President and CEO

YMCA
Salary
$150,000.00
$175,000.00
How to Apply
Apply Online
Resumes Accepted Until
The Northwestern Connecticut YMCA is an equal opportunity employer committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion.
Job Description

The Northwestern Connecticut YMCA has a commitment to creating a culture of safety.

The YMCA is and has always been committed to creating a culture of safety where youth are free from all types of abuse, harassment and bullying. The Y has a zero-tolerance policy with regard to the prohibition of child abuse and neglect and youth-to-youth abuse. This policy applies to all employees, members of the Y, volunteers, guests, and vendors associated with the Y. Policies, procedures and employee & volunteer training have been created with this goal in mind. Any allegation or report of such abuse will be taken seriously and steps will be taken to fully investigate the report with appropriate action taken to eliminate such behavior.

As America’s favorite swimming instructor, the Y is committed to creating and maintaining safe swimming environment through employee training and certification and multi-level supervision including: swim testing, use of swimming level banding, as well as, wearing WAVE Drowning prevention headbands, when available.

The Opportunity

Since the late 1800s, the Northwestern Connecticut YMCA has been a cornerstone of our communities, deeply rooted and widely recognized. This rich history has paved the way for incredible opportunities to expand our services and better serve our local communities today.

We are in search of a visionary leader who can elevate this YMCA to new heights of success. This individual should possess the foresight to craft a compelling vision and the charisma to communicate it effectively to various funding sources, unlocking the full potential of what lies ahead for our YMCA. Equally important, this leader must be dedicated to building a self-sufficient internal team, fostering an environment of individual growth and operational excellence. Above all, our next leader must be able to articulate a transformative vision that ensures our YMCA remains a vital and relevant force in the lives of those we serve, just as it has been for over three centuries. Join us in this exciting journey to shape the future and continue our legacy of impact and inspiration.

Our Mission 

To build a healthy spirit, mind and body, in children and adults, through programs that foster caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

  • YMCA IDEALS
  • The Y is for All.
  • We follow the Law.
  • We have been and will continue to be safe for all.

YMCA BELONGING POLICY 

The YMCA is founded upon and committed to diversity and inclusion. The Northwestern Connecticut YMCA (The Y) values diversity and is committed to maintaining an inclusive environment of respect and trust. The Y is committed to maintaining an environment free from any form of discrimination or harassment.  

For this reason, the Y will not discriminate on the basis of gender identity or expression, including the use of bathrooms and locker rooms. Y patrons and employees shall have access to the bathroom and locker room corresponding to their gender identity or expression, as per state law.  Anyone wanting increased privacy, may use an available single stall bathroom. 

The Y is committed to adapting its policies as it continues to provide welcoming environments for its employees and all patrons. 

 

Northwestern Connecticut YMCA Facts

Winsted YMCA was founded in 1887, Torrington YMCA founded in 1892. YMCA’s merged in 1987 to form Northwestern CT YMCA. Torrington Y Limited Partnership was formed in 1998 for a low-income tax-credit housing project. Winchester Youth Service Bureau joined the Y in 1999. Canaan Family Branch opened in 2004. Torrington Youth Service Bureau joined the YMCA in 2019.YMCA operates Camp MOE in 2022, purchases the camp & property/ equipment in 2023.

Current Key Strategic Initiatives 

  • 2021 Refresh
  • Membership- YMCA is convener to bring people together, invite new groups to participate.
  • Attract Older adult by expanding Pickleball
  • Attract younger Spanish-speaking population
  • Renovation of Torrington Childcare center, including converting 1922 small pool.
  • Look for new opportunities/ partnerships that address needs in community
  • Expansion of affordable housing/ cold weather homeless shelter operation
  • Take over closing summer camp operations, purchase camp property & develop new features and create wedding/ party event activities.
  • Development of downtown Torrington sports complex
  • Expand Special events for public relations and to make up for decreased United Way funding

Membership 

  • Torrington Branch: 2,045 members- 309 Program Members; 1067 facility members & 669 3rd party Pay members.  7% youth, 29% adult, 18% family and 46% senior. 
  • Winsted Branch: 916 members- 21 Program Members; 434 Facility members & 461 3rd party pay members. 22% youth, 21% adult, 12% family and 46% senior.
  • Canaan Branch: 1,084 members- 54 Program members, 605 Facility members, 425 3rd party Pay members. 3% youth, 34% adult, 14% family, 49% senior. 

