Branch Executive Director

YMCA of the USA; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Gateway Family YMCA - Rahway Branch seeks a Branch Executive Director to lead operations, advance strategic priorities, and strengthen community impact.

You will oversee staff and volunteers, budgets and fundraising, build partnerships with schools and local organizations, and uphold child safety standards in a welcoming environment.

A bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of leadership or program management experience are required; nonprofit background is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of program management or leadership experience.
• Strong interpersonal and team leadership skills.
• Experience in community-based programming or nonprofit work preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Strategic & Operational Leadership: Implement strategic plan priorities to drive membership and program growth; design, implement, and evaluate programs that meet community needs; manage program budgets, enrollment targets, and performance metrics.
• Staff & Member Engagement: Lead, hire, and develop program staff and volunteers; foster a welcoming and mission-driven work culture aligned with YMCA values; ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all participants; support membership growth through program innovation and engagement.
• Community Relations: Actively represent the YMCA in the community, building relationships with local organizations, schools, and stakeholders; develop partnerships with local businesses, government agencies, and community organizations.
• Fundraising & Resource Development: Lead fundraising initiatives, securing financial support from grants, donors, and sponsorships; identify and pursue new revenue opportunities to support the YMCA’s mission and programs.
• Child Safety Commitment: Adhere to highest child safety standards; mandatory training in child protection; zero tolerance for abuse; cooperation with law enforcement.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Team leadership

Program management

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Come join The Gateway Family YMCA - Rahway Branch as the Branch Executive Director!

Job Description

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Branch Executive Director stewards the Y’s cause, promoting and protecting the brand and reputation as a global, inclusive organization within the community. The Branch Executive Director oversees the operation of the Y and participates in volunteer and staff development, financial development, and collaboration with community stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of program management or leadership experience
• Strong interpersonal and team leadership skills
• Experience in community-based programming or nonprofit work preferred
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Essential Functions

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Implement strategic plan priorities to drive membership and program growth
• Design, implement, and evaluate programs that meet community needs
• Manage program budgets, enrollment targets, and performance metrics

Staff & Member Engagement

• Lead, hire, and develop program staff and volunteers
• Foster a welcoming and mission-driven work culture aligned with YMCA values
• Ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all participants
• Support membership growth through program innovation and engagement

Community Relations

• Actively representing the YMCA in the community, building relationships with local organizations, schools, and stakeholders
• Develop partnerships with local businesses, government agencies, and community organizations

Fundraising & Resource Development

• Lead fundraising initiatives, securing financial support from grants, donors, and sponsorships
• Identify and pursue new revenue opportunities to support the YMCA’s mission and programs

Child Safety Commitment

We are committed to setting the highest standard for child safety. All programs adhere to established best practices to ensure every child is safe, supported, and able to thrive. Employees are required to always uphold these standards, including compliance with organizational policies, mandated reporting laws, and ongoing training in child protection and youth development. The Gateway Family YMCA has zero tolerance for abuse and will not tolerate the mistreatment or abuse of consumers in its programs. Any mistreatment or abuse by an employee or volunteer will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or volunteer service, and cooperation with law enforcement.