Executive Director (UW Health Riverfront YMCA)

YMCA of Rock River Valley; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of Rock River Valley seeks an Executive Director for the UW Health Riverfront YMCA in Rockford, IL. This role leads all aspects of branch operations, including membership, programs, facilities, safety, and staff development, while advancing the YMCA mission through collaboration with community partners.

The position emphasizes fundraising, strategic leadership, and strong financial stewardship, with a focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, social services, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience managing budgets and resources at nonprofit scale is required.
• Proven leadership and staff development experience within a YMCA or nonprofit setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the team by coaching department leaders and fostering collaboration.
• Review KPIs, budgets, membership trends, and program outcomes to guide decisions.
• Build relationships with community partners, volunteers, and the Branch Advisory Board to expand impact.
• Oversee operations, safety standards, and financial performance of the branch.
• Collaborate with association leadership to align branch priorities with organizational goals.

Skills

Budget management

Leadership

Community partnerships

Nonprofit experience

Staff development

Program development

Volunteer coordination

Diversity & inclusion

Public relations

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field

YMCA Multi-team/Branch Leader Certification (preferred)

Job description

Career Opportunities with YMCA of Rock River Valley

Executive Director (UW Health Riverfront YMCA)

YOUR IMPACT
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.

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.

If you're a collaborative leader who enjoys developing high-performing teams, building community partnerships, and balancing strategy with hands-on leadership, you'll find purpose in this role.

SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION: 1 Position

1 Position: UW Health Riverfront YMCA
Full Time, Exempt
Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
*Hours vary with occasional early mornings/nights/weekends outside of regular operational hours based on facility or department needs
$70,000-80,000 per year

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.

The Y is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer more than just a job, rather the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.

The Y: We're for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility