The Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA is an equal opportunity employer. We work to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to...
THE OPPORTUNITY AT THE GREATER WYOMING VALLEY AREA YMCA
This is a unique opportunity for an experienced and visionary leader to make a lasting impact at a mission-driven YMCA serving a dynamic and growing region. The next CEO of the Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA will lead with purpose — developing and executing a clear strategic plan that strengthens operations, deepens community partnerships, and ensures financial stability across all branches. The CEO will champion fiscal discipline, drive operational excellence, and elevate the YMCA’s visibility as a vital community partner. They will inspire and empower a talented staff team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation. Above all, the CEO will safeguard the safety and well-being of every individual—especially children—by maintaining the highest standards of compliance and care.
The Board is seeking a strategic, community-minded CEO who brings both heart and discipline to the role. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong experience in strategic planning, operational improvement, and fiscal management, coupled with a passion for building relationships and uniting diverse stakeholders around a shared vision. The next leader must be a visible and engaging presence in the community, capable of cultivating donor relationships, inspiring staff and volunteers, and positioning the Y as a trusted partner in community change. A proven ability to achieve measurable results and motivate teams is essential. While prior YMCA experience is welcome, the Board also invites accomplished leaders from other nonprofit or mission-driven sectors who share a deep commitment to the YMCA’s cause and values.
The YMCA boasts a strong and engaged Board of Directors and a dedicated staff team committed to serving the community. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic organization and make a lasting difference.
ABOUT THE GREATER WYOMING VALLEY AREA YMCA
The Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA is an inclusive organization joined together by a shared commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.
As a leading nonprofit, the Y has the track record and on-the-ground presence to move communities forward, just as we do here in the Greater Wyoming Valley Area. We are the largest provider of youth development services in the region, and we have the scale and reach to meet those in need where they are, with eight convenient locations across Luzerne County in the communities of Wilkes-Barre, Pittston, Hazleton, Freeland, Mountaintop, Bear Creek, and Forty Fort. We serve more than 15,000 annually across these locations; 1,000 children annually in 7 early childhood education centers; 3,300 youth engage in outdoor education; 2,300 youth program participants; 1,300 children receive swimming instruction; 100 seniors served in chronic disease prevention programming; and as part of our feeding programs, we have delivered more than 175,000 meals and snacks amounting to 24,195 pounds of food.
Our Mission
To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
Our Cause & Values
To strengthen the foundations of community and instill the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Commitment to Inclusion or DEI Statement: Our YMCA Board of Directors, Executives, Team Leaders and Staff promote diversity, inclusion, and global efforts and call for access and engagement of all in the community regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, national origin, age, income levels, sexual orientation, immigration status, or other protected status.
Our Culture:
The Y Experience – The Y Experience is built from our mission and encompasses the values and philosophy by which we serve and operate.
Welcoming – We are open to all. We are a place where you can be yourself and find yourself in others.
Genuine – We value you and embrace your individuality.
Hopeful – We believe in you and your potential to do good in the world.
Nurturing – We support you as you become the best-version-of-yourself.
Determined – Above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.
Current Key Strategic Initiatives:
Membership: Total Number of Members: 6,801 (4,518 units)
Branch Information: 5 branches and 3 Program Centers
Core Programs:
Annual Support Campaign:
Current Year Goal: $155,000 ($128,382 raised to date).
Prior Year’s Total: $167,917.57
Total number of people receiving financial assistance prior year: 352
Recent Capital Campaign:
Goal: $21,000,000 (raised to date, $17,025,555)
CEO Direct Reports:
Board of Directors: The Board of Directors consists of 49 members and include the following committees:
Financial Snapshot:
Current Annual Budget Size: $9,504,958
Current Debt: $3,141,454
Current Endowment: $3,995,794
Last Year Operating net: $151,290
Previous Year Operating Net: $165,207
Operating Net (two years ago): $63,836
ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY
The Greater Wyoming Valley is a vibrant region rich in history, economic diversity, and natural beauty. Home to more than 500,000 residents and a labor force of about 250,000, the Valley’s major industries include healthcare, manufacturing, education, retail, logistics, and hospitality. The area’s strong higher education network, skilled workforce, and excellent infrastructure—featuring five interstate highways, two Class I railways, and an international airport—make it a hub for innovation, logistics, and high-tech businesses.
Recreation and entertainment thrive year-round with skiing, golfing, hiking, kayaking, and professional sports, including affiliates of the New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Penguins, as well as NASCAR and Indy racing at Pocono Raceway. With affordable housing, short commutes, quality schools, and easy access to major cities, the Greater Wyoming Valley offers an exceptional quality of life—an ideal place to live, work, and play.
Information Sites:
YMCA Website:
City Websites:
https://www.wilkes-barre.city/
County Website:
https://www.luzernecounty.org/
Tourism / Visitor Bureau:
https://www.visitluzernecounty.com/
Quality of Life / Attractions:
Chamber of Commerce:
https://www.wyomingvalleychamber.org/
Universities / Colleges:
https://www.luzerne.edu/default.jsp
Hospital Systems:
https://www.commonwealthhealth.net/wilkes-barre-general-hospital-commonwealth
School Systems:
YMCA of the USA:
State Alliance:
Criteria for Candidates:
KEY SKILLS AND ABILITIES OF OUR NEXT CEO
The board believes its new CEO should be an experienced leader who has the background and qualities that will permit him or her to achieve excellence in the following roles:
Develop and Implement a Strategic Plan: Work effectively with the Board of Director, 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 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
Improve Operating Performance: Engage the board and appropriate staff to develop an annual tactical plan for identifying and achieving key goals and objectives towards 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
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 operation. Develop and implement stewardship strategies that will lead to long-term financial success. 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 for the YMCA within the community. 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 community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. Key competencies: Communication & Influence, Engaging Community, Collaboration
Build and Lead Staff: Ensure a talent development system is in place and executed that is affirming, culturally competent and effective. 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 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
Steward Fundraising Efforts: 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
Maintenance and Development of Facilities: Ensure well-maintained facilities for program participants and members. Ensure that all facilities are structurally sound, equipment is in good working order, and all maintenance systems are properly maintained. Work with the Board to lead the Y through stages of a current or future capital development project, whether it’s initial planning, research, and viability; architectural and schematic design phases; construction management; or the operational start-up of your new, renovated, or expanded facility. Key competencies: Fiscal Management, Program/Project Management, Change Leadership, Critical Thinking & Decision Making
SALARY, BENEFITS, & CRITERIA
Salary Range: $150,000 to $165,000 annually, with the opportunity for an additional performance-based bonus for meeting and exceeding strategic plan objectives and KPIs.
Benefits:
Residency Expectation: Candidates are expected to live within the Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA service territory (Luzerne County, Northeastern Pennsylvania).
SEARCH PROCESS TARGET DATES
Resumes accepted through: December 18, 2025
Preliminary interviews scheduled: January 27, 2026 (Virtual)
In-person interviews: February 17, and 18, 2026
CEO selection made: Week of February 23, 2026
New CEO on board (anticipated): April 1, 2026
*Dates subject to change
HOW TO APPLY
References, Background Check, and Organizational Leader Certification:
Candidates must submit the following in PDF format via the online application: a resume and cover letter. Applications submitted 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 will be checked only with prior notification. The 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. The YMCA's personnel policies may require further screening.
Candidates must apply via the following website: https://tinyurl.com/greater-wy-valley-ymca-ceo
QUESTIONS
About the Search Process?
Contact Shea Boschee, YMCA of the USA CEO Search, [email protected] 312.419.8363
About the YMCA?
Ken Soliday, PA State Alliance of YMCAs, [email protected]