President and CEO

YMCA
Salary
$85,000.00
$110,000.00
How to Apply
Apply Online
Resumes Accepted Until
The YMCA of Albany is an equal opportunity employer committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion. 
Job Description

The YMCA of Albany has a commitment to creating a culture of safety. 

The Opportunity 

Albany Area YMCA is seeking an innovative, strategic, and community-minded individual to serve as its next President & CEO. This is a unique opportunity to lead a well-established organization that has been a cornerstone of the community for over a century. The President & CEO will have the chance to drive transformational change, leveraging the YMCA’s strong legacy and dynamic programs to create an even greater impact on the lives of individuals and families across the region. 

As the leader of the Albany Area YMCA, you will join a passionate and dedicated team that is committed to addressing critical community needs. This role offers the opportunity to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, inspire meaningful partnerships, and champion the values of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The ideal candidate will be energized by the prospect of shaping the future of the YMCA, empowering staff and volunteers, and making a tangible difference in the lives of the people served. 

Our Mission   

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

Our Cause 

Our Community, our Y, our Legacy; Founded on Christian principles, we are a diverse people of all ages joined together by a shared commitment to community, nurturing character development, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility. Our programs are designed to promote youth development and provide the tools, life skills, and support necessary to grow our youth into tomorrow’s leaders. At the Albany Area YMCA, we strengthen the communities of Dougherty and Lee Counties by providing programs and services that focus on Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement 

Albany Area YMCA values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all individuals feel welcome, respected, and valued. 

Albany Area YMCA Facts 

Nestled in the heart of Southwest Georgia, the Albany Area YMCA serves as a vital community anchor for Albany, Leesburg, Dawson, Camilla, Sylvester, Newton, and Americus. Strategically located along the Flint River, this YMCA provides essential services and state-of-the-art facilities to meet the unique needs of each of these diverse communities. With programs designed to enrich lives and foster growth, the YMCA stands as a beacon of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. 

Current Key Strategic Initiatives  

  • Expand YMCA childcare services: 
    • Reach capacity at three current programs (2023). 
    • Open a new site serving 60 children (2024). 
    • Add an additional childcare site serving 120 children (2025). 
  • Grow membership units and revenue: 
    • Increase membership units to 1,459 by 2023, 1,600 by 2024, and 1,750 by 2025. 
    • Enhance membership value through facility upgrades, staffing improvements, and new programs. 
  • Address facility upgrades and maintenance: 
    • Create a comprehensive list of facility needs and develop a prioritized plan. 
    • Determine feasibility and funding for capital campaigns. 
  • Optimize the future use of the Sports Park: 
    • Assess costs and identify potential community and corporate partners. 
    • Explore collaboration with city and county officials for future use. 
  • Redefine and expand the Lee County facility: 
    • Conduct financial analysis and community needs assessment. 
    • Identify program delivery partners and explore relocation options. 

Membership  

  • Total Number of Members: 4,748 
  • Total Number of Membership Units: 1,094  

Branch/Facility Information 

  • Central Facility: 4 acres, built in 1963, features heated indoor pool, gym with basketball and pickleball courts, fitness center, childcare wing, outdoor tennis courts, racquetball courts, and playground. 
  • Lee Branch YMCA: 20 acres, built in 2008, features a workout facility and soccer fields. 
  • YMCA Sports Complex: 50 acres, built in the 1980s, features outdoor pool, gym, volleyball court, soccer, baseball, and football fields, and outdoor playground. 
  • YMCA/Easter Seals (Y.E.S.): Afterschool program. 

