Chief Executive Officer

YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix; Glendale (AZ); On-site; USD 140,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix seeks a visionary Chief Executive Officer to lead the organization, advance its mission, and drive sustainable impact across programs and services in the Greater Phoenix area.

The CEO will partner with the Board to set strategy, oversee finances, and engage diverse funders while serving as the public face of the organization and strengthening community relationships.

Qualifications

• Proven executive and turnaround leadership capable of guiding an organization through transitions.
• Strategic leadership ensuring mission alignment with programs and community needs.
• Strong financial discipline to address deficits and ensure sustainability.
• Ability to cultivate funders and diversify revenue streams.
• Visible, credible external ambassador with strong community relationships.
• Experience building and leading strategic partnerships across sectors.
• Understanding of government funding and compliance in public programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic vision and governance in partnership with the Board of Directors.
• Oversee operations, programs, and finances to realize organizational impact.
• Lead fundraising efforts and diversify revenue across multiple sources.
• Represent YWCA publicly and engage with community partners and stakeholders.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic direction

Financial acumen

Fundraising & diversification

Community relationships

Partnership development

Government funding & compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) serves as the strategic leader of YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix, ensuring the organization’s mission is fully realized through effective leadership, visionary strategy, resource development, and community engagement. The CEO is responsible for overseeing all aspects of organizational operations, programs, and finances, while also serving as the public face and voice of the organization. The CEO works in partnership with the Board of Directors to promote strong governance and to ensure long-term sustainability, organizational growth, and measurable impact.

Must-Have's

• Proven Executive & Turnaround Leadership: An experienced executive who can provide stability and growth following a significant transition, assess the organization honestly, make difficult decisions, and lead YWCA into its next chapter
• Strategic, Mission-Aligned Leadership: Able to clarify YWCA's strategic direction, ensure programs clearly connect to its mission and community needs, evaluate what is sustainable, and avoid mission drift by determining what YWCA should lead and/or accomplish through partnerships
• Strong Financial & Operational Acumen: Someone who brings the business and financial discipline to address the budget deficits, strengthen financial sustainability, establish meaningful KPIs, evaluate program performance, and ensure resources are deployed effectively
• Fundraising & Revenue Diversification: Demonstrated ability to cultivate funders and donors, build confidence, and develop a more diverse funding model across government, corporate, philanthropic, and individual sources rather than relying too heavily on any one stream
• Community-Focused Relationship Builder & External Ambassador: A visible, credible leader who can build trust with staff, the Board, funders, donors, community partners, and constituents and effectively represent YWCA publicly; knowledge of the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan area is advantageous but not essential
• Collaborative People & Partnership Leader: A people-centered leader who listens to and values the expertise of staff, understands how programs operate on the ground, and can rebuild and develop the internal team while forming strategic external partnerships that strengthen programming and advance the mission
• Government Funding & Compliance Experience: Understands the complexity of government-funded programs and compliance requirements and can navigate an uncertain public funding environment, particularly given the significance of Meals on Wheels to the organization
• Education and Experience: A combination of education, professional experience, and demonstrated skills that provides the knowledge and capabilities needed to successfully perform the responsibilities of this role. A bachelor’s degree is preferred but not required

Who We Are

YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix is a nonprofit organization serving the greater Phoenix area with a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Founded in 1912, it is part of the national YWCA network, one of the oldest and largest multiracial women's organizations in the world.

What We Do

YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix combines direct services, education, and advocacy to address systemic inequities affecting women, girls, families, older adults, and communities of color. Its work is centered around three primary areas:

• Dignity for All: Addresses food insecurity and supports older adults through Meals on Wheels, congregate meal programs, food distribution, wellness checks, and community engagement activities that help seniors age with dignity.
• Women's Empowerment: Provides financial education, coaching, leadership development, negotiation training, mental health and well-being programming, and other resources that promote economic mobility and self-sufficiency for women and families.
• Advocacy and Racial Justice: Works to eliminate systemic racism and advance equity through community partnerships, education, civic engagement, and policy advocacy focused on issues such as racial justice, economic opportunity, food access, and the social determinants of health.