President and CEO

The YMCA of Birmingham seeks a dynamic, visionary leader to serve as its Chief Executive Officer.
Job Description

EXECUTIVE VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

YMCA of Greater Birmingham

Position: President and CEO (Chief Executive Officer)

Address: 2401 20th Place South, Birmingham, AL 35223

The YMCA of Greater Birmingham is an equal opportunity employer committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion.

The Opportunity:

Serving the greater Birmingham area, the YMCA operates seven membership branches, two youth centers and a resident camp. The branches and youth centers provide access to modern fitness equipment, group exercise classes, swimming pools, three pre-k classrooms, after school program partnerships in three school districts, and specialized programs for children and teens. Camp Cosby offers sleepaway camp experiences focused on character-building and outdoor activities. The Birmingham YMCA is also recognized as one of the top 120 YMCAs across North America and Canada, as part of the Mid-Major Network. The Y is the largest food distribution provider in the greater Birmingham community. Additionally, the YMCA is a strategic partner with the University of Alabama Birmingham, delivering research protocols for NIH and other research grants.

About The YMCA of Greater Birmingham:     

The YMCA of Greater Birmingham, established in 1884, is a charitable organization dedicated to fostering a healthier community by connecting individuals across all ages and backgrounds. With a mission to implement Judeo-Christian principles through programs that enhance the spirit, mind, and body, the Y offers a diverse range of services aimed at youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.   

About the Birmingham Community:       

Birmingham, Alabama offers the perfect balance between a big city’s energy and a small town’s charm. With an abundance of sports leagues and cultural arts, from vibrant theater performances to top-tier museums, there’s always something inspiring to experience. Foodies will love the diverse selection of fine dining options, from Southern comfort food to world-class international cuisine. 

Outdoor enthusiasts will be thrilled with the city’s prime location. Home to numerous urban parks and trails; an 11,000-acre state park with more than 100 miles of biking, horseback riding, and hiking trails; and just a short drive from the mountains and the beach, Birmingham provides endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and coastal getaways. Birmingham is also home to a robust philanthropic community and strong faith-based communities that welcome newcomers with open arms, making it easy to feel connected and supported. 

One of the city’s hidden gems is its airport - convenient, with short wait times and quick connections to any destination, whether you’re flying domestic or international. You get the ease of travel without the hassle of big-city congestion.

Birmingham offers a lifestyle full of adventure, culture, and convenience - all with a welcoming, small-town atmosphere. It’s a great place to call home.

Position Description:

The YMCA of Birmingham seeks a dynamic, visionary leader to serve as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The CEO will be responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, financial sustainability, operational excellence, and mission-driven impact of the organization. As the face of the YMCA in Birmingham, the CEO will build strong relationships with the board, staff, community leaders, donors, lending institutions, and members to ensure the YMCA continues to thrive as a cornerstone of health, wellness, and community development.

Strategic Leadership

  • Develop and implement a forward-thinking strategic plan to meet the evolving needs of the Birmingham community.
  • Drive the mission, vision, and values of the YMCA, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

Operational Management

  • Oversee the daily operations of all YMCA facilities, programs, and services to maintain high quality and safety standards.
  • Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations.

Financial Stewardship

  • Lead financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation to ensure fiscal sustainability.
  • Drive revenue growth through memberships, program fees, grants, and philanthropic contributions.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement

  • Serve as the primary spokesperson for the YMCA, fostering relationships with key stakeholders, including members, community leaders, donors, and volunteers.
  • Advocate for community needs and build partnerships that support the YMCA’s mission.

Board Collaboration

  • Partner with the Board of Directors to set organizational priorities, policies, and strategic direction.
  • Provide regular updates on performance, challenges, and opportunities.

Team Leadership and Development

  • Inspire, lead, and develop a high-performing team committed to excellence and inclusivity.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and professional growth.

Our Mission:

Our mission at the YMCA of Greater Birmingham is to put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. 

Our Vision:

We exist to provide inclusive programs and services to the entire community that promote youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. 

