President and CEO

Key Performance Objectives 

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 

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 

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

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

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

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  

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement: We strive to ensure that everyone – regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender expression, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race or sexual orientation – has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity. 

YMCA of the Capital Area Facts

The YMCA of the Capital Area has a rich history and commitment to community development since its establishment in 1917 in Baton Rouge, the capital city of Louisiana. The first Baton Rouge YMCA building was located in downtown Baton Rouge on Fourth Street, and it was completed in 1925 at a cost of $125,000. The next facility was built in 1953, the Baranco-Clark YMCA on East Boulevard, and the Central YMCA (now the A.C. Lewis YMCA) opened at 350 S. Foster Drive in 1963 after the original Fourth Street location closed. 

We’re nearing completion of a transformational project in Mid City that will replace the 1963 facility with a state-of-the-art two-story building with an outdoor aquatics center, and it will feature 100 affordable apartments on the site as part of the State’s Workforce housing program. Our anticipated Grand Opening will take place in the Spring of 2025. 

We are also planning to renovate the ExxonMobil YMCA to add a new Early Childhood Education Center that will serve North Baton Rouge families. 

Our Association operates nine branches, and recently upgraded three branches to provide 24-hour access for members. This expansion reflects its ongoing commitment to accessibility and community service. Continuing this commitment to community development, our YMCA remains dedicated to its core mission of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, ensuring that it meets the evolving needs of the Baton Rouge community – a city deeply rooted in educational excellence. 

Nestled along the eastern bank of the Mississippi River, Baton Rouge is a college town that hosts Louisiana’s flagship university, Louisiana State University (LSU), alongside Southern University, a historically Black college and university (HBCU). Both institutions are integral to the city’s identity, significantly contributing to its educational landscape and athletic culture.

Current Key Strategic Initiatives:

• Increase opportunities for all people to access Y programs and engage in services that deepen the impact of our cause.
• Diversify overall fund development and community support to serve more people.
• Expand partnerships & collaborations to be more effective in meeting community needs.
• Raise visibility & enhance public understanding by proactively sharing our cause with others.

Membership 

• Total Number of Members:  14,572
• Total Number of Membership Units:  5,681
• % Youth = 2%
• % Adults = 24%
• % Household = 52%
• % Senior = 21%
• Include information re: Corporate Membership, Insurance, Comps, and Employees (2,274 of the 5,681)

Branch/Facility Information 

Our Association operates nine branch locations in the Greater Baton Rouge Area. More information about our facilities can be found here: https://www.ymcabr.org/locations and below.

• A.C. Lewis YMCA is currently undergoing a transformation replacing a 60-year-old facility with an affordable housing community with 100 apartments and a new two-story facility located in the heart of Baton Rouge, Mid City.
• Americana YMCA was built in 2012 and is located in Zachary, LA, with a unique partnership with the Zachary Community School District. 
• Baranco-Clark YMCA hosts programs only in a community with untapped potential. 
• C.B. Pennington Jr. YMCA is home to all programs and services offered at our Y.
• Charles W. Lamar Jr. YMCA is located in downtown Baton Rouge featuring a wellness facility and group exercise. This location does not offer aquatics, but has added 24-hour access to this facility.
• Dow Westside YMCA is situated in Addis, LA, on the West Bank of the Mississippi River. This facility provides a comprehensive range of programs and services and has recently undergone upgrades to offer 24-hour access, catering to the needs of community members who work varying shifts. 
• ExxonMobil YMCA is located in North Baton Rouge and opened in 2010 in partnership with ExxonMobil. This facility offers a wide range of programs and services, and will soon be renovated to include a new Early Childhood Education Center. 
• Paula G. Manship YMCA is built on 17 acres and includes all programs and services, the largest provider of youth sports, the Lamar Tennis Center with 20 courts – 10 hard surface and 10 clay courts. 
• YMCA Express is located near the city border of Baton Rouge and Prairieville with access to community members living in Ascension Parish. This facility offers exercise equipment and 24-hour access. 

Programs:

• Aquatics
• Childcare (Before and After School Programs, Summer Day Camp, Holiday Camp, with Early Childhood Education – coming soon.)
• Health and Wellness 
• Chronic Disease Wellness Programs
• EGYM
• Evolt 360 Body Composition Scanner
• Group Exercise
• Customized Workouts
• Personal Training
• Youth Sports
• Teen Programs (My Brother’s Keeper, Boys and Young Men of Color, Youth & Government)
• Tennis & Pickleball

Annual Campaign 

• Prior Year’s Total: $330,031
• Current Year’s Goal: $440,000
• Current Year’s Amount raised $381,556 as of 12.10.24
• 2024 Endowment gifts: $131,500
• 2024 Grants: $583,812
• 2024 State Funding: $300,000

