President and Chief Executive Officer

President and Chief Executive OfficerThe South Sound YMCA presents a rare opportunity to lead an established, financially strong association that is poised for meaningful growth. Serving Thurston and Mason counties for more than 120 years, the Y has earned a trusted place at the center of community life by bringing people together, expanding access to essential services and responding to the evolving needs of children, families and individuals across the region.The next President and Chief Executive Officer will lead from a position of strength while shaping an ambitious vision for the future. With approximately 28,000 members, three established branches, a fourth branch in development in Lacey, robust youth development and child care operations, and strong financial reserves, the South Sound YMCA offers both stability and extraordinary possibility. This is an opportunity to expand the Y's regional reach, elevate its visibility and influence, cultivate transformative partnerships, and ensure that its programs and facilities remain relevant, accessible and responsive for generations to come.The Board seeks a dynamic and forward thinking executive who is energized by possibility and inspired by community. The successful candidate will bring the strategic vision to imagine what is next, the operational discipline to translate that vision into results, and the relationship building ability to unite staff, volunteers, donors and community partners around a shared purpose. For a leader ready to make a lasting mark on a thriving organization and a growing region, the South Sound YMCA offers a compelling platform for impact.Key skills and abilities of our next CEO:Develop and implement a strategic planPosition the Y as a vital partner for community changeBuild and lead staffImprove operating performanceFiscal managementAbout the South Sound YMCA:For more than 120 years, the South Sound YMCA has listened to and responded to the changing needs of its communities. Today, the association provides welcoming spaces and high-impact programs that nurture youth, improve health and wellbeing, strengthen families, and create meaningful connections across Thurston and Mason counties.Our mission is to provide youth and our community an affordable and accessible resource for the positive development of spirit, mind, and body through recreational, health, and leadership programs.Our cause and values are to strengthen the foundations of community and instill the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.Our culture:The Y Experience – The Y Experience is built from our mission and encompasses the values and philosophy by which we serve and operate.Welcoming – We are open to all. We are a place where you can be yourself and find yourself in others.Genuine – We value you and embrace your individuality.Hopeful – We believe in you and your potential to do good in the world.Nurturing – We support you as you become the best version of yourself.Determined – Above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.Raising the BAR Initiative – Belonging, Achievement, and Relationships; a framework that strengthens how we build connections, support growth, and create meaningful experiences for staff, members, and the communities we serve.Current key strategic initiatives:Advance planning and development for a future YMCA branch in Lacey and expand access in north Thurston County.Sustain strong membership performance while deepening member engagement and retention across all branches.Strengthen school-age childcare enrollment, staffing and long-term operating sustainability.Grow philanthropy, partnerships and community support to increase access and fund mission impact.Continue building an anti-racist, multicultural organization where equity, justice and belonging are reflected in systems, culture and service.Membership: 8,120 membership units, 27,644 membersCore programs:Facility MembershipAquatics and Swim LessonsSchool-Age Child Care and CampsYouth Sports, and Monthly Youth ExperiencesTeen Programs and Youth & GovernmentHealth and Wellbeing ProgramsCEO direct reports:Chief Financial OfficerExecutive Director of Youth DevelopmentExecutive Director of Community EngagementExecutive Director of AdvancementExecutive Director of Branch OperationsBoard of trustees: 17 members with the following standing committees:Social JusticeFinancePhilanthropyMarketing/CommunicationsGovernanceExecutiveFinancial snapshot:Current annual budget size: $13,617,890Current debt: $5,014,660 as of December 31, 2025Current endowment/board-designated funds: $5,438,9352025 operating change in net assets: $1,491,4942024 operating change in net assets: $749,2132023 operating change in net assets: $816,750Salary range: $210,000 to $225,000Benefits:YMCA retirement fund: mandatory participation once eligibility requirements are met; 7% contributed by the Y and 5% contributed by the employee.YMCA 403(b) savings account with voluntary employee contributions.Medical coverage through Kaiser with three plan options; the Y pays approximately 75%–90% of employee-only coverage. Dental employee coverage is paid 100% by the Y.Paid time off: vacation begins at 10 days annually and recognizes verified full-time service at other Ys; one sick day per month; nine paid holidays.Y-paid life insurance and long-term disability coverage; complimentary family or individual YMCA membership and 50% discount on Y programs.Residency expectation: The candidate is expected to live within the South Sound YMCA service area and be meaningfully present throughout Thurston and Mason counties.Criteria for candidates:Accredited four-year college degree or equivalent combination of education and executive-level experience.Fiscally sound business management approach with a proven record of leading complex budgets of approximately $15 million or more annually.Minimum seven years of progressive senior leadership experience with a YMCA or a comparable multi-site nonprofit, public-service or community-based organization, including supervision of multiple levels of staff.Demonstrated ability to develop and strengthen relationships with boards, staff, donors, civic leaders, community partners and diverse constituencies.Ability to evaluate, strengthen and innovate programs for mission impact, quality, accessibility, relevance and financial sustainability.Strategic planning and fundraising experience, including annual campaigns, major gifts, grants, capital development and community partnerships.Proven commitment to equity, justice, belonging and leading an anti-racist, multicultural organization.Record of progressive financial leadership, organizational change management, talent development, and operational accountability.YMCA Organizational Leader Certification or ability to achieve certification within three years.Search process target dates:Resumes accepted through: 9/7/26Preliminary interviews scheduled: 10/5/2026 & 10/6/2026In-person interviews: 11/5/2026 & 11/6/2026CEO selection made: Anticipated by November 2026New CEO on board (anticipated): December 2026*dates subject to changeHow to apply:References, background check, and Organizational Leader Certification: Candidates must submit the following documents in PDF format through the online application: a resume and cover letter. Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.Candidates who advance to final interviews will be asked to provide six references (four professional