Chief Operating Officer

Scion Executive Search has been retained to conduct an immediate search for the Chief Operating Officer for the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South , a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to strengthening and transforming communities. This is a full-time, on-site position based in Memphis, Tennessee.



ABOUT YMCA of MEMPHIS & THE MID SOUTH:
YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South is one of the nation's most dynamic and rapidly growing YMCAs, serving more than 250,000 children, adults, and families annually across West Tennessee, Eastern Arkansas, and North Mississippi, with continued expansion into Little Rock and the broader Mid-South. With an annual operating budget of $70M, projected to grow to $100M, and a team of more than 3,000 employees, the organization delivers transformative impact through membership centers, early learning programs, youth development initiatives, and a large-scale child nutrition program serving more than one million meals each year. In recent years, the YMCA has experienced extraordinary growth, rising from #60 to #16 among YMCAs nationwide, reflecting both strategic expansion and deepening community impact.


This YMCA stands out not only for its scale but for its ambitious growth trajectory and strong community partnerships. The organization operates 12 membership centers, 160 before- and after-school sites serving over 8,000 youth, and multiple early learning centers, with several new facilities already under development. Deeply embedded in the region's social and economic fabric, the YMCA plays a vital role in strengthening families, expanding access to opportunity, and supporting healthier, more resilient communities across the Mid-South.


Memphis offers an exceptional opportunity for leaders seeking both professional impact and quality of life. Known for its rich cultural heritage and strong sense of community, Memphis combines global influence with authentic Southern hospitality. The region offers a remarkably affordable cost of living, accessible neighborhoods, and short commutes, allowing families and professionals to enjoy a high quality of life while staying closely connected to their work and community. Residents enjoy outstanding amenities, including expansive parks and outdoor recreation, professional sports, a nationally recognized food scene, and a vibrant arts and music culture. For mission-driven leaders, Memphis offers a rare opportunity to make a visible, lasting impact in a community that values collaboration, service, and innovation. Together, the strength of the region and the momentum of YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South create a compelling opportunity to lead one of the most important and fast-growing community institutions in the country.



POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as a senior executive leader reporting to the President & CEO and oversees the organization's largest and most complex portfolio of programs, representing more than $50M in annual revenue and serving thousands of children, teens, and families across the Mid-South.


The COO provides strategic and operational leadership across child nutrition, early childhood education, youth development, teen programming, and family intervention services. This role ensures strong financial performance, regulatory compliance, program quality, and measurable community outcomes while aligning people, systems, and execution across multiple business units.


As a core member of the executive team, the COO strengthens organizational infrastructure, develops senior leaders, and drives performance at scale. The ideal candidate is a disciplined operator and strategic thinker who can translate enterprise vision into execution and position the organization for sustained growth and long-term community impact.



RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic & Enterprise Leadership

• Serve as a key member of the C-Suite, shaping organizational strategy, long-term planning, and major enterprise decisions.
• Provide vision and leadership for centralized, high-impact programs aligned with mission and growth priorities.
• Partner with the CEO and executive team to drive sustainable growth, operational effectiveness, and consistent quality.
• Lead annual operating plans, budgets, and measurable performance goals aligned with strategic objectives.
• Position the YMCA as a leader in early learning, youth development, nutrition services, and community impact.

Operational Oversight & Performance

• Oversee daily operations of major program areas generating $50M+ in annual revenue, including child nutrition, early childhood education, youth and teen programs, and intervention services.
• Ensure programs meet compliance requirements, quality standards, and financial performance goals.
• Implement systems to monitor performance, financial results, and impact metrics.
• Drive operational excellence and innovation through data-informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Establish policies and procedures that ensure consistency, accountability, and scalability.

Leadership & Organizational Culture

• Lead and develop a team of senior program leaders, overseeing a workforce of 1,500+ team members.
• Foster a high-performing, mission-driven culture grounded in collaboration, accountability, and service excellence.
• Partner with HR and Risk to align workforce planning, training, safety, and compliance strategies.
• Strengthen leadership development and succession planning across all levels.

Growth, Partnerships & Community Impact

• Identify and pursue opportunities for program expansion, partnership development, and increased community reach.
• Serve as a visible ambassador, cultivating strong relationships with school districts, government agencies, funders, and community partners.
• Advance strategic partnerships that enhance funding, advocacy, and organizational influence.

Risk, Compliance & Accountability

• Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local regulations, including licensing, USDA, and audit requirements.
• Promote a proactive culture of safety, transparency, and compliance across all program areas.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field required.
• At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience in operations, youth development, or large-scale program management; YMCA experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success leading multi-site operations and managing complex budgets of $25M+, with oversight of large, diverse teams.
• Proven ability to establish, track, and achieve KPIs aligned with financial performance, operational excellence, and measurable community impact.
• Experience driving innovation, launching new programs, and leading organization-wide change initiatives.
• Strong financial acumen, including forecasting, analysis, and strategic resource allocation.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage and influence diverse stakeholders.
• Clear, confident communicator with strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Deep commitment to the YMCA's mission and values, with a passion for advancing meaningful community impact.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
This full-time, on-site executive role offers a base salary range of $200,000-$250,000 , eligibility for up to a 25% annual incentive, a full relocation package, and a company car. Executives receive four weeks of vacation and a $7,500 annual taxable stipend to offset medical, dental, and vision premiums and out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. Benefits include medical and prescription drug coverage, dental and vision coverage, participation in the Y Retirement Plan, employer-paid short- and long-term disability coverage, and employer-paid basic life and AD&D insurance.



APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS:
YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South has retained the services of Scion Executive Search, a national executive search firm specializing in recruiting for mission-driven organizations, to assist in conducting this important search. For immediate consideration, please apply with your resume and cover letter, formatted in Microsoft Word, via:


Please address applications to:
Ellen Johnson, Executive Recruiter

Scion Executive Search


Review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and continue on a confidential basis until an appointment is made.



ABOUT OUR FIRM:
Scion Executive Search is an award-winning retained executive search firm. Our track record and recruitment process have made us one of the top recruitment firms in the United States. Through innovative team building and recruitment solutions, Scion Executive Search seamlessly bridges the gap in interim and executive searches. Our track record and recruitment process have made us one of the top recruitment firms in the nation.??


We are proud to be part of the Forbes lists of the Best Recruitment Firms and the Best Executive Search Firms in America. Additionally, Scion has been recognized as a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing firm as well as a top recruitment firm by The Business Times . Additional information about our firm and our practices can be found online .


Scion Executive Search is an equal opportunity employer and service provider and does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation, or any other protected class. We are committed to the principles of Equal Opportunity Employment and are dedicated to making employment decisions based on merit and value, for ourselves, our client companies, and the candidates we represent. ??


For opportunities located in a region that has enacted fair chance, arrest, or conviction-based employment ordinances, Scion Executive Search proactively follows the enacted guidance and considers for employment all qualified applications with arrest and conviction records. We engage in socially conscious business practices and believe that diverse, equitable, inclusive, and non-biased talent and recruitment processes are foundational to the success of Scion as well as every client organization with whom we partner.