Previous Year’s Campaign Impact

• 2,824 youth learned invaluable water safety and swimming skills in the YMCA swim programs. 58% of participants gained access to life-saving lessons with scholarship support.
• 12,425 Out-of-School Time registrations supported kids and working families in 2023. Childre with the greatest need often lack access for high-quality programs, but 32% of participants gained access to programs, care, and academic support thanks to contributions to the Y.
• Social isolation and loneliness have been linked to a 50% higher risk of dying early from any cause compared to those who weren’t socially isolated. Gifts helped 723 seniors gain access to the Y’s programs that foster connections. 
• 1,440 adults were supported by Wellness Wednesday activities including the mobile Red Stick Farmer’s Market, healthy cooking demos, group exercise activities, and access to community partners. 
• When school is out, children face additional challenges in accessing healthy meals. Last year, the Y’s Food Program provided 63,554 healthy snacks and meals to children during summer camp and after school programs. Kids are served year-round with the help of community partners and contributions. 
• 463 children were provided 1,768 gifts for Christmas through the Y’s Angel Tree program. 
• 2,915 individuals and families were supported with membership financial assistance making our facilities and services accessible to all creating a stronger, more connected community. 
• 734 corporations, foundations and individual donors helped to expand the Y’s impact in 2023.

Annual campaign dollars were allocated as follows:

• 37% supported Summer Camp scholarships
• 32% supported membership financial assistance
• 19% supported scholarships for swimming lessons
• 8% supported before and after school scholarships
• 3% supported scholarships for youth sports
• 1% supported foster family support

Capital Campaign(s) 

• A.C. Lewis YMCA, “This is Y” Capital Campaign
• Goal: $1,000,000
• Total raised $215,650 raised as of 12.10.24 (22% of goal)
• Campaign to support furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E)

Staff

Current Staff 

• FT - 35
• PT – 316

CEO Direct Reports

• CFO (Chief financial Officer)
• CDO (VP of Financial Development)
• Three District Executive Directors
• HR Director
• IT Director
• Marketing Director
• Director of Business
• Director of Property
• Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Board of Directors

• 18
• Committees: Finance, Compensation, Executive, Nominating

Financial Snapshot

• Current Annual Budget Size: $9,251,548
• Current Debt:  $4,737,397
• Current Endowment: $5,386,786
• 3-year pattern of annual surplus/deficit
  • Last year: ($4,258,506) – Disposal of Asset; to rebuild
  • Previous year: ($2,605,578)
  • Previous year: $2,485,068

Staff Demographics

• American Indian or Alaska Native .28%
• Asian (not Hispanic or Latino) 1.14%
• Black or African American (not Hispanic or Latino)49.57%
• Hispanic or Latino 2.28%
• White (not Hispanic or Latino) 41.60%
• Unidentified/Opted Out 5.13%

Additional Important Information

Area Amenities and Community Benefits

Baton Rouge – Named by the French explorers as “the Red Stick City.” Located in Southeast Louisiana, Baton Rouge is the fifth largest city on the Mississippi River and home to Louisiana’s largest parish, East Baton Rouge Parish. Strategically seated at the mouth of the Mississippi River, the Baton Rouge area’s assets are integral to the nation’s logistics and energy networks. Additionally, this distinctive city is where Cajun and Creole cultures all come together, and the city boasts a thriving arts culture and food scene making it a hub for unique festivals all year long. 

Louisiana Saturday nights are usually filled with football during the college football season, and the tailgating that takes place on both local universities is unlikely to be matched in any other city. 

Located about one hour from New Orleans, many residents enjoy the short trip to reach the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, and Mardi Gras celebrations. The Mardi Gras culture has expanded to Baton Rouge and our city is home to several weeks of parades and Mardi Gras balls. 

The East Baton Rouge School District supports 40,105 students in Pre-K-12th grade, and represents the 2nd largest district in Louisiana, and our Y partners with the district in various ways. 

Salary Range:  $190,000 - $225,00 annually 

Benefits:  We offer the full range of benefits including medical, dental, vision, health savings account, disability and life insurance, as well as other voluntary benefits, Y Retirement contribution at 12%, after eligibility period is met, 9 paid holidays, vacation days, sick days, free Y family memberships, and discounts on programs.

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

Other sites for information:

www.ymca.org

www.ymcabr.org

Target Dates for the search process

Resumes accepted through:          February 7th, 2025.

Preliminary interviews scheduled:  March 11 & 12, 2025

Final interviews:                           March 27 & 28, 2025

New CEO on board (anticipated):   Mid-May, 2025

To Apply

Candidates will apply via the following website: https://tinyurl.com/YMCA-of-the-Capital-Area-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:

Sandy Morander                                 Sue White

Sr. Consultant, CEO Search                  YMCA Regional Cohort

[email protected]                 [email protected]