Qualifications

Criteria for candidates:

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

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

3. Minimum ten 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.

4. Must be able to develop and strengthen community relationships.

5. 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.

6. Strategic planning and Fundraising experience including annual campaigns and the securing of grants.

7. Fiscally sound business management approach.

8. A proven record of accomplishment of progressive budgetary leadership and advanced fiscal management practices.

9. YMCA Organizational Leader Certification or ability to achieve within 3 years.

10. Volunteer, Board Development and Governance experience preferred

Essential Functions

Key Skills and Abilities

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 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 operations. Develop and implement stewardship strategies. Key competencies: Fiscal Management, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Developing Self & Others, Philanthropy 

Position the Y as a Vital Partner for Community Change: Serve as an ambassador for the mission, purpose, and vision of 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 the community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. Key competencies: Communication & Influence, Engaging Community, Collaboration Developing Self & Others, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Innovation

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

Build and Lead Staff: Ensure a talent development system is in place and executed in an affirming, culturally competent, and effective manner. 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 a 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 

Philanthropy: 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. 

Membership :

  • Total Number of Members: 47,500
  • Total Number of Membership Units: 16,500 (+3,700 in 3rd party Senior (i.e., Silver Sneakers)
  • % Youth: 5.25%
  • % Adults: 19.65%
  • % Household: 42.48%
  • % Senior: 32.62%

Branch/Facility Information:

The YMCA of Greater Birmingham

Membership Locations:

Alabaster:

After serving Alabaster’s children in an older facility for nearly 40 years, the Alabaster YMCA was established in response to the ever-growing need for health and wellness, aquatics, childcare, and programs for youth, teens, adults and seniors in this area. Community leadership joined a capital campaign effort to expand the facility. The enlarged facility opened in 2013.

Greystone:

Originally built in 1999 and part of the 2005 purchase of four Sports First locations from the Baptist Health Systems, the Greystone YMCA is a full-service family branch providing programs, activities, and amenities tailored for all ages, including health and wellness, tennis, aquatics, summer camp, seniors’ activities.

Hoover:

Opened in 2011, the Hoover YMCA, was the result of YMCA leaders working with Hoover City Officials and business leaders. The Hoover Y, which has grown to be the largest membership branch, offers a full-service family branch featuring health and wellness, aquatics, childcare, and programs for youth, teens, adults, and seniors. The Hoover Y was also the first and largest collaboration for after school care. 

Mountain Brook:

Originally established in 1975 as The Racquet Club and purchased in 1983 by Baptist Health System, the Mountain Brook YMCA was part of the 2005 purchase of four branches of Sports First from Baptist Health System shortly after the facility underwent a 4.3-million-dollar renovation in 2003. The Mountain Brook YMCA offers a full-service family branch featuring health and wellness, tennis, aquatics, and programs for youth, teens, adults, and seniors.

Pelham:

The Pelham YMCA was established in 1997 as a result of a joint venture between the Birmingham YMCA and Shelby Baptist Medical Center. The facility was designed with the entire family in mind and boasts over 41,000 square feet of facilities including areas for health and wellness, aquatics, childcare, sports, and programs for youth, teens, adults, and seniors.

Shades Valley:

Located on Highway 31 in Homewood, the Shades Valley YMCA was one of the first suburban branches built in 1968. The facility received a major renovation in 2012 and continues to serve the community through adult health and wellness, youth sports, summer camp, active older adult and aquatic programming.

Trussville:

Originally built and opened in 1993 to serve the frenzied growth that began in the late ’80’s, the Trussville YMCA was part of the 2005 purchase of four branches of Sports First from the Baptist Health Systems and continues to serve the established city and its surrounding communities through adult health and wellness, school-age childcare, active older adult and aquatic programming. 

Camps and Youth Centers:

Camp Cosby:

Since 1922, YMCA Camp Cosby has offered youth safe and exciting adventures. It all began when the YMCA purchased 200 acres of land just north of Trussville with a house and a 26-acre lake, establishing YMCA Camp Cosby in 1922. Later another 400 acres were donated by the Hodges Milling Company. Cosby started as a camp for boys only and later started offering sessions for girls as well. Camp Cosby was named after W.M. Cosby who was the President of the Birmingham YMCA at the time. In 1972, Cosby was relocated to its current location on Lake Logan Martin with over a mile of waterfront, rolling hills, and plenty of space for exciting activities.

