Under the direction of the Vice President of Operations, the Center Executive Director at the Parkway Community YMCA will lead, coach and hold others accountable to creating a transformative Y Experience. The Center Executive Director must possess strong leadership acumen to inspire staff, volunteers, partners and community members to support the Y mission. The Center Executive must be a subject matter expert and innovator in the core business and programs of the Y.
The Center Executive Director will be the lead in their Center to ensure the successful execution of the YMCA of Greater Boston’s strategic imperatives to be a charity, partner, and employer of choice for years to come. Innovation will be a key area of growth for the Executive Director, and the Operations Director they supervise, through mastering, demonstrating and coaching others in Design Thinking.
Outcomes and position expectations for their Center:
Successful Strategic Plan metrics, Net-Promoter Scores and Objectives and Key Results (OKRs).
The Center Executive will be seen as a subject matter expert and an innovator in the core business and programs of the YMCA: membership, health and wellness, aquatics, sports, family programming and any additional Center specific programs.
Operating practices and systems are in place and consistently implemented for
Membership growth & retention
Program enrollment and growth.
Facility cleanliness
Overall member experience
Timely action planning is in place (with effective) for operating units and/or program areas that have performance concerns.
Annual Campaigns targets are accomplished.
High functioning and engaged Board of Advisors.
Is visible in the community and the Y is seen as a catalyst for positive change.
Full-time staff have a development plan and are making progress toward their goals.
Identification of development opportunities for their direct reports and high potential leaders.
Center staff achieve (at minimum) metric targets and produce meaningful qualitative results. This includes net-promoter scores and OKRs.
A collaborative and strong working relationship between Center operations and child development.
Responsibilities:
In accordance with the policies, by-laws and constitution of the YMCA of Greater Boston, the Center Executive is the chief leader in driving the Y Experience in their Center and community. The Center Executive Director will create a transformative Y Experience that builds loyal members, energizes employees and volunteers, inspires donors and stimulates growth and innovation.
The Center Executive will ensure success in the following areas of responsibility to support a strong Y Experience:
Performance Achievement – Ultimately accountable for the performance of their team. Directly responsible for hiring, coaching and managing all direct reports and ensuring compliance with association hiring practices for all positions within their organizational structure. Conducts quarterly connections with direct reports to ensure progress with OKRs, ability to work well with others and discuss career development.
Fiscal management - Develops an annual budget according to association guidelines and ensures successful execution of the plan. Works with all direct reports to identify growth opportunities, forecasting on a monthly basis, and correct financial deficiencies on a timely basis.
Membership and Program Enrollment, Growth and Experience - Drives membership and program enrollment and growth while ensuring a high-quality and transformative Y Experience as demonstrated by net-promoter scores and other experience metrics.
Board development - Recruits, develops and maintains a highly effective Board of Advisors, following the bi-laws of the YMCA of Greater Boston. Supports the board chair in facilitating an engaging and productive board meeting experience.
Financial development and Fundraising - Drives successful fund raising and financial development, working with the association financial development team, to meet quarterly and annual goals. Ensures strong board and volunteer leadership and participation.
Community engagement - Enhances the Y’s reputation in the community by engaging with partners, businesses and other organizations that are invested in strengthening community. For example, serving on the local chamber, and other service organizations like Rotary.
Child Development – Collaboratively work with the Child Development department leads to ensure a positive experience for children and parents participating in the programs. Ensure a strong working relationship between Center operations and child development.
Innovation – Leads design thinking practices to develop innovative solutions for their Center and association-wide opportunities and challenges. Works to master, demonstrate and coach others in design thinking.
Marketing – Leads Center team in executing on all aspects of association marketing strategies and campaigns. Regularly promotes the Y Center through local media outlets and events. Ensures implementation of internal marketing efforts (i.e. activating staff for referral programs) and consistent social media engagement through Center channels.
Facility Management - Ensures that the facility is well maintained, safe and clean, following association guidelines and practices. Ensures daily walk through of facility with the Facility Manager. Ensures quarterly walk through of Center(es) with their supervisor, Operations Director, Facility Manager and Regional Facilities Manager.
Trends- Stays current on trend identification and implications for the Center in the following areas:
Service area demographics.
Competitive analysis and external environment changes
Changes to elected officials and key community leaders.
Membership
Health and Wellness
Youth and Family Programs and
Other programs and initiatives operated by their Center.
In addition, the Center Executive Director shall participate in all meetings as requested and will ask to lead association wide initiatives and other assigned duties.
Education/Experience:
BS/BA Four-year college degree.
Must have a demonstrated record of accomplishment in the areas of membership and program growth, board development, fiscal management, community engagement and staff development.
Has multiple years of a proven track record in driving solid fiscal management (has met or exceeded budget continuously over multiple years).
Center must be achieving key metrics and producing meaningful qualitative results including strong Net-Promoter scores and successful OKRs.
Superior Communication skills - both written and verbal.
Must have a thorough understanding of the nature of the YMCA movement, volunteers and staff in the accomplishment of the YMCA goals, objectives and mission in the community.
Possess a concern for detail and accuracy and have the ability to delegate responsibility.
Must be highly motivated and possess a positive attitude towards the YMCA, character development and our mission.
Experience in and/or willingness to learn Design Thinking.
Preferred Executive Director experience.
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit and reach with hands and arms.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
Work Environment:
Evening and/or early morning, and/or weekend hours required periodically.
The last few days of each month (except December) are key membership enrollment dates. Executive Directors are required to ensure appropriate senior leadership coverage at their home center.
Occasional travel required.
Why work at the Y?
The YMCA of Greater Boston is an incredible place to have a fulfilling career or enjoy part-time employment — all while we are supporting and strengthening our communities, because our community is our cause. When you join us in your career here, you can look forward to:
Developing your leadership skills in a caring, challenging & diverse working environment.
Exploring a wide range of opportunities as you learn new skills and functions.
Shaping the future of young children while making a difference each day for our communities and each other.
Engaging in YMCA career training programs and working alongside those who have the same passion.
A healthy work/life balance
Comprehensive benefits including:
FREE YMCA Membership for you.
Discount on Specialty Programs like Personal Training and Swimming Lessons.
Discounted or FREE family membership.
Robust Retirement Plan up to 10%. (see eligibility requirement)
At the YMCA of Greater Boston, we are fully focused on inspiring change in our communities, from feeding our neighbors in need to safe spaces for kids to learn and grow to resources that give everyone the chance to live better lives. When you’re helping to build brighter futures for Greater Boston’s youth, working to end hunger, improve community health and demanding equity for all, it’s easy to find your motivation to go to work every day!
