President and CEO

YMCA
Salary
$123,000.00
$153,000.00
How to Apply
Apply Online
Resumes Accepted Until
Are you a visionary leader eager to create lasting change in a thriving, community-driven organization? 
Job Description

EXECUTIVE VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Southern District YMCA/Camp Lincoln Inc. YMCA

Position:  Chief Executive Officer (President & Chief Executive Officer)

Address:  56 Linden St, Exeter, NH 03833

The Southern District YMCA is an equal opportunity employer. We work to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity 

The Opportunity

Are you a visionary leader eager to create lasting change in a thriving, community-driven organization? Southern District YMCA/Camp Lincoln Inc. (SDYMCA) is searching for an inspiring and strategic President & CEO who will champion our mission of strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a well-established, respected YMCA that serves over 20,000 residents annually across Southern New Hampshire. As CEO, you will help shape the future of the SDYMCA by driving mission-based impact, expanding financial resources, and enhancing innovative programs that meet the evolving needs of our community.  

What sets the SDYMCA apart is our deep-rooted commitment to accessibility and inclusion. With diverse program offerings, including the transformative experiences at YMCA Camp Lincoln and the comprehensive wellness initiatives at the Exeter Area YMCA, we ensure that individuals of all backgrounds can access high-quality services that promote growth and well-being. Our impact extends beyond the walls of our facilities—we actively engage with schools, businesses, and community partners to foster meaningful collaborations that amplify our reach.

Located in the picturesque and economically vibrant region of Southern New Hampshire, the SDYMCA is part of an area known for its exceptional quality of life, strong local economy, and abundant cultural and recreational opportunities. As CEO, you will work in a region that blends historical charm with modern vitality, making it an ideal place to lead, live, and make a meaningful impact.     

This role is perfect for a dynamic leader who thrives on innovation, builds lasting relationships, and possesses a passion for community service. You will be responsible for strengthening our philanthropic culture, growing strategic partnerships, and leading a talented team dedicated to making a difference. 

If you are ready to lead the SDYMCA into its next era of success, we invite you to apply and become part of an organization that truly transforms lives.

About the SDYMCA

Our Mission 

Southern District YMCA provides opportunities for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We achieve this by putting our principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all—regardless of age, gender, sexuality, race, ability, religion, or income.

Our Cause     

SDYMCA is dedicated to strengthening communities by providing high-quality programs and services that promote social responsibility, encourage wellness, and foster leadership and learning opportunities for all.

Position Description

The Southern District YMCA seeks an innovative, strategic, and community-minded individual to serve as its next President & CEO. The President & CEO will build trust and extend the breadth and depth of the SDYMCA’s reach across our service area. This leader will spearhead collaborative efforts, grow and maintain productive working relationships, and enhance our reputation while furthering our mission and cause.

Qualifications
  • At least a four-year degree from an accredited college.
  • Minimum of five years of experience in a senior management role at a community-focused nonprofit with direct supervision of staff.
  • Y Organizational Leader Certification or the ability to achieve certification within three years.
  • Strategic planning experience, including engaging stakeholders in developing a strategic plan and supporting implementation.
  • Fundraising experience, including supporting the development of annual campaigns and securing grants and philanthropic dollars.
  • Experience in building partnerships and community relationships.

Desired Skills and Capabilities

  • Strong alignment with the SDYMCA’s values and mission.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both external and internal environments.
  • A track record of progressive budgetary leadership and advanced fiscal management practices.
  • Strong team builder who uses collaboration and development to build the talent needed to help us meet our mission.
  • Innovative and critical thinker who practices an inclusive decision-making approach. 
Essential Functions

Key Performance Objectives     

Develop and Implement a Strategic Plan: Work effectively with volunteers, community leaders, and key staff to create and implement a strategic plan that addresses the needs of the communities served by the SDYMCA. The Plan will 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

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

Build and Lead Staff: Create a learning organization to help staff achieve their highest potential. Ensure a talent development system is in place that helps build key skills and competencies important to serving the SDYMCA’s mission. 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 organization. Encourage the team by creating a spirit of camaraderie, inclusion, and a sense of mission and purpose. Key competencies: Developing Self & Others, Inclusion, Emotional Maturity, Change Leadership