Branch/Facility Information 

  • Torrington Branch- 56K sf: 25-yard 6 lane swimming pool, cardio fitness and strength training centers, group ex & cycling studios; gymnasium; Ninja Warrior Training Center, Infant, Toddler, Preschool & School Age Childcare center, 5 locker rooms, 42 SRO low-income apartments; 1922/ 1948/ 1967/ 1999
  • Winsted Branch 28k sf: 25-meter 6 lane swimming pool with two diving boards, gymnasium, cardio fitness and strength training centers, functional training center, 3 locker rooms, two classrooms, 16-bed homeless shelter, 15 single occupancy resident rooms; 1914/ 1956/ 1988
  • Canaan Branch 12K sf: cardio fitness and strength training centers, 25-yard 4 lane shallow swimming pool, 3 locker rooms, functional training area and group ex classroom; 2004.
  • Tall Timbers 174-acre property, (home of YMCA Camp MOE purchased in 2023) with 5K sf renovated lodge and 30 total out-buildings, four pavilions, hard courts w/ basketball, 5.5-acre pond with dock system & boat house, RC track, Climbing Tower, obstacle course and trails.
  • Railroad Square: 1.5-acre future downtown Torrington sports complex property planned to have sports field, basketball/pickleball courts, pavilion, 7K sf program annex;
  • Torrington Youth Service Bureau offices & Winchester Youth Service Bureau offices.

Programs 

The YMCA offers a variety of programs for all ages. Browse the list of classes below and click to learn more detailed information like schedules and cost. Register for a swim lesson, try a ninja training class, or join a sports team. There is something for everyone at the YMCA.

Adult Fitness

  • Personal Training 
  • Adult Fitness  
  • Pilates  
  • Spin Classes  
  • Basketball  
  • Pickleball  
  • Race Series   

Pool

  • Aquacise
  • Adult Swim Lessons
  • Youth Swim Lessons
  • Laser Swim Team 

Camps

  • Camp MOE Outdoor Camp
  • Great Sports Camp
  • Rising Star Camp
  • Sunshine Camp
  • TORYMCA Summer Camp
  • Ninja Training Camp 

Youth Services

  • Torrington Youth Service Bureau
  • Winchester Youth Service Bureau

Youth

  • Ninja Training
  • Youth Basketball
  • Volleyball

Housing

  • Winchester Emergency Shelter
  • Torrington Y House - Permanent Housing Solution

Annual Campaign 

  • 2023 Raised $128,303
  • 2024 Goal $166,000
  • Current Year’s Amount raised as of $77,000, 2024
  • Special Events: 7 event Grand Prix Race Series raises on average $35K per year
  • Freezin’ for a Reason winter sleep-out for homeless shelter- raises $20K per year
  • Pies for a Purpose- a pizza & beer fundraiser- raises $20K per year

Previous Year’s Campaign Impact

$241K in Financial Assistance was awarded in 2023. Annually, $8-10K awarded to areas students attending Springfield College.

Capital Campaign(s) 

Planned for the future for Railroad Square and Tall Timbers camp property development

Staff

  • Current Staff 
  • FT – 37
    • 67%  females
    • 35%  males
    • 10% Hispanic
    • 1% African American
    • 89% white
  • PT – 132
  • Seasonal - 35

CEO Direct Reports

  • Finance Director
  • CEO Assistant, Torrington Operations Director
  • Winsted Branch Director
  • Canaan Branch Director
  • Marketing Director
  • Camp MOE Director
  • Youth Service Bureau Executive Director

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is composed of 22 individuals, four women and 18 men, representing banks, attorneys, insurance agency, state elected officials, realtor, physician and businesses owners, including four retired community leaders.

Volunteer Engagement

In 2023, we had 120 non-board volunteers in the following areas: Torrington Trails Network, Winchester &, Charles R. Ebersol/ Springfield College Scholarship Committee, Northwest Hills Prevention Connection, Lasers Parents of Swim Team (POST), Torrington Youth Service Bureau Advisory Council, Torrington Juvenile Review Board, Torrington Awareness and Prevention. Partnership (TAPP), Winchester Youth Service Bureau Advisory Council, Winchester Juvenile Review Board, YMCA Grand Prix Race Series event volunteers, other special event volunteers and YMCA Corporators.

Financial Snapshot

  • The Northwestern Connecticut YMCA  is in a rural area with three branch operations with small memberships requiring an alternate staffing pattern.We experienced an improved financial performance coming out of Covid-19 pandemic, however, still in deficit position. We also have a strong housing program.
  • 2024 YMCA Annual Budget $5,774,202
  • 2024 Torrington Y Limited Partnership (Y-House Low-Income Tax Credit 42 SRO Housing units) Annual Budget $323,833.

Current Debt

2023 $900K camp property 20 yr. mortgage; 2024 refinance $500 20 yr. renovation loan; 2020 $500 SBA EIDL loan; 1999 $2M Affordable Housing loan plus accumulated interest is forgiven at the conclusion of the 30-year commitment in 2029.

Current Endowment

Approximately $2,000,000 distributed in four funds at our local community foundation.

Population & Demographics

Our three branches are situated in Litchfield County, which is in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains in northwest Connecticut. The county has 150,000 residents and the region has a multitude of forests, parks, lakes and trails. There are many cultural venues and organizations in Torrington.

 

Additional Important Information

Area Amenities and Community Benefits

Rural area with miles and miles of hiking/ biking trails and numerous lakes/ ponds and streams for outdoor activities. Micropolitan - small town with many of the features of a big metropolitan area. 

