President and CEO

YMCA
How to Apply
Apply Online
Resumes Accepted Until
Resume Contact
[email protected]
Are you ready to lead a dynamic organization that has a profound impact on the community? 
Job Description

The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago’s highest priority is the holistic health and wellbeing of the communities we serve. In line with our mission of strengthening community by connecting all people to their purpose, potential, and each other, our leaders actively work with all stakeholder groups — including community organizations, corporations, faith leaders, and public officials — to ensure the best outcomes for our community members. 

For more than 166 years, the YMCA of Metro Chicago has continually evolved to meet the needs of our communities. Our agility and willingness to embrace change are our superpowers — they’re what uniquely position us to design and deliver high-impact solutions, and support people in evolution. We are creating a significant impact for individuals and families through our role as a community hub.

Job Description

Position:  President and Chief Executive Officer

Address: 1030 W Van Buren St, Chicago, IL 60607

We are an equal opportunity employer. We work to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity.

The Opportunity

As the YMCA enters this next chapter, the President & CEO (“CEO”) will provide refreshed leadership and direction to fulfill the Y’s mission, ensuring operational excellence and amplifying its profile.  The CEO will lead the organization to achieve even greater levels of strategic influence, impact and innovation – knowing that these external indicators derive from a financially healthy organization with talented staff, strong partnerships and a solid reputation. 

Why This Role is Unique. 

Community Impact: As the CEO, you will be building on a transformation to expand legacy programs and introduce new initiates addressing broader community needs, such as chronic disease prevention, learning and youth development, food security, digital access, and mental health. Your leadership will directly contribute to creating healthier, more connected and thriving communities.

Innovative Programs and Partnerships: You’ll have the chance to spearhead innovative programs and partnerships that address the evolving needs of our Community Hubs and programs. As a community convener, we bring together partners that support our communities’ needs. From youth development to health and wellness, your creativity and strategic thinking will be key in expanding our reach and effectiveness.

Strategic Stewardship: The focus is that the YMCA remains a relevant and vital resource for generations to come. The Y is in a phase of growth and innovation, challenging the status quo and taking bold risks to build a sustainable future that resonates with the communities we serve. Your stewardship will guide us in navigating challenges and seizing new opportunities.

Inspire Change, Lead with Purpose: The Y’s people, from our staff to our program participants to our supporters and beyond, are our greatest asset. If you are a dynamic leader with a passion for community service and a track record of successful organizational leadership, we invite you to consider this exciting opportunity. 

Collaborative and Partnering Environment: To create meaningful impact for the thousands of people we serve, the Y needs to grow, nurture, and maximize opportunities for long-term relevance and sustainability. Your role will involve fostering partnerships with corporate, government agencies, donors and other nonprofits to amplify our impact.

Personal Growth: This position offers a unique blend of professional challenge and personal fulfillment. You’ll have the opportunity to grow as a leader, develop new skills, and make lasting connections within the staff and community.

Our Mission

The YMCA of Metro Chicago is committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their purpose, potential, and each other. 

YMCA Vision

Be at the forefront of advancing society by serving as a trusted convener, connector, and catalyst for all communities.

Qualifications

Criteria for candidates:

1. Accredited 4-year college degree or comparable experience.

2. Must demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills and personal values consistent with the YMCA mission.

3. Minimum 10 years prior experience in a senior management role with a comparable organization with direct supervision of multiple levels of staff and employees.

4. Fiscally sound business management approach with a proven record of accomplishment of progressive budgetary leadership and advanced fiscal management practices.

5. Strategic planning and fundraising experience including annual campaigns, donor stewardship, and the securing of grants. Proven relationship development skills to engage across a variety of funders and partners. 

7. Must have experience with multi-location real estate and facility administration. 

8. The ability to develop new programs and evaluate existing or proposed programs for both economic and effectiveness in meeting the needs of our communities.

Essential Functions

Key Performance Objectives

Fiscal Management 

Ensuring sound fiscal management within the organization including the design, implementation, promotion and organization of systems and infrastructure to maximize revenue, reduce expenses, create efficiencies and increase productivity. Use high-level financial analysis to forecast financial trends, growth and stability, while consistently leading organization to balance operations by growing earned revenue and contributions and controlling costs. 