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 SDYMCA’s operations and activities. Key competencies: Developing Self & Others, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Innovation 

Steward Fundraising Efforts: Lead the development and implementation of an annual fundraising plan by engaging 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

Fiscal Management:  Lead the organization with a fiscally responsible mindset, using financial analysis and trends data to grow revenue and philanthropic contributions and control costs. Empower and guide staff leaders to lead fiscally sound departments. Develop and implement stewardship strategies. Key competencies: Fiscal Management, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Developing Self & Others, Philanthropy 

Salary Range: $123,000 - $153,000 annually

Benefits  

  • Retirement Contribution: 10% YMCA-contributed
  • Health Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Vacation: Based on tenure (20-40 days annually)
  • Additional Benefits: Laptop, cell phone stipend, program discounts

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

Southern District YMCA Facts

Current Key Strategic Initiatives 

  • Philanthropic Culture: Foster a culture of giving to sustain programs and mission outcomes.
  • Collaboration & Partnerships: Build meaningful community connections to address critical needs.
  • Membership Structure: Create inclusive membership models fostering community belonging.
  • Resource Maximization: Partner with YMCA networks to optimize expertise and best practices.

The Southern District YMCA includes: 

  • Southern District YMCA/Camp Lincoln: Founded in 1926, the 67-acre day camp is located in Kingston, NH, on the shores of Kingston Lake, and includes 50+ structures, sports fields, archery ranges, ropes courses, outdoor climbing wall, hiking trails, and a fully accessible treehouse.
  • Exeter Area YMCA Wellness Center: Built in 2015, the 4,000-square-foot facility includes a basketball gym, indoor track, group exercise studios, a wellness floor, training rooms, and administrative offices.
  • School-Age Childcare: Before- and after-school programs in locations across the SDYMCA’s service areas, including within the New Hampshire communities of Brentwood, Danville, Exeter, Hampstead, Hampton, Kensington, Kingston/Newton, and Stratham. 

Southern District YMCA By the Numbers:

  • Current Annual Budget Size: $5.92M 
  • Current Debt: $1.23M
  • Current Endowment: $112,000
  • 3-year pattern of annual surplus/deficit
    • Last year: 2024 (est.): $500K
    • Previous year:2023: $453K
    • Previous year: 2022: $1.914M (including ERTC)

Annual and Capital Campaign 

  • Annual Campaign:
    • 2023: $175,000 raised
  • 2024: $175,000 goal; $203,305 raised
  • Financial Assistance Awarded:
    • 2024: Over $200,000 total ($140,000 direct assistance)
  • Community Benefit: $40,000 annually
  • Capital Campaigns: None currently active

Current Staff 

  • FT - 24
  • PT - 96

CEO Direct Reports

  • Finance Director
  • Director of Operations
  • Director of Marketing & Development
  • Facilities Director
  • HR Generalist

Board of Directors

  • Number of Directors: 13
  • Volunteers Engaged: 50 (excluding board members)

Exeter Area YMCA Wellness Center Membership 

  • Total Number of Members: 6,054 members
  • Total Number of Membership Units: 3,462 membership units
  • 5% Youth/Teen
  • 16% Adults
  • 29% Seniors
  • 47% Families
  • 3% Young Adults

Southern District YMCA/Camp Lincoln: Traditional summer camp experiences where campers learn new skills, build confidence, and make friends in an engaging outdoor setting. 

2024 Highlights: 

  • 5,433 camper weeks to over 1,650 campers from 1,200 families
  • $125,000 in Financial Assistance awarded
  • Hosted 22 schools/39 program days 

School-Age Child Care: Serving children across 10 locations, these programs offer a safe and supportive environment with engaging staff, healthy snacks, homework assistance, physical activity, and a curriculum that supports learning.

2024 Highlights:

  • 440 students served across eight locations serving 11 schools

The Southern District YMCA’s Programs

Youth Programs:

  • Leaders in Training (LIT): Aimed at youth aged 13-17, this program focuses on developing leadership skills. Participants plan and run activities at afterschool childcare facilities under staff guidance, earning community service hours required for graduation. 
  • Youth Sports and Fitness: The Y provides various sports leagues and fitness classes tailored for children and teens, promoting physical activity and teamwork. 

