Chief Executive Officer

The Opportunity: Are you an influential leader passionate about shaping public policy, advocacy, and community impact? The North Carolina Alliance of YMCAs is seeking a dynamic Chief Executive Officer who thrives at the intersection of strategic leadership, impactful communication, and collaborative partnerships. In this influential role, you will lead efforts to advance the YMCA’s mission statewide, driving policies that directly benefit children, families, and communities across North Carolina.

You will have the opportunity to champion powerful advocacy initiatives, build compelling narratives that resonate statewide, and foster meaningful partnerships across government, foundations, and community organizations. This role invites you to leverage your expertise in strategic communications, coalition-building, and financial stewardship to elevate the Alliance's visibility and ensure sustained organizational growth and impact. Join us to cultivate an inclusive, innovative culture, harness strategic opportunities for expansion, and strengthen relationships that position the YMCA as a trusted leader in youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. This is a rare opportunity to lead transformative work with lasting community and statewide impact.

Alliance Mission: To drive advocacy and collaboration to move North Carolina YMCAs forward.

Alliance Vision: Unified YMCAs for a strong North Carolina.

Alliance Values: Integrity, Diversity and Relationships.

About the YMCA and the NC Alliance of YMCAs: The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits that strengthens communities through the impact areas of Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. Every day, the Ys work side-by-side with their neighbours to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. The 28 YMCAs in North Carolina serve 1 in 10 North Carolinians through programs and services. The YMCAs are powerful advocates for children, families, and individuals in our communities. We leverage our trusted position in the community, private funds, and volunteers to provide critical services that meet people where they are. We believe in working with our neighbours to address cross-sector challenges. The Y’s core values are caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. As a commitment to our communities, we do not turn anyone away from our programs and services due to inability to pay. We work hard to eliminate barriers so that everyone can thrive at the Y.

The NC Alliance of YMCAs is an independent nonprofit organization that supports the state’s 28 YMCA Associations in advocacy and collaboration. The NC Alliance of YMCAs provides consultation services to local YMCAs in strategy planning, board governance, executive transition, collaborations, and risk mitigation.

Current Key Strategic Priorities:

• Speak as one Y to elevate North Carolinians’ understanding of the YMCA as a charitable partner to improve their communities and lives.
• Ensure that every interaction any individual or group has with the Y is welcoming.
• Build resilience in North Carolina youth, contributing to the state’s “whole child” objectives.
• Establish the Y’s role in community integrated health networks that improve the health and well-being of the residents of North Carolina and improve our state’s health ranking.
• Develop and implement a plan to identify, mobilize, and empower change agents in our communities and statewide.

2024 Alliance Community Impact Report Overall Impact: 821,000 members served across North Carolina, providing community, connection, and well-being. Operated 28 YMCA associations with 112 branches and 12 overnight camps. Established 1,600 partnerships with healthcare, education, government, nonprofit, faith, and insurance sectors.

Youth Development: Supported 606,000 children and teens in safe, nurturing environments. Provided before/afterschool care and summer camps for 390,000 children, helping families maintain stable employment. Distributed 2 million meals and snacks to ensure children’s nutritional needs were met.

Teen Mental Health: Expanded or launched teen mental health programs at 93% of YMCAs. 400 certified staff in Youth Mental Health First Aid. Facilitated mental health referrals for 144 teens needing professional care.

Evidence-based Health Programs: 74% of participants successfully met their health goals. Healthy Weight and Your Child program saw 96% achieving positive outcomes (60% reduced BMI; 40% slowed BMI increase). YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program participants averaged 6.5% weight loss, significantly reducing diabetes risk.

Social Responsibility & Community Support: 100% YMCA participation in Hurricane Helene relief efforts, offering resources, housing, and emergency services. Donated 403,000 pounds of food, including 168,000 pounds of fresh produce, addressing food insecurity. Raised $32.5 million to provide YMCA access to under-resourced community members. 35,500 volunteers engaged in community service through YMCA initiatives. Collected blood donations sufficient to save 1,300 lives.

The Alliance provides consulting services to YMCAs:

• Strategy and Planning
• Advocacy and Public Policy
• Board Development and Governance
• Collaborations: Shared Services, Management Agreements, Mergers
• Partner with Y-USA in Executive Transition, CEO Search, and leads new CEO Onboarding
• Operational Assessments

Alliance Staff: Director of Communications and Grants Administration, Director of Administration, Strategic Consultant (contractor).

Alliance Board of Directors: Number of Governing Board Members: 11 (9 YMCA CEOs or senior leaders; 3 volunteers).

Task Forces: Global Relations and Community Engagement, Third Party Payor.

Committees: Executive Committee.

Financial: Current Annual Budget Size: $2.5M.

Information Sites: Alliance Website, YMCA of the USA.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree in public administration, Nonprofit Management, Business, or a related field preferred. Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience, with at least 5 years in executive or senior-level nonprofit roles. Demonstrated success in organizational leadership, strategic planning, and financial management, preferably within a federated nonprofit or membership-based organization. Proven track record of successful advocacy and public policy work, including experience working with lobbyists, lawmakers, and government agencies. Experience leading multi-stakeholder collaborations, coalitions, or statewide initiatives, ideally across multiple nonprofit or public sectors. Strong background in fund development, including grant acquisition, public-private partnerships, and donor cultivation. Exceptional strategic thinking and the ability to align operations with mission-driven goals. Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing teams, manage remote staff, and foster a positive and inclusive organizational culture. Proficient in change management and navigating complex organizational dynamics with diplomacy and effectiveness. Experience working with boards of directors and leading cross-functional or volunteer teams. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to inspire and influence diverse audiences including board members, funders, public officials, and local Y leadership. Strong public speaking, media, and presentation skills. Ability to build trust and rapport across geographies, organizations, and communities. Skilled in storytelling and brand advocacy, with a demonstrated ability to elevate the visibility of an organization’s impact. Deep understanding of nonprofit operations, including governance, compliance, and charitable regulations. Knowledge of the YMCA movement and its mission, values, and strategic priorities preferred. Proficiency with budgeting, data analysis, and performance measurement systems. Familiarity with digital communication tools, CRM platforms, and advocacy technology is a plus. Must reside in the Raleigh-Durham-Triangle region. Attend and complete New CEO Institute through Y USA (if applicable) and YMCA Organizational Leadership Certification (or 3 years to attain from date of hire).