Downtown Youth Center:

The YMCA Downtown Youth Center opened in 2006 as the result of a dream to serve Birmingham’s young people in a Y built specifically for them. Following the largest capital campaign in this YMCA’s history, the downtown Birmingham facility was built and endowed for generations to come. The Youth Center is the proud home of the following Youth services: preschool at early learning programs, summer camp, after school, childcare, Youth and Government, Y Achievers, and aquatics.

Northeast Youth Center:

Through a transformational collaboration with two well-respected partners, Habitat for Humanity and Christ Health Center, the YMCA of Greater Birmingham is leading an effort to address community health and wellness needs and bring a sense of rebirth and revitalization to Roebuck. The Northeast YMCA is undergoing a renovation that will transform the facility into a true community resource center. Programs include preschool, early learning programs, Youth and Government, Y Achievers, summer camp, after-school, childcare, summer, feeding programs, and year-round food distribution.         

Philanthropy:

Annual Campaign: $1,192,782

United Way: $750,000

Previous Year’s Campaign Impact  2023

  • Total number of people receiving financial assistance (scholarship):  22,045
  • Total membership units: 2,121
  • Total amount awarded in financial assistance (scholarship): $2,415,448

Capital Campaign(s):

  • The YMCA of Greater Birmingham recently raised $10 million to address the needs of the once-thriving community of Roebuck, a suburb of Birmingham. The project will renovate the Northeast YMCA into a true community resource center and include the following partners on its property:
    • Habitat for Humanity will construct 22 single-family homes to create a well-lit, walkable neighborhood and provide a path to home ownership
    • Christ Health Center will construct an addition to the YMCA to provide pediatric and women's healthcare as well as address the health inequities in the community
    • Impact Family Counseling will be provided dedicated space inside the YMCA to address the mental health needs of Roebuck residents as well as provide much-needed counseling services
    • Opening Date - Summer of 2025
  • The Y is currently conducting a feasibility study for a potential campaign for Camp Cosby. The goal of the study is to assess the capacity for a capital campaign aimed at funding infrastructure, a new fellowship and dining lodge, and additional cabins.

Staff:

Current Staff:  

  • FT – 91 Full Time Staff      
  • PT – 980 Part Time Employees     

CEO Direct Reports:

  • Chief Financial Officer              
  • Chief Operating Officer 
  • Chief Development Officer      
  • Chief Social Impact Officer 
  • Administrative Assistant    

Board of Directors:  

  • 34 Board Participants     
  • 6 Trustees
  • 8 Committees  

Financial Snapshot:

  • Revenue & Expenses 2025 Budget - $29 Million
  • Required Debt Covenants Ratio 1.2. The Actual Ratio is 2.66          
  • Current Endowment - $6.5 Million
  • Undesignated Cash on Hand - $7 Million+
  • Total Liquidity - $13.5 million

Salary Range: $280,000- $335,000     

 

Benefits:  We offer a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including medical, dental, and vision plans, flexible spending accounts, life and disability insurance, and voluntary benefits. Eligible employees receive a 12% Y retirement contribution. Full time employees receive paid time off that includes generous PTO,10 paid holidays, and additional leave benefits such as paid family and medical leave, grandparent leave, bereavement leave, and more. Employees also enjoy free Y family memberships and discounts on YMCA programs like day camps, after-school care, and swim lessons.      

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

https://www.ymcabham.org/

Target Dates for the search process

Resumes accepted through:            February 21st    

Preliminary interviews scheduled:  March 18 & 19     

Final interviews:                               April 16-17      

New CEO on board (anticipated):    May 2025     

To Apply

Candidates will apply via the following website: https://tinyurl.com/YMCA-of-Greater-Birmingham-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                                  Charles Trammel

Sr. Consultant, CEO Search                    AL MS YMCA Alliance CEO

[email protected]                   [email protected]