Executive Director

The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is seeking am Executive Director to lead a thriving YMCA center in beautiful Gig Harbor, WA.

Job Description

This is a unique opportunity to lead a thriving YMCA center with a passionate team, engaged members, and a supportive community-while living and working in one of the Pacific Northwest’s most scenic and family-friendly areas. The YMCA is a leading non-profit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.


As the Executive Director at the Tom Taylor Family YMCA, you will serve as a strategic operations and people leader through day-to-day involvement. You will guide the overall direction of the center while engaging in daily operations - supporting staff, connecting with members, and ensuring exceptional experiences.


This role is responsible for leading center operations, including membership, programs, facilities, staff, and volunteer development, financial performance, and community engagement, while fostering a center where everyone belongs and can thrive.


Position type: Full-Time, Exempt (salary) position


Location: Tom Taylor Family YMCA, 10550 Harbor Hill Drive, Gig Harbor, WA 98332


Compensation and Benefits:

• $105,000.00 to $121,525.00 per year, depending on qualifications
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefit plan options (with FSA and HSA options)
• YMCA paid Life/AD&D and Long-term Disability Insurance. Voluntary Life/AD&D coverage options for partners and dependents are available
• Accrual of 15 days of paid vacation (vacation accruals increase with years of service)
• 8 paid Holidays/Floating Holidays per year
• Paid Sick Leave accrued at 1.23 hours for every 40 hours worked per year
• Household YMCA membership
• Opportunity to participate in the YMCA 403(b) retirement or savings plan and 403(b) ROTH plan
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), a virtual mental health counseling platform, and an employee discount center
• Professional training, education, and certification opportunities
• 20% discount on YMCA programs, camp, childcare, and merchandise

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in business administration, human services, recreation management, non-profit management, or equivalent is preferred.
• Current or recent YMCA Executive Director experience is highly preferred.
• Six or more years of management experience, preferably with the YMCA or similar non-profit agency, is highly preferred.
• Minimum of three years working in the health, fitness, and wellness industry, overseeing a facility, operations, or specific programs.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse and multi-cultural communities and constituencies.
• Strategic planning experience, including developing and monitoring an annual operating plan.
• Proven experience in leading operations, community engagement, fundraising, programming, and leading people is required.
• YMCA Multi-Team or Branch Leader certification preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and other computer programs required.

Essential Functions

Leadership & Operations

• Foster collaboration and strong service orientation.
• Upholds YMCA policies and procedures on conduct, safety, supervision, mandated reporting, and risk management.
• Model humility, integrity, and servant leadership.
• Promote clear communication, accountability, and professional standards.
• Leads operations of center facilities and programs, which may include aquatics, health & wellbeing, youth sports, membership, arts, active older adult programs, and special events.
• Provides direction for setting and achieving the annual strategic plan and goals and the annual operating plan.
• Champion high-quality programs that meet evolving community needs and desires.
• Lead strategic planning and execution to grow membership, program participation, and engagement.
• Ensure program standards are met, and safety procedures are followed.
• Foster and ensure a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for members, staff, and volunteers.

Financial Management

• Steward fiscal responsibility and health through thoughtful budget and resource management.
• Ensure fiscal responsibility through strategic planning efforts while developing the annual operating plan.
• Inspire community philanthropic support through fundraising, sharing the Y story, and relationship-building.
• Championing the YMCA’s annual fundraising campaign, volunteer committees, and advisory members.

People Leadership

• Provide leadership and mentorship to directors, program directors, and staff.
• Lead strategies to attract, recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing, mission-driven staff.
• Oversee staff coaching, discipline, performance management, and leadership development.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and best practices.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Develop and strengthen the center’s volunteer advisory council, committees, and support community groups.
• Serve as a visible and engaged leader in the community.
• Strengthen the YMCA’s role as a trusted community organization.
• Represent and promote the YMCA in the community by building meaningful partnerships with local organizations, schools, and stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to live and exemplify the YMCA Core Values: Honesty, Responsibility, Caring, and Respect.
• Ability to lead collaboratively, influence staff and volunteers, exhibit transparency and openness, and make thoughtful and strategic decisions.
• Excellent communicator with the ability to show passion for the Y’s mission to staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners.
• Emotional intelligence and demonstrated self-awareness, self-regulation, social rapport, passion, and motivation.
• Ability to develop budgets and management reports that present a clear financial picture of an organization or department and its revenue-generating activities.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship skills.
• High degree of integrity, professional demeanor, and authenticity in building relations with and inspiring best effort from staff, donors, volunteers, and community partners.

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