Adult Programs:

  • Group Exercise Classes: A wide range of classes, including yoga, Pilates, cycling, and strength training, are available to accommodate different fitness levels and interests. 
  • Wellness Programs: Programs such as walking groups and "Couch to 5K" are designed to encourage adults to maintain an active lifestyle in a supportive environment.
  • Evidence-Based Health Programs: Programs focused on diabetes prevention, cardiac rehabilitation, surviving cancer, and more. 

Family Programs:

  • Family Fitness: The SDYMCA offers classes and activities families can enjoy together, fostering wellness and quality time among family members. 

Service Area Demographics

New Hampshire State Overview: As of July 1, 2023, New Hampshire's population was estimated at 1,402,054, reflecting a 6.5% increase from 1,316,762 on July 1, 2010. 

Exeter:

  • Population: As of the 2020 Census, Exeter had a population of approximately 16,049 residents.
  • Demographics: The town is predominantly White, with growing diversity in recent years.

Age Distribution:

  • The region has a diverse age distribution, with a significant portion of the population between 25 to 64 years old. There is also a notable percentage of residents under 18, reflecting the presence of families in these communities.

Economic Indicators:

  • Median Household Income: A median household income of $126,009 was reported for the period 2016–2020. 
  • Poverty Rate: Approximately 2.4% of the population was below the poverty line during the same period.

Additional Information

Exeter Area Amenities and Community Benefits

Exeter, NH, is a picturesque town that blends historical charm with modern amenities, offering residents and visitors a high quality of life. The downtown area is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Its scenic riverside park is an ideal location for leisurely walks, picnics, and community events.      

Quality of Life Benefits:

  • Strong Community Spirit: Exeter is characterized by a close-knit community where neighbors know each other's names. The town hosts numerous events, such as the Exeter Holiday Parade and the American Independence Festival, fostering a sense of belonging among residents. 
  • Educational Opportunities: The town offers excellent public schools and educational resources, making it an attractive place for families. 
  • Proximity to Urban Amenities: While maintaining its small-town charm, Exeter's location provides easy access to urban amenities, entertainment options, and cultural attractions in nearby cities like Portsmouth and Boston. 
  • Recreational Activities: The town boasts various parks and recreational areas, including the Exeter River, which is popular for kayaking and fishing, and numerous trails for hiking and biking. 

Seacoast Area Amenities and Community Benefits

The Seacoast region of New Hampshire, though encompassing only about 18 miles of Atlantic shoreline, offers a rich array of attractions and quality-of-life benefits that make it a desirable place to live and visit. 

Quality of Life Benefits:

  • Scenic Beauty: The region boasts a mix of coastal landscapes, historic architecture, and well-preserved natural areas, providing a picturesque environment for residents. 
  • Cultural Vibrancy: With numerous museums, theaters, and galleries, the Seacoast area has a rich cultural scene that caters to diverse interests. 
  • Outdoor Recreation: Residents have access to activities like boating, fishing, hiking, and beachgoing, promoting an active lifestyle. 
  • Community and Safety: Towns in the Seacoast region are known for their friendly, welcoming communities and low crime rates, contributing to a high quality of life. 
  • Educational Opportunities: The presence of institutions like the University of New Hampshire in Durham enhances educational and cultural opportunities in the area. 
  • Healthcare Facilities: The Seacoast area is a hub for high-quality medical care and home to major hospitals, ensuring residents have access to excellent healthcare services. 

Other sites for information:

www.ymca.org

https://www.sdymca.org/

https://www.exeterarea.org/

https://www.sau16.org/

Target Dates for the search process

Resumes accepted through: 3/12/2025

Preliminary interviews scheduled: 4/14 & 4/15, 2025 

Final interviews: 5/27 & 5/28, 2025

New CEO on board (anticipated): 06/2025

To Apply

Candidates will apply via the following website: https://tinyurl.com/Southern-District-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                                                     Meagan G. Hamblett

Director, Executive Leadership/CEO Search          CEO

YMCA of the USA                                              YMCA Alliance of Northern New England

312 419 6810                                                   207.380.5473

[email protected]                                 [email protected]