Executive Director - South Asheville

ABOUT US

The YMCA of Western North Carolina is a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Since 1889, we have served as a trusted community partner, engaging more than 100,000 people each year through seven YMCA branches, dozens of program sites, YMCA Camp Watia in Bryson City, NC, and the state's largest licensed school-age childcare program. Guided by our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, we are committed to creating welcoming, inclusive communities and advancing our work as a multicultural and for all organization. Just as inspiring as our mission is the place we call home. Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Western North Carolina offers an exceptional quality of life with breathtaking natural beauty, endless outdoor recreation, vibrant arts and culture, award-winning restaurants, excellent schools, and a strong sense of community. Whether you're drawn by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through your work or the chance to enjoy an active, family-friendly lifestyle, the YMCA of Western North Carolina offers the opportunity to build both a rewarding career and a fulfilling life in one of the country's most remarkable regions. For more information, please visit ymcawnc.org.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Executive Director is a key member of the YMCA of Western North Carolina’s leadership team.  They oversee the development and engagement of staff and volunteers, maintain a quality Y experience and positive culture within their center and play a crucial role in raising financial contributions that support the Y’s mission by managing a substantial donor portfolio. This role is responsible for helping manage critical collaborations with other community-based organizations that align with strategic objectives to advance the Y’s mission and expand our community impact. They are guided by the Senior Vice President of Operations, YMCA of WNC operating priorities, Association Leadership Norms and must operate in a manner consistent with our organizational values. 

This role will be housed at the Reuter Family YMCA.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Manages a portfolio of high-capacity donors/prospects from throughout Buncombe County, working directly with the Vice President of Development.  Plays a key role in achieving financial development benchmarks in annual, capital and endowment campaigns through cultivation, acquisition, stewardship and retention.
• Leads recruitment and development of center Advisory Committee and provides leadership over each meeting.
• Ensures the highest quality of member/program participant satisfaction by continuously observing program and member service areas. Identifies and resolves issues in collaboration with center leaders while fostering a culture of service throughout operations.
• Represents and promotes the YMCA in the local community and develops positive working relationships with other community-based organizations, businesses, and governmental entities, advancing the Y’s impact and position in the community.
• Responsible for hiring, coaching, and mentoring all direct reports and ensuring compliance with the organization’s personnel policy and HR practices within their team through regular check-ins and annual reviews. Also responsible for indirect leadership, coaching and development of center leadership staff.
• Implements a results-based management approach and ensures their center and service line is actively working towards association-level objectives by assessing progress towards identified goals/KPIs, provides ongoing coaching and feedback, and discusses development opportunities.
• Partners with peers to ensure budgets align with center operations and ensures that resources are devoted to top priorities and strategic objectives.
• Identifies growth opportunities, conducts forecasting regularly and corrects financial deficiencies on a timely basis through monthly variance reports with organizational leaders, and implements action plans to meet budgeted financial targets.
• Models relationship-building skills in all interactions with staff, members, donors, volunteers, and the community.
• Prioritizes adding value to the Y member experience, ensure programming supports member needs, and aligns with the Association’s strategic & operational priorities throughout assigned service lines.
• Ensures that all the policies of the organization are implemented, including Financial, Human Resources, Risk Management/Safety, Member Code of Conduct, and Program Policies.
• Supports the Y’s commitment to being a for all community by upholding policies and practices to ensure underserved communities from all walks of life are welcomed, comfortable, participating and present at the YMCA.
• Serves as a member of Y leadership and supports the overall objectives of the YMCA.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

ABOUT YOU

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree is required.  (Extensive related experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.)
• Must live or be willing to relocate to the YMCA of WNC service area.
• Bachelor's degree in human services, social services, business or equivalent is strongly preferred.
• Preferably five or more years of management experience in a YMCA or other nonprofit agency.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Experience must demonstrate strong skills in human relations, budgeting and fiscal management, financial development, program management, volunteer and staff development, committee and board relations.
• Ability to direct complex operations through volunteer development, supervision of staff, development and monitoring of budget, marketing, public relations, and program development.
• Must be able to work in a collaborative, matrix structured organization.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community and manage and maintain collaborations with other community-based organizations.
• Three to five years of successful experience in frontline fundraising, donor relations, or equivalent experience.
• Experience managing high-level donor relationships with demonstrated success in closing gifts of $25,000 and above. Preference is given to candidates with experience closing six and seven-figure gifts.

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES (MULTI TEAM LEADER)

Mission Advancement: Reinforces the Y’s values within the organization and the community. Effectively communicates the benefits and impact of the YMCA’s efforts for all stakeholders. Implements effective systems to develop volunteers at program, fundraising, and policy leadership levels. Secures resources and support for all philanthropic endeavors.

Collaboration: Develops strategies to ensure staff and volunteers reflect the community. Builds
and nurtures strategic relationships to enhance support for the YMCA. Serves as a community leader
building collaborations based on trust and credibility to advance YMCA mission and goals. Communicates for influence to attain buy-in and support of goals. Provides tools and resources for the development of others.

Operational Effectiveness: Integrates multiple thinking processes to make decisions. Involves members and community in the development of programs and activities. Ensures execution of plans. Institutes sound accounting procedures, investment policies, and financial controls. Assigns clear accountability and ensures continuous improvement.

Personal Growth: Fosters a learning environment embracing diverse abilities and approaches. Creates a sense of urgency and positive tension to support change. Anticipates challenges that can sidetrack or derail growth and personal learning. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The role may involve occasional lifting or carrying of items up to 25 pounds, setting up for events, or assisting with minor facility adjustments. Regular walking, standing, or climbing stairs may also be required during site visits, community events, or meetings.

FULL-TIME BENEFITS

Full-time employees receive medical, dental and vision insurance, group life insurance and long-term disability paid by the Y; short-term disability, term life insurance and dependent life insurance is available for purchase; generous paid time off, retirement plan with employer contribution of 12% of salary (subject to eligibility requirements), free YMCA membership, free afterschool childcare and summer day camp and program discounts.

The YMCA of Western North Carolina is committed to equal opportunity in terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, faith, gender, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law, except where a bona fide occupational qualification applies.