Chief Executive Officer

Company: YMCA
Location: Jacksonville
Posted on: November 29, 2025

Job Description:

The First Coast YMCA serves a growing and diverse community across Northeast Florida, helping all people reach their full potential Job Description The Opportunity This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned and mission-driven leader to make a profound impact within one of the most vibrant YMCA associations in Florida. The First Coast YMCA serves a growing and diverse community across Northeast Florida, helping all people reach their full potential in spirit, mind, and body. The President and CEO provides visionary and strategic leadership to the YMCA of Floridas First Coast ensuring its continued mission impact, operational excellence, community relevance and financial sustainability. As the face of the organization, this leader will collaboratively partner closely with the Board of Directors, staff, philanthropic partners and community leaders to strengthen the YMCAs presence and legacy throughout the First Coast region advancing the Ys role as a trusted leader in youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Our CEO will inspire and empower a dedicated staff team and volunteer network, fostering a culture grounded in the YMCA’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. A top priority will be ensuring the safety, well-being, and belonging of all individuals—especially children and families—through the highest standards of operational excellence and compliance. The ideal candidate will be a visionary, community-minded leader with demonstrated success in organizational growth, financial stewardship, and partnership cultivation. This individual will possess: Humility. With high emotional intelligence that fosters respect, and productive collaboration. Integrity. A reputation for aligning words, decisions, and actions with organizational values. Vision. Strategic insight to anticipate trends, adapt to changing needs, and guide long-term success. Executive Presence. Credibility and communication skills that engage and influence diverse stakeholders. Influence. Ability to build alignment, shape decisions, and lead effectively in complex environments. Service. A demonstrated commitment to community leadership and volunteer engagement. Engagement. A collaborative leadership approach that strengthens relationships and unites stakeholders. Executive Leadership. Successful experience within complex, mission-driven organizations. Operational Excellence. A track record of delivering measurable outcomes through strategic focus and innovation. With an engaged Board of Directors and a passionate staff team, the First Coast YMCA offers a dynamic platform for a leader who is ready to make a lasting difference in the lives of thousands across the region. About The YMCA of Florida’s First Coast The First Coast YMCA is one of the region’s most respected and impactful nonprofit organizations, dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community across Northeast Florida. With a legacy that spans nearly 120 years, the First Coast Y has been a driving force for positive change—where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential and belong to something greater than themselves. The Y is always evolving to meet the changing needs of the community while staying true to its core mission—to build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Serving more than 200,000 individuals and families each year, the First Coast YMCA operates more than a dozen membership facilities, a resident camp, a charter school, and an extensive network of youth development, wellness, and outreach programs. These initiatives range from afterschool care to chronic disease prevention, quality family time, senior engagement, workforce wellness, and partnerships that address social responsibility and community well-being. The Y’s reach extends beyond its walls, empowering people of all ages and backgrounds to learn, grow, and thrive. Whether through swim lessons that save lives, mentorship programs that build confidence, or fitness experiences that foster lifelong wellness, the First Coast YMCA is a trusted community partner and a vital connector across neighborhoods. Our Mission: To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Membership: Total Number of Members: 72,162 (17,021 Third Party, 3,194 Military) Total Number of Membership Units: 41,549 (includes 9,996 in 3rd party reimbursement, i.e., Silver Sneakers) Teen - 6% Young Adult 7% Adult 23% Household 55% Senior 9% Branch/Facility Information Baker County YMCA – 136 West Lowder Street, Macclenny, FL 32063 | 904.740.9622 Barco-Newton Family YMCA – 2075 Town Center Boulevard, Fleming Island, FL 32003 | 904.278.9622 Brooks Family YMCA – 10423 Centurion Parkway North, Jacksonville, FL 32256 | 904.854.2000 Brown Family YMCA – 170 Landrum Lane, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 | 904.543.9622 Dye Clay Family YMCA – 3322 Moody Ave., Orange Park, FL 32065 | 904.272.4304 Flagler Health