  

Other Sites for Information:

www.ymca.org

https://www.nwcty.org/

Torrington

  • Goshen: https://www.goshenct.gov/,%20https:/northwesthillscog.org/ 
  • Harwinton: https://www.harwinton.us/,%20https:/www.region10ct.org/ 
  • Litchfield: https:\www.litchfieldschools.org\o\rsd-20
  • Morris: https://www.townofmorrisct.com/ 
  • Thomaston: https://www.thomastonct.org/,%20https:/www.thomastonschools.org/ 
  • Torrington Public Schools: https://www.torrington.org/ 

Winsted

  • Barkhamsted: https://www.barkhamsted.us/ 
  • Northwestern Region School District: https://www.nwr7.com/District 
  • Colebrook: https://www.townofcolebrook.org/
  • New Hartford: https://www.newhartfordct.gov/ 
  • Norfolk: https://www.townofwinchester.org/ 
  • Winchester (Winsted): https://www.gilbertschool.org/ 
  • Gilbert School: https://www.gilbertschool.org/ 

Canaan

  • Canaan Region Schools: https://www.canaanfallsvillage.org/ 
  • Cornwall: https://cornwallct.org/ 
  • Kent: https://www.townofkentct.org/ 
  • Salisbury (Lakeville): https://www.salisburyct.us/ 
  • Sharon: https://www.sharonct.gov/ 
  • Warren: https://www.warrenct.gov/  

Attractions

https://www.warnertheatre.org/, https://ctvisit.com/litchfield, https://www.americanmuralproject.org/, https://www.sharonplayhouse.org/, https://goshenfair.org/, https://homeinlitchfield.com/guide-to-litchfield-county-wineries-vineyards/, https://portal.ct.gov/deep/state-parks/listing-of-state-parks 

Qualifications

Criteria for Candidates:

  • Accredited 4-year college degree or equivalent experience.
  • Must demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills and personal values consistent with the YMCA mission.
  • 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.
  • Must be able to develop and strengthen community relationships.
  • Have the ability to develop innovative programs, review and enhance programs being offered or considered for both economy and the effectiveness in broadening our engagement in the communities in which we serve.
  • Strategic planning and Fundraising experience including annual campaigns and the securing of grants.
  • Fiscally sound business management approach.
  • A proven record of accomplishment of progressive budgetary leadership and advanced fiscal management practices.
  • YMCA Organizational Leader Certification or ability to achieve within 3 years.
Essential Functions

Position Description

The Northwestern Connecticut YMCA is seeking an innovative, strategic and community minded individual to serve as its next CEO. The CEO will build trust and extend the breadth and depth of  the YMCA’s reach across our service area. The CEO will lead collaborative efforts to grow and maintain productive working relationships in the community that enhances our reputation and furthers our mission and impact. 

This position requires a servant-leader  attitude, who demonstrates great communication skills, and an ability to work in harmony with others. This leader should also be committed to working in partnership with staff, community stakeholders, and other business leaders. 

 

Key Performance Objectives 

Improve Operating Performance: Engage the board and appropriate staff to develop an annual tactical plan for identifying and achieving key goals and objectives toward 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

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

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 

Build and Lead Staff: Ensure a talent development system is in place and executed in affirming, culturally competent and effectively. Hire, motivate, nurture, retain, and hold staff accountable for key objectives. Work towards recruiting, retaining, developing, and promoting staff that represent the diversity of the communities you serve. Encourage the team by creating a spirit of camaraderie, inclusion, and sense of mission and purpose. Create a learning organization to help staff achieve their highest potential. Key competencies: Developing Self & Others, Inclusion, Emotional Maturity, Change Leadership

Maintenance and Development of Facilities (Capital Development): Lead your Y through stages of a current or future capital development project, whether it’s initial planning, research and viability; architectural and schematic design phases; construction management; or the operational start-up of your new, renovated, or expanded facility. Key competencies: Fiscal Management, Program/Project Management, Change Leadership, Critical Thinking & Decision Making  

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 

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

Salary Range:  $150,000 - $175,000 annually

Benefits: 75% paid medical, 50% dental, life insurance, $600/ month car allowance, lap top, cell phone.Retirement contribution is 5% YMCA paid, 3% Employee paid. Vacation based upon years of Y service (2-5 weeks), major holidays, 5 sick days per year and 1 personal day per quarter.

Residency Expectation: The CEO is expected to be highly engaged and visible in our community. Living in the YMCA’s service area is preferred.

 

Target Dates for the Search Process

Resumes accepted through: 11/1/24

Preliminary interviews scheduled: 12/3 and 12/5

Final interviews: 12/16 and 12/17

New CEO on board (anticipated): TBD

 

To Apply

Candidates will apply via the following website: https://tinyurl.com/nw-connecticut-ymca-ceo 

Application, References, Background Check, and Organizational Leader Certification: 

Candidates must submit the following in their online application, uploading a PDF of your cover letter and resume. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. 

Candidates who advance to final interviews will need to submit six references (four professional and two personal). References checked only with prior notification. 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.

Questions regarding this position should be directed to: Shaneé Jenkins, Sr. Director, Executive Leadership - CEO Search, [email protected], (312) 416-0852 or Chris Pallato, CEO,CT/RI Alliance of YMCAs, [email protected], (860) 670-3261