Director of Statewide Growth & Partnerships

GENERAL FUNCTION:  The Director of Statewide Growth & Partnerships is responsible for advancing the YMCA's vision to engage 1 in 3 Kansans by expanding access to YMCA programs and experiences, especially in rural and underserved communities without a traditional YMCA facility.

This role will use YMCA360, community partnerships, shared spaces, local programming, sponsorships, and philanthropy to create sustainable ways for Kansans to connect with the YMCA regardless of where they live. The role is externally focused, entrepreneurial, and relationship driven. It is anticipated an average work week will consist of 50 hours to complete duties.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Statewide Expansion & YMCA360: 

Develop and execute a growth strategy for rural and underserved Kansas communities, leveraging YMCA360 digital platforms alongside local in-person programming, shared spaces, and community partners.

Community Partnerships: 

Forge trusted alliances with local leaders, schools, healthcare systems, employers, and municipalities to design complementary, non-duplicative community solutions.

Funding & Financial Sustainability: 

Cultivate relationships with foundations, corporate sponsors, and government entities, partnering with leadership to secure grants, sponsorships, and blended revenue models.

Program Innovation: 

Pilot and scale non-traditional delivery models while safeguarding YMCA quality standards, brand alignment, and measurable community impact.

Metrics & Reporting: 

Establish key performance indicators for statewide reach, YMCA360 adoption, and the overarching goal of engaging 1 in 3 Kansans, providing regular updates to executives and the Board.

EFFECT ON END RESULT:  Build and scale a sustainable statewide YMCA presence that moves Kansas toward 1 in 3 people meaningfully engaged with the YMCA - including individuals and families who may never live near a traditional YMCA branch.

Education/Experience Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, nonprofit leadership, community development, public administration, economic development or closely related field required
Seven or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience, encompassing areas such as partnership development, organizational growth, community development, or new program implementation required
Demonstrated track record of successfully building and cultivating external relationships across communities, organizations, funders, corporations, or public-sector partners required
Strong core competencies in business development, public presentation, negotiation, facilitation, and project execution required
Proven ability to operate independently, navigate ambiguity, and transition strategic ideas from initial concept through successful pilot phases to scalable implementation required

Job Requirements:

Commitment to the YMCA mission, vision and values
Must be willing to spend extensive time travelling to various locations in the state of Kansas
Work a schedule that reflects the needs of the association; including weekends and evenings
Must attend New Employee Orientation within 30 days of hire
Learn all emergency procedures and action plans that apply to branches
Understand and abide by all policies and procedures set forth by the association

Physical/Mental Requirements:

Must be able to routinely perform the following physical activities; climb stairs, bend, stoop, kneel, twist, reach with hands, sit, stand and/or sit for extended periods of time, walk, lift and/or move up to 30 pounds, have finger dexterity, grasp, perform repetitive motions, talk, hear and have visual acuity to perform detailed tasks
Must have ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Must be entrepreneurial, externally focused, relationship driven, and comfortable building something that does not yet exist
Must listen well, earn trust, connect partners around a shared vision, and turn opportunities into sustainable action
Must be mission centered and understand success is measured not simply by YMCA membership, but by the number of Kansans whose lives are positively impacted by the YMCA
Must possess ability to exercise high levels of discretion and confidentiality
Must maintain a neat and professional appearance at all times