Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Lansing YMCA; Virginia; On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Mecklenburg County YMCA in Clarksville, VA seeks a visionary CEO to set strategic direction, strengthen programs, and ensure fiscal stewardship while expanding community impact.

You will partner with the board and staff, lead a capital campaign, grow donor networks, and build partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and local government to advance YMCA’s mission.

Qualifications

• Accredited 4-year degree or equivalent work experience.
• Budgeting and fiscal management experience at $750k–$1M annually.
• Minimum seven years in a comparable organization with multi-level supervision.
• Ability to develop community relationships.
• Experience in strategic planning and fundraising, including annual campaigns and grants.
• Ability to develop innovative community programs.

Responsibilities

• Set a clear strategic direction for the YMCA and strengthen programs and operations.
• Lead and manage the capital campaign and facility expansion initiatives.
• Build and sustain relationships with donors, volunteers, partners, and the broader community.
• Oversee financial stewardship, budgeting, and organizational governance.

Skills

Budget management

Community relations

Strategic planning

Fundraising

Program development

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

THE OPPORTUNITY

Since 1985, the Mecklenburg County YMCA has brought people together in Clarksville and the greater Mecklenburg County, Virginia, community. What began in a small space behind the Clarksville library has grown into a welcoming community hub with locations in Clarksville and Chase City. Through youth sports, gymnastics, group exercise, senior fitness, pickleball, social activities, summer camps, community events, and financial assistance, our Y helps children, families, adults, and seniors stay active, build connections, and find a place to belong.

Now, we’re looking for a CEO who sees the potential in our Y and is excited to help shape what comes next. Working alongside the board and staff, our next leader will set a clear direction, strengthen programs and operations, and make thoughtful financial decisions. Just as important is someone who enjoys being part of the community, sharing the Y’s story, and building support among donors, volunteers, businesses, and community partners. With a capital project on the horizon, this is an opportunity to help guide our facilities, expand how we serve, and bring people together around a shared future.

ABOUT THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY YMCA

Our Mission

To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

Membership:

Total Number of Members: 924 units and 1,622 individuals

Branch Information:

• Clarksville Branch: Opened in 2010, this 15,000-square-foot, multi-use facility serves as the YMCA’s main location.
• Chase City Branch: Located in the Estes Community Center on North Main Street.
• Gymnastics Facility: Located in downtown Clarksville.

Core Programs:

• Youth Development: Gymnastics, basketball, soccer, volleyball, cheerleading, and summer youth camps.
• Health & Wellness: Group exercise, senior fitness, personal training, wellness activities, and hiking.
• Pickleball & Recreation: Pickleball instruction/open play and other recreational opportunities for adults and seniors.
• Social & Community Engagement: Bridge, ping pong, pinochle, Mahjong, educational classes, and other activities that build connection and reduce isolation.
• Community Outreach & Family Programs: Healthy Kids Day, Back-to-School Bash, Lakefest 5K/Kids Fun Run, and other family-focused community events.

Capital Campaign:

Building Tomorrow Together Capital Campaign: $6 million goal

The Building Tomorrow Together Capital Campaign offers the next CEO an opportunity to guide a significant expansion that will bring multiple facilities and programs together at the Clarksville campus. The centerpiece of the project is a new 17,000-square-foot gymnasium complex that will unite volleyball, basketball, gymnastics, and other programs under one roof, along with a new Child Watch area for parents while they are at the Y. The campaign also includes the proposed Frank Ruff Memorial Park, a 25-acre, multi-use outdoor recreation space adjacent to the current Clarksville facility.

Named in honor of the late state senator, the park is envisioned as a hub for outdoor recreation in Mecklenburg County, with three regulation-size soccer fields, eight covered pickleball courts, two sand volleyball courts, a multi-use field, a disc golf course, a perimeter walking path, two covered shelters, and more than 200 additional parking spaces. Leading this effort will give the next CEO the opportunity to expand programs, strengthen operations, build community support, and significantly increase the YMCA’s capacity to serve Mecklenburg County.

CEO Direct Reports:

• Business Manager
• Programs/Marketing Director
• Wellness Director/Gymnastics Program Coordinator
• Membership Coordinator
• Facility Manager

Board of Directors:

11 members

Financial Snapshot:

• Current Annual Budget Size: $700,000
• Current Debt: $150,000 (forgivable loan)
• Last Year Operating Net: $91,905
• Two Years Ago Operating Net: $13,598
• Three Years Ago Operating Net: $74,952

ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY

Mecklenburg County offers a welcoming, small-town lifestyle with the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of Southern Virginia’s Lake Country. Located on Kerr Lake, also known as Buggs Island Lake, the Clarksville area is known for boating, fishing, hiking, community events, and a slower pace of life that appeals to individuals and families seeking connection, affordability, and access to the outdoors.

The community has a strong sense of local pride and civic engagement, with residents, businesses, schools, churches, nonprofits, and local leaders working together to support quality of life across the region. Clarksville’s historic downtown, lakefront setting, and annual events help create a close‑knitted environment where the YMCA can continue to serve as an important hub for wellness, youth development, recreation, and community connection.

Information Sites:

• Mecklenburg County, VA: https://www.mecklenburgva.com/
• Town of Clarksville, VA: https://clarksvilleva.org/
• Clarksville Tourism / Visitors: https://clarksvilleva.org/tourism-visitors/
• Clarksville Lake Country Chamber of Commerce: https://clarksvilleva.org/
• Mecklenburg County Public Schools: https://mcpsweb.org/
• Mecklenburg County Economic Development: https://www.mecklenburgva.com/
• Regional Healthcare Information: https://www.vcuhealth.org/community-memorial-hospital

Criteria for Candidates:

• Accredited 4-year college degree and or equivalent work experience.
• Fiscally sound business management approach with a proven track record of budgetary and fiscal management of $750,000–$1 million annually.
• A minimum of seven years of prior experience at a comparable organization with direct supervision of multiple levels of staff.
• Must be able to develop and strengthen community relationships.
• Have the ability to develop innovative programs, review and enhance programs being offered or considered for both economic impact and effectiveness in broadening our engagement in the communities in which we serve.
• Strategic planning and fundraising experience, including annual campaigns and securing grants.