Executive Director (UW Health Riverfront YMCA)

YMCA of the USA; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of Rock River Valley is seeking an Executive Director for UW Health Riverfront YMCA. This role oversees all branch operations, including membership, programs, facilities, and staff development, with a focus on safety and service standards.

Responsibilities include leading a diverse team, managing a $2M+ budget, driving program growth, and fostering community partnerships to advance the YMCA mission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field.
• Six+ years of management experience in YMCA or nonprofit.
• Experience managing budgets of $2M+.
• CPR/AED/First Aid/Handle with Care within 90 days.

Responsibilities

• Oversee total operation of UW Health Riverfront YMCA, including membership, programs, facilities, volunteer and staff development.
• Lead and develop team by coaching department leaders and fostering collaboration.
• Review performance metrics, budgets, membership trends to drive decisions.
• Partner with department leaders to create programs and opportunities for growth.
• Build relationships with community partners, volunteers, and Branch Advisory Board.
• Support fundraising and annual/capital campaign goals.
• Ensure safety, compliance, and financial performance across the branch.
• Collaborate with association leadership to align priorities with goals.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Staff development

Volunteer recruitment

Community relations

Data-driven decisions

Interpersonal communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in human services

Job description

The YMCA of Rock River Valley is seeking a cause-driven leader to serve as the Executive Director of UW Health Riverfront YMCA.

Job Description

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Oversees the total operation of UW Health Riverfront YMCA, including membership, marketing, programs, facilities, volunteer and staff development, financial development, community relations and collaborations with community agencies. Member engagement and staff development are key areas of focus for the position with an emphasis on facility safety, staff management, and member-service standards.

Qualifications

• YMCA Multi-team/Branch Leader Certification, preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in human services, social services, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience preferred.
• Six or more years of management experience, ideally within a YMCA or nonprofit organization, with a focus on youth development or educational programming.
• Proven success in managing budgets and fiscal resources of $2M or greater, securing funding, and managing resources.
• Knowledge and experience in all aspects of operations, including staff supervision and development, membership growth practices, program development and implementation, volunteerism, facility and property management, and financial practices.
• Ability to direct total operations through volunteer development, supervision of staff, development and monitoring of branch budget, marketing and public relations, and program development.
• Ability to analyze data and make informed decisions that drive program success and adapt to changing community needs.
• Experience in management and development of volunteer involvement; ability to recruit top community leaders.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborations with community organizations.
• Leadership qualities that inspire collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to the YMCA’s mission and values.
• Passion for YMCA mission, with a commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.
• CPR, AED, First Aid, and Handle with Care Certifications required within 90 days of hire.
• Current Praesidium Academy training.
• Proven track record of developing authentic relationships with others.

Essential Functions

WHAT YOUR DAY MAY LOOK LIKE

No two days are the same in this role—but every day is centered on leading people, strengthening the community, and advancing the YMCA's mission.

• Start your day by walking the branch, connecting with members and staff, ensuring the facility is welcoming, safe, and ready to serve the community.
• Lead and develop your team by coaching department leaders, supporting staff development, and fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation.
• Guide branch operations by reviewing key performance metrics, budgets, membership trends, and program outcomes to make informed decisions that drive success.
• Partner with department leaders to create exceptional programs, strengthen member experiences, and identify opportunities for growth and innovation.
• Build relationships throughout the community by meeting with community partners, businesses, volunteers, and
• Branch Advisory Board members to expand the YMCA's impact.
• Support fundraising and strategic initiatives by engaging donors, leading volunteer committees, and helping advance annual and capital campaign goals.
• Ensure operational excellence by overseeing staffing, compliance, facility standards, safety practices, and financial performance across the branch.
• Collaborate across the association with executive leadership and support teams to align branch priorities with organizational goals and community needs.
• End the day knowing your leadership made a difference, whether it was supporting a team member, solving a member concern, launching a new initiative, or creating opportunities that strengthen the community.

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

• Critical Thinking & Decision Making
• Developing Self & Others
• Fiscal Management
• Innovation

Required Certifications

• YMCA Multi-team/Branch Leader Certification, preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in human services, social services, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience preferred.
• CPR, AED, First Aid, and Handle with Care Certifications required within 90 days of hire.
• Current Praesidium Academy training.