Wilkesboro, YMCA Camp Harrison at Herring Ridge offers kids ages 6-16 an unforgettable overnight camp experience. Just 90 miles from Charlotte, our 2,000-acre property of forests, streams, and trails is the perfect setting for outdoor adventure, personal growth, and lifelong friendships.


At Camp Harrison, faith and fellowship are at the heart of our mission. Campers have the opportunity to connect with God’s creation, build meaningful relationships, and grow spiritually while developing confidence and independence. Daily devotions, chapel services, and faith-based discussions encourage campers to reflect, strengthen their values, and support one another in a welcoming Christian environment.


Through exciting outdoor activities like hiking, zip-lining, rock climbing, and water sports, campers challenge themselves, discover new talents, and build resilience. They learn to embrace authenticity, celebrate differences, and create friendships that last a lifetime.


Beyond summer camp, YMCA Camp Harrison offers faith-centered family camps, weekend camps, and retreats for groups of all kinds. Whether seeking adventure, spiritual renewal, or our camp provides a peaceful and inspiring space to grow together.


Join us in the mountains for a life-changing experience at YMCA Camp Harrison!

Job Description

The Executive Director I oversees annual revenue up to $5M and plays a leading role in establishing YMCA centers as vibrant social hubs that unite diverse communities and fosters connections. The Executive Director I drives strategic alignment, customer experience, team development, operational excellence and community engagement while upholding the YMCA’s mission and standards. Success in this role is measured by revenue growth, customer experience and satisfaction, and enhanced community impact.


Culture Statement


The culture of the Y is rooted in our Christian mission and core principles. We strive every day to collectively embody our purpose to love, serve and transform lives. Every day we show up to Lead with Love and Serve with Purpose. We Love unconditionally - showing genuine care and concern for everyone, making each interaction meaningful and personal and ensuring every person feels valued, seen and welcomed. We elevate Hope - promoting optimism by offering encouragement and practical solutions to challenges. We act with Care & Compassion - listening attentively without judgment, responding with empathy, and creating a sense of belonging by uplifting and supporting those around us. We demonstrate Generosity - sharing our time, skills, and resources freely and with joy.


We walk in Grace - showing patience and kindness, even in difficult moments. We ignite Faith - staying grounded in our mission, principles and purpose, inspiring others to trust in what is possible. Demonstrating consistency in our actions, helping others see how their efforts align with a greater purpose. We treasure Honesty - communicating openly and truthfully, admitting mistakes when they occur, and honoring commitments. We honor Humility - leading with a servant's heart by prioritizing the needs of others above our own. We live with Joy - celebrating small and big wins alike, inspiring connection and shared joy. We offer Respect - addressing everyone by name and honoring diverse perspectives and backgrounds. We value Responsibility - performing every task timely with diligence and excellence and holding ourselves accountable by openly evaluating our performance. We engage in Service - going above and beyond in serving others by anticipating needs and delivering exceptional experiences

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in senior leadership roles, preferably in YMCA operations or a similar nonprofit organization.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, develop programs, and lead staff effectively.
• Strong skills in community engagement, public relations, and fundraising.
• Exceptional communication, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software applications.
• Live onsite at Camp Harrison

All YMCA team members are expected to maintain a current and active status for all safety, risk, and programming certifications defined by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.


Preferred Qualifications

• Masters Degree Preferred

Working Conditions

• Work in excess of a 40-hour week with irregular work hours.
• Walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.
• Exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.
• Must be able to lift and/or assist children up to 50 pounds in weight.
• Stand or sit while maintaining alertness for several hours at a time.
• Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
• Speak concisely and effectively communicate.
• Visual and auditory to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an
  emergency

Essential Functions

Leadership through Influence

• Inspire and guide staff, volunteers, and stakeholders to embrace the YMCA’s Christian mission and values.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and accountability within the center.

Strategy Alignment and Execution

• Implement association strategies at the center level, setting goals for revenue, member experience, and community impact.
• Monitor center performance and adjust plans to ensure established outcomes are met.

Customer Experience

• Champion a customer-first culture to ensure programs and services consistently meet quality and inclusivity standards.
• Create a welcoming environment that drives satisfaction, retention, and member engagement.

Matrix Management and Team Development

• Coordinate with association peers and departments to achieve shared organizational goals.
• Recruit, supervise, and develop center staff and volunteers, providing coaching and growth opportunities.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure compliance with YMCA policies, procedures, and risk management standards at the center level.
• Manage center operations and budgets, aligning resources to achieve financial and service goals.

Community Building

• Represent the YMCA in the local community, building partnerships with schools, civic groups, and local organizations.
• Develop and support a center advisory board to advance fundraising, advocacy, and mission impact.

Performs other duties and tasks as assigned by leadership.

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

• EMOTIONAL MATURITY: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in
  all situations

• COLLABORATION: Creates sustainable relationships within the Y and with other organizations in
  service to the community

• PROGRAM/PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Ensures program or project goals are met and intended
  impact occurs

• COMMUNICATION & INFLUENCE: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that
  engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause