President & CEO

Senior Leadership Team

The Athol Area YMCA is an equal opportunity employer. We work to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to reach their...

Job Description

THE OPPORTUNITY AT THE ATHOL AREA YMCA

The Athol Area YMCA is a cornerstone of the North Quabbin region, serving individuals and families through programs that strengthen community, promote health and well-being, and foster youth development. Rooted in a strong tradition of service, the Y is both a gathering place and a trusted partner for community impact.

The Board of Directors seeks a CEO who will lead the organization into its next chapter, someone who can honor the Y’s legacy while guiding strategic growth, strengthening financial sustainability, and deepening community relationships. This leader will work closely with a committed board, dedicated staff, and engaged volunteers to ensure the Y remains accessible, relevant, and responsive to community needs.

About The Athol Area YMCA

The Athol Area YMCA has served the North Quabbin community for generations, providing programs and services that support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. From childcare and youth programs to wellness, fitness, and community outreach, the Y is committed to meeting people where they are and helping them thrive.

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.

Our Culture – The Y Experience

Welcoming: Open to all; a place of belonging

Genuine: We value individuality and authenticity

Hopeful: We believe in potential and possibility

Nurturing: We support personal growth

Determined: We are relentless in strengthening our community

CURRENT KEY STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

• Strengthening financial sustainability and operational efficiency
• Expanding access and participation through financial assistance and outreach
• Investing in staff development and organizational culture
• Enhancing programs that address community health and youth development.
• Deepening partnerships across the North Quabbin region

ORGANIZATIONAL SNAPSHOT

• Membership: Total number of members: 2,923

Branch Information

• Athol Area YMCA (Main Branch)

Core Programs

• Youth Development & Childcare
• Health, Wellness & Fitness
• Aquatics
• Community Health Programs
• Camps and Seasonal Programming

Annual Support Campaign

• Current Year Goal: $80,000
• Prior Year Total: $70,440
• Individuals Receiving Financial Assistance (Prior Year): 247

CEO Direct Reports

• Senior Leadership Team

Board of Directors

16 members with standing committees including Finance, Governance, Development, and Strategic Planning

Financial Snapshot

• Current Annual Budget: $3,000,000
• Current Debt: N/A
• Endowment: $1,238,000
• Prior Year Operating Net: $317,000

About Our Community

Athol, Massachusetts is located in the heart of the North Quabbin region and offers a strong sense of community, access to outdoor recreation, and a family friendly environment. The area values collaboration, service, and local impact, making the YMCA a vital community hub.

Qualifications

CRITERIA FOR CANDIDATES

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 7 years senior leadership experience in a YMCA or comparable nonprofit organization.
• Demonstrated success in financial management and budgeting.
• Proven fundraising and development experience.
• Strong community engagement and relationship building skills.
• Ability to lead change and inspire trust.
• YMCA Organizational Leader Certification required or ability to obtain within three years.

Essential Functions

KEY SKILLS AND ABILITIES OF OUR NEXT CEO

• Mission driven leadership with a deep commitment to the YMCA’s cause.
• Strategic vision and the ability to translate strategy into action.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and long-term sustainability.
• Proven experience building and leading high performing teams.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills with staff, board members, donors, and community partners.
• Fundraising and development expertise, including annual campaigns, grants, and donor cultivation.
• Ability to navigate change with resilience, transparency, and optimism.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and access for all.

KEY COMPETENCIES

Develop and Implement a Strategic Plan

Work effectively with 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.

Key Competencies: Fiscal Management, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Developing Self & Others, Philanthropy

Position the Y as a Vital Community Partner

Serve as an ambassador for the mission, purpose, and vision for the YMCA within the community. Possess the ability to develop and cultivate relationships with key stakeholders from a variety of 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

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

Build and Lead Staff

Ensure a talent development system is in place and executed effectively with cultural competence. Hire, motivate, nurture, retain, and hold staff accountable for key objectives. Work towards recruiting, retaining, developing, and promoting staff. Encourage the team by creating a spirit of camaraderie, connection, 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

Salary, Benefits, & Criteria

Salary Range: $105,000-$125,000

Benefits Include

• YMCA Retirement Plan for 12%
• 403(b) Savings Plan
• Health Insurance
• Paid Time Off per personnel policy
• Additional benefits per YMCA personnel policies

Residency Expectation

Living in or near the YMCA’s service area is preferred.

SEARCH PROCESS TARGET DATES

• Resumes Accepted Through: May 1, 2026
• Preliminary Interviews: June 8 & 9 VIA zoom
• In-Person Interviews: June 25 & 26
• Anticipated Start Date: Late Summer

How To Apply

Candidates must submit a resume and cover letter (PDF format only). Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Final candidates will be required to submit professional and personal references and successfully complete a background check.

Application Link:

Questions About The Search Process

Sandy Morander

Senior Consultant, YMCA of the USA Cumberland, RI

(C)

(E) (email protected)

Questions About The Ymca

Jess Rumlow

Chief Operating Officer

Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAs

(M)

(E) (email protected)

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