Village YMCA (Murabella) – 120 Health Park Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32086 | 904.494.9622 Johnson Family YMCA – 5700 Cleveland Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32209 | 904.765.3589 McArthur Family YMCA – 1915 Citrona Dr., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 | 904.261.1080 Nocatee YMCA – 400 Colonnade Drive, Ponte Vedra, FL 32081 | 904.701.4292 St. Augustine YMCA – 500 Pope Rd., St. Augustine, FL 32080 | 904.471.9622 Williams Family YMCA – 10415 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32257 | 904.292.1660 Winston Family YMCA – 221 Riverside Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32202 | 904.355.1436 YMCA at Baptist North – 11236 Baptist Health Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32218 | 904.592.9622 YMCA at Wildlight – 123 Tinker Street, Yulee, FL 32097 | 904.261.1080 YMCA Camp Immokalee – 6765 Immokalee Rd, Keystone Heights, FL | 352.473.4213 YMCA Tiger Academy – 6079 Bagley Road, Jacksonville, FL 32209 | 904.309.6840 Coming in 2026: West Augustine YMCA - 1000 S Ponce De Leon Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32084 Comprehensive Fundraising Campaign: The First Coast YMCA’s Annual Campaign is the foundation of our charitable mission, ensuring that every person, regardless of age, background, or income, has access to the programs and resources that build a healthier, stronger, and more connected community. Gifts to the campaign directly support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility across our 14 branches and program sites. These contributions provide children with safe spaces to learn and grow, strengthen mental and physical well-being for individuals and families, expand outreach to military members and veterans, and make it possible for seniors to stay active and engaged. Every dollar raised advances the Y’s commitment to giving people of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life the opportunity to reach their full potential. Our Annual Campaign goal for FY26 is $2 million. The First Coast YMCA is dedicated to expanding and modernizing our facilities to better serve the evolving needs of our community. Key capital projects, totaling about $37 million, include: Brown Family YMCA Renovation Project: Since its opening in 1999, the Brown Family YMCA has been a cornerstone of health, wellness, and community spirit in Ponte Vedra Beach, serving approximately 9,000 individuals annually. To continue this impactful work, the Y has embarked on a capital campaign to expand and enhance the facility. The renovation aims to create open environments that allow members to engage in health and wellness programs, positioning the organization to respond to future community opportunities and challenges. Planned improvements encompass a revitalized lobby, updated wellness spaces, enhanced aquatics programming, and the introduction of the Maguire Family Pickleball Center, which has already served over 1,000 people since its opening in June 2023. The total capital campaign goal is $4.1 million, and renovations will be completed by January 2026. Peyton Family YMCA at Durbin Park: The Peyton Family YMCA is set to be the centerpiece of a 40-acre, $150 million health complex, which will include a hospital and other medical services. The new facility is projected to be upwards of 50,000 square feet and will feature amenities such as state-of-the-art wellness programs, an aquatics center, an indoor gymnasium, expansive outdoor fitness amenities, and dedicated spaces for family and teen programs. The campaign total is $28 million, and Construction is anticipated to begin by 2026. McArthur Family YMCA Expansion: A generous gift has enabled the McArthur Family YMCA to envision a future expansion to better serve the growing community. The planned expansion includes an intergenerational space which will provide a space for youth and family programs, sports, and community events along with an addition of a new group workout room. This $2.5 million campaign is focused on meeting the evolving demographics in Fernandina with a shift to more families moving to the area. Winston Family YMCA Enhancements: The Winston Family YMCA continues to serve the community with its comprehensive facilities, including a 7,800 square foot indoor gymnasium, state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment, multiple group exercise studios, and a KidZone. Ongoing enhancements aim to further improve the member experience and community engagement by adding an intergenerational space. These two phased campaigns will be a total of $2.75 million. Philanthropy FY25 $1,689,000 FY26 $2,010,000 Previous Year’s Annual Giving Impact 2024: Total number of people receiving financial assistance (scholarship): 32,208 Total membership units: 30,152 Total amount awarded in financial assistance (scholarship): $2,655,057 Staff Current Staff: FT – 196 FT Staff PT – 1396 PT Employees CEO Direct Reports: Chief Development Officer EVP, COO/CFO Chief Marketing Officer Director of Executive Support