Executive Director of Training and Leadership Development

YMCA of Middle Tennessee; Tennessee Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 88,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours and opportunities

Seasonal opportunities

Part-time or full-time opportunities

Open seven days / flexible schedule

Generous paid time off for full-time

Participation in Y Retirement plan and

403(b) savings plan eligibility

Free membership at 12 wellness centers

Discounts on youth programs

Job summary

YMCA of Middle Tennessee seeks an Executive Director of Talent and Leadership Development to provide strategic leadership for learning and professional development across the organization. You will align initiatives with priorities, design curricula, and ensure staff growth, engagement, and career progression while upholding YMCA core values.

You will collaborate with leaders to assess needs, oversee training systems, and manage development budgets.

Qualifications

• Four-year degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills; ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally and work effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated expertise in training design, facilitation, and presentation, both in-person and virtual.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic learning and leadership development initiatives across the organization.
• Coordinate Association-wide learning calendar and oversee budget and resources.
• Identify needs with leaders and design curricula and training programs to improve performance and leadership readiness.
• Partner with operational leaders to address performance gaps and drive organizational effectiveness.
• Recruit, develop, and support trainers and learning partners to strengthen internal capabilities.

Skills

Leadership development

Training design

Facilitation

Communication

Project management

Consulting

Education

Four-year degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Executive Director of Training and Leadership Development

Consistent with the Christian mission and vision of the YMCA of Middle TN, the Executive Director of Talent and Leadership Development (ED of TLD), provides strategic leadership to help strengthen the organization through learning and professional development. Reporting to the SVP of Engagement, this role collaborates with organizational leaders to assess needs and design, deliver, and sustain high-quality training and leadership development initiatives that advance the YMCA’s organizational priorities. The ED of TLD integrates learning and development into the overall business strategy, ensuring staff are equipped with the skills, confidence and pathways needed for engagement, retention, and career growth. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and accountability, this role helps employees model YMCA core values and deliver meaningful, mission-driven experiences for staff, members, volunteers, and the communities we serve.

Job Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• Model the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility while fostering a welcoming, engaging, and mission-driven culture.
• Provide strategic leadership for Association-wide learning, leadership development, and workforce development initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and long-term business objectives.
• Assess organizational and leadership development needs and design, implement, and continuously improve learning strategies, curricula, and training programs that strengthen employee performance, engagement, retention, advancement, and leadership readiness.
• Partner with operational leaders to identify performance gaps, organizational challenges, workforce needs, and change initiatives, developing learning solutions that enhance individual, team, and organizational effectiveness.
• Lead the development and delivery of high-impact learning experiences, including leadership development programs, supervisory training, certifications, conferences, and professional development opportunities utilizing a variety of instructional methods and learning modalities.
• Establish and manage an integrated Association-wide training and development calendar, ensuring effective planning, coordination, and execution of local, regional, state alliance, and YUSA learning opportunities.
• Develop and maintain learning standards, evaluation frameworks, quality assurance processes, and performance metrics to measure effectiveness, drive continuous improvement, and inform strategic decision-making.
• Serve as an internal consultant, coach, and trusted advisor to leaders, providing expertise in leadership effectiveness, employee development, performance management, talent growth, and organizational capability building.
• Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with YUSA, State Alliance partners, external vendors, educational institutions, and subject matter experts to expand learning opportunities and leverage best practices.
• Oversee learning systems, training records, certifications, budgets, and development resources while ensuring operational effectiveness, compliance, and responsible stewardship of Association resources.
• Recruit, develop, and support trainers, facilitators, mentors, and learning partners to strengthen the Association’s internal training and leadership development capacity.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Passion for and commitment to the YMCA’s mission, with a strong service-oriented mindset
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills; ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences
• Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally and work effectively at all levels of the organization
• Demonstrated expertise in training design, facilitation, and presentation, both in-person and virtual
• Strong knowledge of current and emerging trends and best practices in training and leadership development
• Highly organized and detail oriented; able to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work under pressure
• Sound judgment, initiative, conflict resolution skills, and ability to maintain confidentiality
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and related technology
• Flexibility to travel to multiple locations and work evenings and weekends as needed
• Minimum age of 21; four-year degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Proven track record of developing and delivering successful training programs; prior training leadership or comparable corporate experience preferred

Additional Information

Flexible hours and a wide range of job opportunities

• Seasonal opportunities
• Part-time or full-time job opportunities
• Open seven days a week / More flexible work schedule
• 12 wellness center locations
• More than 140 school partner sites
• Corporate Office
• Benefits package including generous paid time off for full time staff
• Participation in Y Retirement plan and 403 (b) savings account upon eligibility
• Free membership at all 12 wellness center locations
• Discounts on youth programs, summer camps and sports instruction

We are dedicated to helping our team members reach their professional goals and feel valued. We offer a comprehensive leadership development and certification system that promotes learning at all career stages.

We also provide Employee Resource Groups, which provide a space for people to network, mentor one another, participate in personal and professional development and more—all while building meaningful connections.

Committed to Being an Engaging Y

The YMCA seeks to foster a people-centered workforce where all individuals feel valued and supported in strengthening the communities we serve.

• Salary Range: $88,366 to $110,457 (depending on experience)
• Working Hours: Monday to Friday; Weekends as needed or as the role requires