Improve Operating Performance

Driving a long-term strategy for the organization, supported by a viable, sustainable business model, that is consistent with the vision of the Board and capacities of the organization. Establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that inform the management and progress to meeting the budget and community needs and manage and direct the Y’s operations, real estate, and programs. 

Build and Lead Staff

Fostering a culture of talent and commitment to further the goals of the organization while maintaining financial discipline. 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. 

Steward Fundraising Efforts

Leadership of a high-performing development capability that leverages the broad reach of the organization to maximize fundraising capabilities that support the mission. 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, corporations, partners, volunteers, and staff. Take the organization to a new level of effectiveness and impact in annual giving and endowment. 

Key Deliverables in the first 6 months to 1 year:

  • Build a next generation and comprehensive people strategy relative to recruiting, onboarding, training and corporate culture.
  • Deliver a comprehensive real estate strategy for existing facilities and programs.
  • Evaluate and revisit KPIs for program effectiveness and sustainability.
  • Develop a plan to increase external contributions, including quarterly engagement of key donors and partners.
  • Deliver an updated sustainability plan for 2026 budget by October 2025.

About the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago

For more than 166 years, the YMCA of Metro Chicago has continually evolved to meet the needs of our communities. Our agility and willingness to embrace change are our superpowers — they’re what uniquely position us to design and deliver high-impact solutions, and support people in evolution. We are creating a significant impact for individuals and families through our role as a community hub.

  • 15 Multi-Service Community Hubs across greater Chicagoland
  • 5 Overnight Camps set among picturesque vistas in Illinois, Wisconsin & Michigan
  • 13 Early Learning Centers (9 are Head Start & Early Head Start sites in Chicago)
  • More than 100 extension program sites across the Chicagoland area
  • A leading direct service provider in the areas of health and fitness, sports, aquatics, early education and care, youth and teen enrichment, overnight camps, workforce development, housing, food security, and more.

Our Impact

  • Supports more than 300,000 individuals each year across the region
  • $575,635 provided in financial assistance for individuals and families to access Y services
  • 96,930 unique individuals supported in achieving their health and wellness goals
  • 7,538 children and adults provided swim lessons
  • 4,440 individuals benefitted from Y sports programs
  • 397 children provided early care and education at Y Early Learning Centers
  • 7,108 youth engaged in dynamic after-school and summer enrichment programs
  • 3,379 youth benefitted from outdoor experiences at Y overnight camps
  • 64 adults and 115 youth participated in Y workforce development programs
  • More than 6,600 individuals were provided access to internet and digital skills support and training through Y Tech Hubs and bilingual digital helpdesk.

Our History

  • The YMCA has a long history of leading innovation across sports, recreation, athletics, and culture.
  • The first ever group swimming lesson was held at a YMCA
  • Both basketball and volleyball were invented — yes, invented — at the YMCA
  • The precursor to Black History Month was started at the YMCA of Chicago
  • The event that would eventually be known at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon was founded at the Metropolitan YMCA — now the YMCA of Metro Chicago
  • Father’s Day was established at a YMCA

To learn more visit YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago

Staff: When anyone walks through the doors of the YMCA of Metro Chicago, we want them to feel like they belong. Creating an environment and an atmosphere that welcomes anyone is one of our top priorities, and we extend that desire to our employees and our company culture as well. At the Y, we are committed to fostering a culture that reflects our community — a rich, diverse, and inclusive environment for all.

Employee Breakdown

  • Full time: 500
  • Part time:1,511 
  • Seasonal: 750 (May- September)

Board of Directors: 40 board members 

Financial Snapshot: 2025 Budget $80M

Compensation: We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.

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

Target Dates for the search process

Resumes accepted through:           March 31, 2025

Preliminary interviews scheduled: Week of April 7th 

Final interviews:                              Weeks of April 21 and 28

New CEO on board (anticipated):   May 2025

To Apply

Candidates will submit their applications to: [email protected]

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

Candidates must submit an upload a PDF of your cover letter, resume and responses to the two questions listed below. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.  

1. Please tell us about the culture of an organization you have led and what tools you have deployed to shape it.

2. Share how you have driven significant change in an organization.

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.

Please submit your cover letter, resume, and responses to the questions at: [email protected]

Questions regarding this position should be directed to: [email protected]