Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer

Crossroads Metro Office - Crown Point, IN 46307

Overview

Position Type Full Time

Description

Salary starts at $150,000 per year and up based on experience

Lead Change. Transform Lives. Be Our Next COO!

Join the Crossroads YMCA in Northwest Indiana, where we impact over 128,000 lives annually, empowering individuals, strengthening families, and uplifting entire communities.

We're seeking a passionate Chief Operating Officer (COO) to drive our mission of transforming lives and creating lasting impact. If you're a visionary leader with a heart for community and the skills to elevate our thriving organization, we want you on our team!

About the Role

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as the operational leader of the organization that is responsible for turning strategic vision into measurable results. Reporting directly to the CEO, the COO oversees multi-site operations, executive leaders, branch performance, financial sustainability, and organizational culture. This role is highly visible, fast-paced, and mission-centered. The COO is expected to lead through influence, accountability, collaboration, and operational discipline while ensuring the organization continues to grow, innovate, and serve the community effectively. The COO must balance people leadership with strong business acumen, making decisions that support both mission impact and financial sustainability.

Who This Position Is For

This role may be a strong fit for someone who:

Thrives in Multi-Site Operational Leadership

You enjoy overseeing complex operations across multiple locations, leaders, and functional areas. You can quickly shift between strategy discussions, operational problem-solving, and relationship management.

Leads Through Accountability and Relationships

You are comfortable holding leaders accountable while also coaching and developing them. You build trust easily and know how to navigate difficult conversations with empathy and professionalism.

Is Mission-Driven but Business-Minded

You believe strongly in community impact and understand that mission success requires financial discipline, operational efficiency, and measurable outcomes.

Excels in Executive-Level Decision Making

You can analyze data, monitor KPIs, evaluate organizational performance, and make informed decisions under pressure.

Enjoys Leading Through Change

You are energized by growth, innovation, expansion opportunities, and organizational transformation. You are adaptable and comfortable leading teams through ambiguity and evolving priorities.

Understands Nonprofit and Community Leadership

You value collaboration with volunteers, boards, donors, and community stakeholders and understand the importance of external relationship management and fundraising support.

Is Comfortable Being Visible and Accessible

This is not a behind-the-scenes executive role. Success requires frequent interaction with staff, branch leaders, board members, volunteers, donors, and community partners across the organization.

Who This Position Is Probably Not For

This role may not be the right fit for someone who:

Prefers Narrow or Specialized Responsibilities

This position requires broad oversight across operations, finance, leadership development, membership growth, program performance, compliance, and community engagement.

Avoids Difficult Accountability Conversations

The COO must address performance issues directly, establish clear expectations, and make difficult operational decisions when necessary.

Prefers Predictable or Low-Pressure Environments

The pace is demanding and priorities may shift quickly. The role requires balancing strategic planning with immediate operational needs across multiple departments and locations.

Is Uncomfortable with Financial Oversight

The COO is responsible for managing large budgets, monitoring financial performance, identifying revenue opportunities, and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Wants Minimal Evening, Weekend, or Community Engagement Commitments

This role includes community visibility, board engagement, fundraising activities, branch visits, and occasional evening/weekend responsibilities.

Struggles with Change Management

The organization is continuously evolving to meet community needs. Leaders who resist innovation, adaptability, or organizational change may struggle in this environment.

Prefers Independent Work Over Collaborative Leadership

Success in this role depends on cross-functional collaboration, communication, and the ability to align diverse stakeholders around common goals.

What Success Looks Like in This Role

Successful COOs in this role will:

• Build strong, high-performing operational leaders
• Improve organizational efficiency and accountability
• Strengthen member experience and community impact
• Achieve or exceed operational and financial goals
• Foster collaboration across branches and departments
• Support innovation and sustainable growth
• Build strong relationships with boards, donors, and community partners
• Create a culture where staff feel supported, challenged, and connected to the mission

What Candidates Should Realistically Expect

• A highly relational leadership environment
• Significant responsibility and organizational visibility
• Frequent problem-solving and decision-making
• Complex operational oversight across multiple business units
• High expectations for leadership presence and communication
• A mission-focused culture that also prioritizes measurable performance
• Travel between locations within Northwest Indiana
• Occasional evening and weekend commitments

Ideal Background

Candidates most likely to succeed typically bring:

• 10+ years of senior executive leadership experience
• Experience leading large teams and multi-site operations
• Strong financial and operational management skills
• Experience in nonprofit, YMCA, healthcare, education, community services, or mission-driven organizations
• Proven success leading organizational growth and change
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Preferred:

• YMCA leadership experience
• Master's degree in business, nonprofit management, or related field
• Experience managing budgets of $15M+

Our benefits include access to UnitedHealthcare Medical coverage, along with complimentary dental and vision care for employees. Additionally, we provide free Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Life Insurance coverage, safeguarding you and your loved ones. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we offer a generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, allowing you to recharge and enjoy quality time with your loved ones. Planning for your future is essential, and we're committed to helping you build a secure retirement. That's why we proudly offer a 12% employer contribution to your retirement savings, ensuring a brighter tomorrow. Your well-being is our priority, and our benefits reflect our dedication to supporting you every step of the way. We encourage our staff to take full advantage of our facilities. Full-time employees receive a complimentary family membership, along with 50% off most of our programs. It's our way of supporting their health and well-being, while fostering a balanced and active lifestyle.

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