Chief Executive Officer

Key Skills and Abilities of Our Next CEO

The board believes its new CEO should be an experienced leader who has the background and qualities that will permit him or her to achieve excellence in the following roles: 

• Fiscal Management: Use high-level financial analysis to forecast financial trends, growth, and stability, while consistently leading organization to balance or surplus operations by growing earned revenue and contributions and controlling costs. Empower and guide staff leaders to lead their departments to successful financial operation. Develop and implement stewardship strategies. Key competencies: Fiscal Management, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Developing Self & Others, Philanthropy 

• Improve Operating Performance: Engage the board and appropriate staff to develop an annual tactical plan for identifying and achieving key goals and objectives towards operating with safe, relevant, and sustainable practices. Quickly address issues that may arise, forecast future needs, and manage and direct the Y’s operations and activities. Key competencies: Developing Self & Others, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Innovation

• Steward Fundraising Efforts: Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan that will establish the YMCA as a leading nonprofit organization within the community through the engagement of members, volunteers, staff, and donors. Identify the need for successful capital fundraising, while taking the organization to a new level of effectiveness and impact in annual giving and endowment. Key competencies: Philanthropy, Engaging Community, Communication & Influence

• Develop and Implement a Strategic Plan: Work effectively with volunteers, community leaders, and key staff, to create and develop a strategic plan that addresses the needs of the communities served by the Y and includes defined organizational strategies, a clear implementation plan with deliverables, and measurable goals. Key competencies: Change Leadership, Communication & Influence, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Program/Project Management

• Build and Lead the Y’s Leadership, Board and Staff: Ensure a talent development system is in place for staff and board. Hire, motivate, nurture, and retain staff, and hold them accountable for key objectives. Partner with the Y’s Board in build an effective and diverse board of directors. Ensure that the leadership is representative of the diversity of the communities we serve. Encourage the Y’s leadership by creating a spirit of camaraderie, inclusion, and sense of mission and purpose. Create a learning organization to help volunteers and staff achieve their highest potential. Key competencies: Developing Self & Others, Inclusion, Emotional Maturity, Change Leadership

• Position the Y as a Vital Partner for Community Change: Serve as an ambassador for the mission, purpose, and vision for the YMCA within the community. Possess the ability to develop and cultivate relationships with key stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, while always upholding the highest standards and values of the Y. Ensure your Y is seen as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. Key competencies: Communication & Influence, Engaging Community, Collaboration 

About the YMCA

The Fulton County YMCA in Johnstown, New York has an exciting opportunity for a dynamic Chief Executive officer (CEO) to lead an organization that is in a period of growth and revitalization after a challenging COVID period. The new CEO will build upon prior leadership’s foundation through a recovery plan that has demonstrated our resolve, adaptability, and strength of purpose. The YMCA has been an important community partner and seeks to expand its position as a front runner in community wellness. We are searching for a visionary CEO with demonstrated ability in fiscal management, strategic planning, membership development, child care program development, strengthening of community partnerships and generating financial support for the Y. 

The successful candidate for CEO should have proven leadership in fiscal planning. Our Y has endured in recent challenging times and demonstrated resilience with a continuing record of membership growth and strategic financial management during this difficult period. The next CEO will be tasked with maximizing opportunities for both membership and child care development and expansion of services to our constituents. The CEO is the face of the Fulton County YMCA and will serve as the ambassador of the Y by leading the forging relationships with community partners and building associations with donors, volunteers, and staff. 

The YMCA has proudly served the Fulton County community since 1892, initially as two independently operated YMCAs that merged in 1995 creating the Fulton County YMCA. The current 68,000 square foot facility was constructed in 2008 and contains a full gymnasium, six lane pool, wellness center, cycling studio, group exercise studio, five different locker rooms, steam room, sauna, jacuzzi, and the largest child care facility in the county.

Our Mission

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

Our Cause & Values

To strengthen the foundations of community and instilling the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Current Key Strategic Initiatives

• Financial Development/Fundraising
• Membership Development
• Childcare Program Development
• Community Outreach/Partnerships

Membership

• Total Number of Members: 3,700
• Total Number of Membership Units: 1,774
• 10.43% Youth
• 18.77% Young Adults
• 20.69% Adults
• 37.54% Household
• 12.57% Senior

Core Programs

• Aquatics
• Before and After School, Day Camp
• Infant, Toddler, Pre School
• Group Exercise
• Senior Wellness

Staff

FT: 16

PT: 74

Seasonal: 20

CEO Direct Reports

• Child Care Director
• Aquatics Coordinator
• Membership Coordinator
• Wellness Coordinator – Group Exercise
• Wellness Coordinator – Wellness Center
• Residence Director
• Administrative Assistant
• Maintenance Coordinator

