Executive Director at YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

Description

The Executive Director provides strategic and operational leadership to ensure the delivery of high-quality programs and services that advance the mission of the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids and support the Association’s strategic plan. Reporting to the Vice President of Branch Operations, this position oversees all aspects of the Mary Free Bed YMCA, including a $7.2 million operating budget, 6,900 membership units, and a 120,000-square-foot facility.

Key responsibilities include program and membership development, facility operations, staff and volunteer leadership, financial development, fiscal management, and community partnerships. The Executive Director ensures compliance with policies, procedures, and standards set by the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids Board of Directors and the Mary Free Bed YMCA Branch Board of Advisors while fostering a culture of excellence, inclusion, and innovation. The Executive Director collaborates with colleagues across the Association to ensure consistency, quality, and impact across all program areas.

Each day brings a mix of strategic leadership and community connection. The ED collaborates with staff to drive program quality, meets with members and partners to deepen relationships, and works closely with the leadership team to ensure the Mary Free Bed YMCA continues to thrive as a hub for health, inclusion, and youth development.

This role requires a dynamic, mission-driven leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to strengthening community through the Y’s values. Some early morning, evening, and weekend responsibilities are required.

EOS Accountabilities:

• Leadership, Management, & Accountability (LMA)
• Operational & Financial Performance
• Membership & Program Growth
• People & Culture Development
• Philanthropy & Community Engagement
• Association Leadership & Collaboration

Essential Functions: 

• Operations & Program Leadership - Provides strategic oversight for branch operations and association-wide family programming, including youth and adult sports, arts and humanities, and adaptive. Ensures program quality, innovation, and alignment with Association goals while fostering strong community partnerships.
• People & Culture Development - Leads, coaches, and develop staff and volunteers to achieve operational excellence and mission impact. Fosters an inclusive culture that supports professional growth, accountability, and continuous improvement across all branch functions.
• Fiscal Management & Accountability - Oversees branch budgeting, forecasting, and financial controls to ensure fiscal responsibility and achievement of revenue and expense targets. Aligns resources to strategic priorities and operational goals.
• Philanthropy & Community Engagement - Leads the branch’s annual campaign and other philanthropic initiatives, building strong relationships with donors, volunteers, and community partners. Strengthens the branch’s presence and influence within the community.
• Volunteer & Board Development - Partners with the Branch Board of Advisors and community leaders to cultivate effective volunteer engagement, board recruitment, and governance practices that advance the mission and ensure long-term sustainability.
• Organizational Leadership - Collaborates with Association leadership to implement strategic and operational initiatives, ensuring alignment with EOS and organizational standards. Models YMCA values in all actions and decisions to drive mission impact.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to ensure the success of the YMCA and its mission-driven work.

Compensation:  Annual Salary: $105,000 - $120,000; Full Time; Salary Exempt

• Free YMCA Family Membership – Enjoy full access to facilities & program discounts for you and your family!
• 20% Childcare Discount – Discount is off the regular rate for each child enrolled in a YMCA childcare program, excluding the infant room.
• Comprehensive Medical Coverage – Up to 93% employer paid plan options through Blue Care Network. 
• Dental and Vision Insurance – low-cost coverage options.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) – Receive up to $1,040 in employer contributions each year to help cover qualified medical expenses.
• Generous Paid Time Off – Beginning with 4 weeks of PTO per year, plus 9 paid holidays.
• Paid Parental Leave - Dedicated time off to support you during the arrival or adoption of a child. 
• Retirement Savings – 12% employer retirement contribution, no match requirement (upon eligibility) and a 403(b) savings plan. 
• Paid Disability Leave – short & long term disability coverage. 
• Life Insurance – employer paid life insurance, plus voluntary coverage for the entire family. 
• Optional Insurance – Customize your coverage with options like accident, hospital, pet, and legal insurance, plus more to fit your lifestyle and needs.
• Pay on Demand – Access your earned wages before payday.
• Professional Growth – Access to ongoing training, development programs, and career advancement opportunities.
• Loan Forgiveness - Eligible employees can also take advantage of Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free, confidential resources and counseling for you and your family.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, nonprofit management, human services, or a related field required

Experience: Minimum 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in supervision, program and operations management, fiscal oversight, fundraising, and community collaboration; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Sector Knowledge: Prior experience in YMCA or nonprofit management strongly preferred, with demonstrated ability to lead mission-driven teams and community-based programs.

Skills & Competencies:

• Proven ability to lead diverse teams, build collaborative partnerships, and engage effectively with individuals of all backgrounds, ages, and life experiences.
• Strong strategic, fiscal, and operational management skills, including budget development and performance accountability.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, board relations, and volunteer engagement.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency with computers and common software applications; ability to learn YMCA-specific systems and data tools.

Certificates and Licenses

• State of Michigan Criminal Background Clearance (ICHAT) – Required prior to employment.
• Bloodborne Pathogen Training – Completion required in accordance with Association policy.
• CPR Certification – Must be obtained within 60 days of hire.
• First Aid Certification – Must be obtained within 60 days of hire.
• AED–Oxygen Certification – Must be obtained within 60 days of hire.

YMCA Leadership Competencies

Fiscal Management

• Acts responsibly with the Y’s financial resources, following all budgeting policies and procedures.
• Monitors and reports any financial irregularities promptly to ensure transparency and integrity.

Innovation

• Develops and implements creative approaches that strengthen and expand the Y’s impact in the community.
• Encourages a culture of continuous improvement through new ideas, methods, and partnerships.

Developing Self & Others

• Supports team members, participants, and volunteers in achieving goals and realizing potential.
• Reflects on successes and challenges to foster personal and professional growth.
• Shares knowledge, insights, and lessons learned to enhance organizational learning.
• Seeks feedback, coaching, and new experiences to strengthen leadership capabilities.

Critical Thinking & Decision Making

• Makes informed, data-driven decisions using logic, sound judgment, and organizational insight.
• Evaluates complex situations and anticipates outcomes to guide effective action.

Work Environment: 

The work environment and physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Must be able to read, analyze, and interpret business publications, professional journals, technical documents, and government regulations.
• Must have the ability to prepare reports, business correspondence, and procedural manuals, and to effectively present information to groups of managers, members,      volunteers, and staff.
• Must demonstrate analytical ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; basic proficiency in algebra and geometry is required.

This position operates in a professional office and community-centered environment that includes interaction in program spaces and occasional outdoor settings. The role requires regular communication, active engagement with staff, members, and community partners, and the ability to use standard office equipment and technology.

The employee should be able to move comfortably throughout the facility, participate in meetings and events, and occasionally lift or carry items up to 25 pounds. Flexibility and adaptability are essential in managing a blend of office work, on-site program support, and community engagement activities.