Chief Operating Officer (Full Time)

Description

As a key member of the CEO's senior leadership team, the Chief Operating Officer drives operational excellence and strategic growth across all YMCA branches. This role transforms vision into measurable impact by leading high-performance teams, fostering innovation, and ensuring the organization strengthens community and advances the SAY as the heart and hub of the community, supporting the mind, body and spirit. The COO activates strategic priorities through data-driven decision-making, collaborative partnerships, and comprehensive risk management, while protecting and growing the SAY’s most valuable assets: its people, programs, and community trust.  

What Success Looks Like 

Operational Excellence means branch operations consistently meet or exceed revenue targets while maintaining expense discipline. You'll see program quality scores increase year-over-year as measured by participant evaluations and Listen 360 metrics, while strategic plan objectives are achieved with documented community and financial impact. Safety incidents decrease through effective processes, training, and mitigation strategies. 

Team & Leadership Development shows up when branch directors and key leaders demonstrate measurable growth in leadership competencies, staff retention and engagement remain strong in leadership positions, and succession planning creates a talent pipeline. Employee engagement scores reflect a culture of innovation and appreciation you've enhanced.  

Growth & Innovation is evidenced by membership recruitment and retention rates that exceed regional benchmarks, new program initiatives that launch on time and on budget while meeting revenue goals, community partnerships that expand organizational reach and diversify revenue streams, and facility utilization that increases through strategic programming and scheduling.  

Community Impact is visible as programs address identified community needs for all populations, philanthropic contributions grow through strategic fundraising alignment, and brand awareness and community reputation strengthen as measured by surveys and engagement.  

Essential Responsibilities 

Strategic Operations Leadership 

• Translate strategic vision into executable operational plans with clear KPIs, data driven analyses, and accountability measures 
• Supervise and mentor Executive Directors to create thriving branches 
• Monitor and analyze monthly financial reports, taking proactive action to ensure fiscal health 
• Guide organizational decisions on what to stop, start, and continue based on data and community impact 

Program Excellence & Innovation 

• Implement and oversee comprehensive program evaluation systems ensuring alignment with our mission and quality standards 
• Foster a climate of innovation to offer impactful member-focused programs addressing evolving community needs 
• Lead staff through planning, development, and implementation of new program initiatives with measurable outcomes that advances our strategic initiatives and maximizes resources 

Financial Stewardship 

• Develop, monitor, and manage operating budgets ensuring revenue targets are met or exceeded 
• Control expenses while maintaining program quality and staff development investments 
• Create and track financial performance indicators that drive strategic decision-making 
• Develop pricing strategies that balance accessibility, competitiveness, and sustainability 

Growth & Development 

• Drive operational growth through program expansion, member recruitment, and retention 
• Pursue strategic collaborations, partnerships, and opportunities that align with our mission 
• Work with board committees and advisory groups to build volunteer relationships and maximize community engagement 
• Work collaboratively to execute fundraising strategies in partnership with CEO and Advancement 

Risk Management & Compliance 

• Protect organizational assets including people, property, finances, and reputation 
• Ensure comprehensive risk assessment, crisis planning, and accountability systems are in place 
• Guarantee facility safety, maintenance, and compliance with all applicable standards 
• Implement and monitor policies and procedures that remove barriers and foster opportunity for all 

Team Leadership & Development 

• Coach and assess leadership team effectiveness through goal-setting, performance management, and development planning 
• Build and sustain a culture of excellence, recognition, safety, and continuous improvement 
• Communicate performance standards clearly and hold teams accountable to measurable outcomes 
• Create learning opportunities through coaching and professional development  

Stakeholder Engagement 

• Provide timely, data-driven reports to CEO, board committees, and Board of Directors 
• Serve as organizational representative at community events and with key partner organizations 
• Work effectively with multiple branch advisory committees to increase community and brand awareness 
• Participate in local, regional, and national YMCA trainings and networking opportunities 

Salary & Benefits

This full-time, exempt-level position generally works Monday–Friday during standard business hours, with occasional evening or weekend responsibilities. The Salary range for this position is $140,000 – $165,000 annually, based on experience.

The Summit Area YMCA offers a generous benefits package that includes subsidized medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance. Paid time off for vacation, wellness, and holidays, Free YMCA family membership, discounts on YMCA programs and services (including childcare), Ongoing professional training and development and a 12% employer contribution to the YMCA retirement plan upon eligibility. 

At the Summit Area YMCA, we are committed to equal opportunity employment regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation. Our main purpose is to strengthen community. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone can reach their full potential, and we strive to live our cause with purpose every day. No matter who you are or where you’re from, we believe that we’re stronger when we come together. 

Requirements

 Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Human Services, or related field. Master's degree preferred 
• YMCA Organizational Leader certification preferred 
• 8+ years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit operations, with 5+ years in senior management. Experience in the YMCA or similar mission-driven nonprofit highly preferred 
• Demonstrated success managing budgets of $10M+ 
• Proven track record creating inclusive organizational cultures and high performing teams 
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community; track record of building authentic, constructive relationships with others.  
• Knowledge and experience in all aspects of operations, including staff supervision and development, membership practices, program development and implementation, facility and property management, and sound financial practices. 
• Experience overseeing facility planning and maintenance operations (both short-term needs and long-range strategic planning) preferred. 

Skills & Competencies 

• Exceptional project management abilities with demonstrated success managing multiple complex initiatives simultaneously 
• Strategic thinking with the ability to balance big-picture vision and tactical execution 
• Strong analytical skills translating data into actionable insights and performance improvements 
• Resourceful problem-solver who addresses root causes and implements sustainable solutions 
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills that engage and inspire diverse audiences 
• Proven ability to build authentic relationships across all social and economic segments 
• Financial acumen with experience in revenue generation, expense management, and budget development 
• Change management expertise with ability to drive organizational transformation 

Leadership Competencies 

Mission Advancement: provide visionary leadership to the organization and to ensure that all resources are mobilized to adapt to new challenges and needs in the community

Program and Project Management: Ensures program or project goals are met and intended impact occurs

Critical Thinking and Decision Making: Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgement

Innovation: Creates and implements new and relevant approaches and activities that improve and expand the Y’s work and impact in the community

Communication & Influence: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause

Developing Self and Others: Develops self and supports others (staff, members, program participants) both formally and informally to achieve their highest potential