Staff Demographics

Gender: 70% Female, 30% Male

Board of Directors

• Number of Governing Board Members: 9
• Board Demographics: Gender: 55.6% Female, 45.4% Male
• Committees: Membership, Finance, Board of Trustees

Financial

• Current Annual Budget Size: $2,370,000
• Current Debt: $1,100,000
• Current Endowment: $1,600,000
• 3-year annual surplus/deficit:
• 2025 Projected Budget: $0
• 2024 Projected Year End: $-155,000
• 2023 Year End: $-508,000

Community Population & Demographics

County Demographics                                                     Fulton County 

Population estimates, July 1, 2023, (V2023)                            52,234

Persons under 5 years, percent                                            4.60%

Persons under 18 years, percent                                            19.50%

Persons 65 years and over, percent                                    21.30%

White                                                                            94.20%

Black or African American                                                    2.50%

American Indian and Alaska Native                                    0.30%

Asian                                                                            0.90%

Two or More Races                                                            2.10%

Hispanic or Latino                                                            4.30%

Median value of owner-occupied housing units, 2018-2022   $142,000 

Households, 2018-2022                                                    22,103

Median household income (in 2022 dollars), 2018-2022   $60,557 

Persons in poverty, percent                                                    12.50%

About the Area

Nestled where the southern Adirondack Park meets the Mohawk Valley, Fulton County offers a stunning natural escape year-round. Here, you'll find 44 sparkling lakes and over 74,000 acres of wild forest, waiting to be explored.

Fulton County has an impressive history and culture. Take a walk through time on a historic tour of Johnstown's Quadrangle Corner, where you can retrace the steps of women's rights pioneer Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Visit Johnson Hall, the grand estate of French and Indian War hero Sir William Johnson. Explore local museums like the Fulton County Museum, Johnstown Historical Society Museum, and Caroga Historical Museum, all brimming with fascinating exhibits. Fulton County has a thriving arts scene. Catch a performance by a local theater troupe or listen to a community band in Johnstown or Gloversville. Browse the Perrella Gallery at Fulton-Montgomery Community College or the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts for stunning works by local artists. Attend events hosted by the Sacandaga Valley Arts Network, featuring concerts, lectures, workshops, and artist showcases.

Plenty of outdoor recreation. Cast a line in one of Fulton County's 44 lakes, renowned for some of the best fishing in New York State. Whether you seek a peaceful spot or a bustling lake, there's something for everyone. Explore the water by canoe, kayak, jet ski, sailboat, or motorboat. Navigate scenic country roads by bike or hit the hiking and mountain biking trails in the Adirondack Park. Don't miss The Powley-Piseco Road, a legendary route for cyclists and a haven for primitive camping enthusiasts. Something to do all year long. Carve down the slopes at Royal Mountain, a downhill ski resort with snowmaking capabilities and speedy lifts. Conquer 13 trails ranging from beginner to expert, or challenge yourself at the terrain park. For a more serene winter experience, head to Lapland Lake Nordic Vacation Center, a top-rated cross-country ski destination.

Fulton County offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant arts. It’s a great place to call home!

Residency Expectation

Living in the YMCA’s service area is required.

Salary Range

$100,000 to $150,000 annually

Benefits 

• Retirement: 8% (100 percent paid by Y) contribution once eligibility is met. The YMCA is moving to 12% retirement contribution.
• 403B Savings Account
• Paid Time Off based on years of tenure: 20 to 30 days
• Health Benefits plan (75% of family plan paid by YMCA, 25% paid by employee) 
• Dental and Vision plans (100% family coverage paid by YMCA)
• Other benefits per personnel policy including life, dental and vision insurance.

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 more than $1M or more annually. 
• Minimum five years prior experience in a senior management role with a YMCA or related experience at a comparable organization with direct supervision of multiple levels of staff and employees. 

Information Sites

• YMCA website
• Travel and Tourism
• Town of Johnstown
• Chamber of Commerce
• School System
• YMCA of the USA 

Search Process Target Dates

• Resumes accepted through: August 6
• Preliminary interviews scheduled: September 9 and 10 
• In-person interviews: October 2-3, in the area afternoon of October 1
• CEO selection made: Week of October 7
• New CEO on board (anticipated): November 1 or earlier

References, Background Check, and Organizational Leader Certification

Candidates must submit (pdf format only) the following in their online application: a resume, cover letter. Applications submitted without submitting a cover letter will not be considered.

Successful candidate accepting the offer must pass a background check and must have a current Y-USA’s Organizational Leader Certification or obtain certification within the first three years from start date as the CEO.

Candidates must apply via the following website: https://tinyurl.com/Fulton-County-YMCA-CEO

Questions about the Search Process?

Contact Richard Clegg, CEO Search Senior Consultant, YMCA of the USA, [email protected]. 

Questions about the YMCA?

Contact Rob Totaro, Alliance of New York State YMCAs, [email protected]