Overview
YMCA of Grand Island – President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This executive vacancy is announced by YMCA of the USA for the YMCA of Grand Island at 221 East South Front Street, Grand Island, NE 68801. Application Deadline: September 8, 2025. Base pay range: $75,000.00/yr - $90,000.00/yr. The actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
The Opportunity
This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned leader to make a profound impact at a mission-driven YMCA within a thriving community. Our new CEO will drive innovative strategies to expand the YMCA’s reach and deepen its impact within the service area, cultivate strong partnerships to enhance the YMCA’s reputation, lead and inspire a dedicated staff, and prioritize safety and well-being by exceeding industry standards and ensuring full compliance.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement strategic plans that align with the YMCA’s mission and long-term goals; drive innovative strategies to expand the YMCA’s reach and impact.
- Cultivate strong partnerships with key stakeholders to enhance the YMCA’s reputation and advance its mission.
- Lead, mentor, and inspire a staff team; implement talent development processes to attract, retain, and develop high-performing employees.
- Oversee fundraising efforts, including annual campaigns, major gifts, capital campaigns, and grant acquisition; ensure a culture of philanthropy at all levels and sound fiscal management.
- Ensure safety and well-being of all individuals, with a focus on youth protection, and maintain compliance with all applicable policies and standards.
- Engage with the Board of Directors to advance strategic priorities and ensure accountability for results.
Ideal Candidate / Qualifications
- Minimum five years of senior executive experience in the YMCA or a comparable nonprofit; proven budget leadership and financial stewardship.
- Demonstrated success in community relationship-building, fundraising, and strategic program development.
- Strong communication, relationship-building, collaboration skills, and alignment with YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
- Ability to develop and implement strategic plans; track measurable outcomes; and drive organizational growth.
- Experience leading organizational change and fostering a culture of innovation and high performance.
- YMCA Organizational Leader Certification or ability to achieve within three years of start date.
Salary, Benefits, and Residency
Salary Range: $75,000 - $90,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
- Y Retirement: 8% contribution to a 401a, once eligible.
- Y Retirement 403B Savings Account eligible on first day of employment.
- PTO – Unlimited Vacation/Sick Leave for Exempt personnel after 90 days of continuous service.
- Health plan (75% paid by YMCA for employee-only plan) or stipend if health plan is not offered.
- Other benefits per personnel policy.
Residency
The CEO is expected to be highly engaged and visible in the community. Living in the YMCA’s service area is preferred.
Criteria for Candidates
- Accredited four-year college degree or equivalent experience.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; personal values align with the YMCA mission.
- Minimum five years in a senior management role with direct supervision of multiple staff and employees.
- Ability to develop and strengthen community relationships.
- Ability to develop innovative programs and evaluate their effectiveness to broaden engagement.
- Strategic planning and fundraising experience, including annual campaigns and securing grants.
- Fiscally sound business management and progressive budget leadership.
- YMCA Organizational Leader Certification or ability to obtain within three years of start date.
Search Process Target Dates
- Resumes accepted through: September 8, 2025
- Preliminary interviews scheduled: October 5–6, 2025
- In-person interviews: October 28–29, 2025
- CEO selection made: November 6, 2025
- New CEO on board (anticipated): December 1, 2025
- Dates subject to change
How To Apply
Candidates will apply via the following website. Applications should include a PDF of your cover letter and resume. Include a cover letter; applications without a cover letter may not be considered. Final candidates will provide six references (four professional, two personal). References checked with prior notice. The selected candidate must pass a background check and must have current YMCA Organizational Leader Certification or obtain certification within the first three years of start date.
Questions
- Mike Gulick, Executive Director, Heartland Alliance – YMCAs of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa,
- Grace Matos, Director, Executive Leadership / CEO Search, Network Experience, YMCA of the USA,