Board of Directors: 24 Participants 1 Board Emeritus Member 6 Committees Financial Snapshot: Revenue & Expenses 2026 Budget $49.9 million Required Debt Covenants Ration 1.25 and 60 DCOH (actual FY 2025: 1.41x and 86 DCOH) Current Endowment $3.8 million Current Debt $24 million Undesignated Cash on Hand $3.6 million Total Liquidity (all funds) $21 million About the First Coast Florida’s First Coast is an exceptional place to live, work, and lead. Anchored by Jacksonville and stretching through St. Augustine and surrounding counties, the region combines coastal beauty with metropolitan opportunity. Known for its vibrant blend of urban, suburban, and coastal living, the region offers a high quality of life with beautiful beaches, a thriving arts and cultural scene, diverse dining, and year-round outdoor recreation. It’s home to major employers, world-class healthcare, respected universities, and a proud military presence, offering both economic vitality and stability. With its affordability, family-friendly neighborhoods, and dynamic growth, the First Coast attracts people who want to build meaningful lives and lasting connections. For the next leader of the First Coast Y, it offers the ideal environment to make a transformative impact while enjoying one of the most desirable regions in the Southeast. Qualifications Criteria for Candidates: Bachelors degree (masters preferred) in Business Administration, Human Services or related field Effective communicator and relationship-builder across diverse populations At least 10 years of executive leadership experience, ideally in a YMCA or nonprofit environment with complex, multi-site operations Proven track record in:Strategic planning and execution Board and staff development Financial oversight and fundraising Building community partnerships Progressive budgetary leadership and advanced fiscal management practices YMCA Organizational Leader certification (required within 3 years) Recognition as a community peer among top-level civic and corporate leaders Fiscally sound business management approach Essential Functions Key Skills and Abilities of Our Next CEO Develop and Implement a Strategic Plan: Partner 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 includes 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 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. Serve as the chief Fundraiser, personally engage major donors, foundations and public/private partners. 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 Fiscal Management: Use high-level financial analysis to forecast financial trends, growth and stability, while consistently leading 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 Build and Lead Staff: Champion a workplace culture that is inclusive, mission-driven and performance oriented. 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 Position the Y as a Vital Partner for Community Change: 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 Improve Operating Performance: Directs overall YMCA operations across multiple branches. 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 Develop an Effective and Diverse Volunteer Board: Work with the board to foster a high performing governance culture. Acting as a resource to evaluate strengths and support the recruitment of strategic and connected candidates. Work to ensure the board represents the communities we serve. Work with the board to establish the best practices to recruit, train, develop, and renew board volunteers. Key competencies: Volunteerism, Change Leadership, Engaging Community Salary Range: $237,185-$355,778 Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, life and disability insurance, and voluntary benefits. Eligible employees receive an 8% YMCA Retirement Fund contribution. Paid time off includes generous PTO and additional leave benefits. Employees also enjoy free Y family memberships and discounts on YMCA programs like day camps, after school care, and swim lessons. Residency Expectation: The CEO is expected to be highly engaged and visible in our community. Living in the YMCA’s service area is required. Target Dates for the Search Process Resumes accepted through: December 19th Preliminary interviews scheduled: February 2nd Final interviews: February 17th & 18th New CEO on board (anticipated): April 1st Application, References, Background Check, and Organizational Leader Certification: Candidates must submit the following in their online application, uploading a PDF of your cover letter and resume. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Candidates who advance to final interviews will need to submit six references (four professional and two personal). References checked only with prior notification. Successful candidate accepting the offer must pass a background check and must have a current Y-USA’s Organizational Leader Certification or obtain certification within the first three years from start date as the CEO.

Keywords: YMCA, Jacksonville , Chief Executive Officer, Social Services , Jacksonville, Florida