CEO/President

The successful candidate will demonstrate a passion for the Meadowlands YMCA mission and cause, and the ability to engage the surrounding communities to clearly communicate YMCA’s vision and mission and make a positive impact on our communities.

The Board of Directors is in search of a CEO who can build on the success of the past by continuing to enhance a culture of excellence within the Meadowlands YMCA and continue to maintain the organization’s fiscally sound position for the future.

The Meadowlands YMCA currently has a budget of $8.3 Million, a resolute staff of approximately 230, a diversified and dedicated board which will support the right candidate in making an impact on our community.

Our Mission  

The Meadowlands YMCA is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities through programs and services that nurture the wholeness of spirit, mind, and body. As a not-for-profit organization founded on Christian principles, the YMCA is committed to serving people of all ages, races, faiths, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds. We provide scholarships and financial assistance to ensure that no one is turned away due to an inability to pay.

Service Area

East Rutherford, Rutherford, Lyndhurst, North Arlington, Carlstadt, Wallington, Hasbrouck Heights, Little Ferry, Moonachie, Secaucus, Wood-Ridge, Clifton, Passaic, Maywood, Teaneck, Edgewater, West New York, 

Our Cause

The Meadowlands YMCA is a cause-driven, non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the communities we serve through value-based programs and services focusing on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Our intent is to ensure youth have opportunities to develop skills needed for successful living, to support individuals and families towards improving overall health and well-being and to foster and strengthen social and support networks, encouraging investment in our community. 

Position Description:

The complexity of this position requires a candidate with a demonstrated track record of success in several key areas: (i) securing contributed support through both annual and capital campaigns by partnering effectively with the Meadowlands YMCA Board, which is engaged in strategic and operational leadership; (ii) promoting the mission, cause, and charitable purpose of the Meadowlands YMCA throughout the broader community; and (iii) developing and managing staff while fostering strong program development and innovation. The ideal candidate will show a clear ability to build and sustain a culture that attracts, develops, and retains exceptional staff, while also engaging an active, diverse, and committed volunteer board of directors and external advisors. The CEO must maintain a strong, visible presence in the community and serve as a leader in cultivating meaningful partnerships with other nonprofits, public agencies, businesses, and neighboring YMCA organizations.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility

The Meadowlands YMCA is an inclusive organization committed to advancing equity for all. Together, we work side-by-side to strengthen our community and to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender expression, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race, or sexual orientation has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity. Our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility guide everything we do, and we believe that individuals thrive in environments that are affirming.

Current Key Strategic Initiatives

·         Focus on growth of the childcare program.

·         Strengthening membership and program offerings to deepen the impact of our cause

·         Continue to enhance & develop the organization necessary to effectively fulfill the Y cause by delivering sound,                stable fiscal performance.

·         Promote awareness of our mission.

·         Enhance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

·         Food insecurity, food pantry and food distribution

·         Family Success Center Grant & 21st Century Grant programs

·         Complete the current ongoing building enhancement project. 

·         Focus on growing membership base through member retention, re-capturing lost members, and engaging and                enrolling new members.

·         Focus on attaining the Presidium accreditation. 

Programs  

·    Child Care & Camp

o    Preschool Enrichment

o    Child Care:  infant – 5 years

o    School Age Child Care

o    Club Idea

o    Parents night out

o    Summer Camp

·         Swimming

o    Swim Lessons

o    Swim Team

o    Aquatic Fitness Classes

·         Sports & Fine Arts

o    Youth & Teen Sports

o    Adult Sports, 

o    Gymnastics

·         Fitness & Wellness

o    Youth & Teen Fitness

o    Adult Fitness

o    Wellness Center

o    Personal Training

Staff

47 full-time and 181 part-time. Currently Four direct reports to CEO including Chief Finance Officer, Vice President Mission & Strategic Initiatives, and Executive Director, Senior Director of Childcare. Positions to be filled, Director of Development, Human Resources Manager.

 Staff Demographics:

·         75% Female

·         25% Male

·         42% White

·         15% Black or African American

·         2%   Asian

·         35% Hispanic or Latino

·         2% Two or More Races

·         4% Do not wish to identify.

·         0% American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander

Board of Directors

The governing bodies of the Meadowlands YMCA are vested in a Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is responsible for the supervisory functions of the Meadowlands YMCA and is responsible for the operating functions and have fiduciary responsibility of the Meadowlands YMCA.

Key Skills and Abilities:

(I)         Lead with Sound Fiscal Management Practices and Enhance Operating Performance: Continue to lead the Meadowlands YMCA focusing on membership and program growth, while using high-level financial analysis to forecast financial trends and position the Meadowlands YMCA to ensure continued growth. Lead the Organization to develop annual budgets which drive operations to surplus annually, through earned revenue and contribution growth, while controlling costs. Ensure programs and services are financially viable and meet the changing needs of the community and its demographic shifts. Empower and guide staff to lead their departments to achieve financial targets and communicate milestones, while demonstrating the ability to quickly pivot to address issues that may arise that could have a meaningful impact on the Organization’s budget.   

(II)       Develop and Implement a Strategic Plan: 

Developing and implementing a strategic plan is crucial for the Meadowlands YMCA to ensure it is effectively meeting the needs of our communities. To create a strategic plan, the CEO is expected to engage and involve various stakeholders such as volunteers, community leaders and key staff as their input will assist in identifying key goals and objectives allowing the CEO to prepare and implement a clear strategic plan with deliverables, and measurable goals.

(III)    Position the Y as a Vital Partner for Community Change: 

Serve as an ambassador for the mission, purpose, and vision for the Meadowlands 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 Meadowlands YMCA. Ensure our organization is seen as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. Be the face of the Organization in the community, connecting with key partners and stakeholders to strengthen the community. 

(IV)      Build and Lead Staff: 

Ensure a talent development system is in place and executed effectively. 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 we serve. 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.

Additional Important Information and Criteria 

Residency Expectation - Living in the YMCA’s service area is preferred.

Minimum Criteria for Candidates 

1.            Accredited 4-year college degree.

2.            Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

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

4.            Demonstrated history of budgetary and fiscal management of more than $5M annually.

5.            Proven ability to develop and strengthen community relationships.

6.            Demonstrated experience in developing innovative programming.

7.            Demonstrated experience in successful fund-raising initiatives.

8.           Proven leadership roles outside of the current organization employing the Candidate in area’s supporting the                    overall mission of YMCA.

9.           YMCA Organizational Leader Certification (Note: Candidates not in possession of this certification have up to                    three years to obtain through Y-USA.