Programs  

  • Silver Sneakers 
  • Afterschool and Summer Day Camps 
  • Soccer 

Annual Campaign  

  • Prior Year’s Total: $87,886.56 (includes annual support and general contributions) 
  • Current Year’s Goal: $95,000 
  • Current Year’s Amount raised: $138,325.05 

Previous Year’s Campaign Impact 

  • Total number of people receiving financial assistance (scholarship): Approximately 150 
  • Total amount awarded in financial assistance (scholarship): $42,000 

Staff 

Current Staff  

  • FT - 12 
  • PT - 81 

CEO Direct Reports 

  • COO (Chief Operating Officer) 
  • CFO (Chief financial Officer) 
  • CFO/CHRO (Chief Financial Officer/Chief Human Resource Officer) 

Board of Directors 

Number of Directors: 18 members: 12 men, 6 women 

Financial Snapshot 

  • Current Annual Budget Size: $2,079,809  
  • Current Endowment: One Endowment, one Agency, one Cash Accumulation 
  • 3-year pattern of annual surplus/deficit 
    • Last year: $2,066,084.44 
    • Previous year: $1,984,453.17 
    • Previous year: $2,038,861.80  

Population & Demographics 

Albany and Dougherty County have a combined population of approximately 85,790 residents, while nearby Leesburg in Lee County is home to 33,163 people. Albany's median age is 34.4 years, reflecting a mix of young professionals, families, and retirees. Leesburg's median age is slightly higher at 37.1, indicating a thriving community with a balanced age demographic. Median family incomes showcase the diversity of the region, with Albany at $38,826 and Leesburg at $68,338, reflecting its suburban and semi-rural appeal. 

Additional Important Information 

Area Amenities and Community Benefits 

Albany Community Highlights: Albany is a vibrant hub known for its rich cultural history, natural beauty, and welcoming atmosphere. Residents and visitors can explore the Flint RiverQuarium, showcasing local aquatic life, or enjoy Chehaw Park & Zoo, which combines wildlife preservation with outdoor adventure. The Albany Museum of Art offers rotating exhibits and educational programs, enriching the community's cultural landscape. 

Recreational Opportunities: Outdoor enthusiasts will find abundant activities, from kayaking and fishing on the Flint River to hiking and picnicking in nearby parks. The Jimmy Carter National Historic Site, located in nearby Plains, offers a glimpse into the legacy of Georgia's own former president. 

Education and Family Life: Albany boasts strong educational resources, including public and private school systems and higher education institutions like Albany State University. Families benefit from a variety of enrichment programs, community events, and a welcoming environment ideal for raising children. 

Cost of Living and Lifestyle: The area is characterized by an affordable cost of living, charming neighborhoods, and a strong sense of community. Whether it’s enjoying a local festival, savoring Southern cuisine, or connecting with neighbors, Albany offers a high quality of life with opportunities for personal and professional growth. 

Other Sites for Information: 

www.ymca.org 

Albany Area YMCA: www.albanyareaymca.com  

Albany Area Chamber of Commerce: www.albanyga.com  

Albany Convention and Visitors Bureau: www.visitalbanyga.com   

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 Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Albany Area YMCA will serve as the strategic and operational leader, reporting directly to the Board of Directors. This role is pivotal in driving the YMCA’s mission by ensuring sound fiscal management, fostering community partnerships, and guiding staff to deliver impactful programs. The CEO acts as the organization’s primary spokesperson, promoting its values and enhancing its visibility and trust within the community. 

Key responsibilities include leading strategic initiatives that promote youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility while ensuring operational excellence and financial health. The CEO will inspire and empower staff and volunteers, engage diverse stakeholders, and ensure the YMCA continues to be a vital and trusted community resource. 

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 include 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 

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

Build and Lead Staff: Ensure a talent development system is in place and executed in affirming and culturally competent staff. 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 served by the Y. 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 

Fiscal Management: Use high-level financial analysis to forecast financial trends, growth, and stability, while consistently leading the 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 

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, and Influence 

Salary Range: $85,000 - $110,000 annually 

Benefits: Retirement contribution (7% YMCA, 5% Employee), PTO, Paid Holidays, Medical & Life Insurance, Membership Benefit, Retirement Benefit. 

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

 

Target Dates for the Search Process 

Resumes accepted through: Feb 14th

Preliminary interviews scheduled: March 25th -26th

Final interviews: April 22nd – April 23rd  

New CEO on board (anticipated): May 2025  

 

To Apply 

Candidates will apply via the following website: https://tinyurl.com/albany-area-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:  

Grace Matos 

Director, Executive Leadership/CEO Search 

YMCA of the USA 

[email protected]   

Jerry Haralson 

Alliance Partner 

Georgia Alliance 

[email protected]