Overview
President & Chief Executive Officer role at YMCA of the USA. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned leader to make a profound impact at a mission-driven YMCA within a thriving community.
The Opportunity at the Grand Island YMCA
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 with key stakeholders to enhance the YMCA’s reputation and further its mission, guide and inspire a dedicated staff team passionate about serving the community, and prioritize the safety and well-being of all individuals—especially youth—by exceeding industry standards and ensuring full compliance.
The YMCA Board is seeking a visionary, community-minded CEO with proven leadership experience. The successful candidate must be able to develop and implement strategic plans that align with the YMCA’s mission and long-term goals, demonstrate excellent communication, relationship-building, and collaboration skills, and possess a track record of achieving measurable outcomes and driving organizational growth, all while embodying the YMCA’s values and commitment to its mission.
Position Description
The YMCA of Grand Island is searching for an innovative, strategic, and community-minded President & CEO to amplify our 140-year legacy of strengthening spirit, mind, and body in central Nebraska. Reporting to a committed 10-member Board of Directors, the CEO will champion our Christian mission and core values while expanding the Y’s reach across Grand Island and the 30-plus rural communities that rely on us for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
In this role you will lead with an entrepreneurial spirit—growing membership and programs, cultivating transformative partnerships, and securing the philanthropic resources that keep the Y affordable and accessible. You will design and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies, from annual and capital campaigns to major-gift cultivation and grant acquisition, ensuring sound fiscal stewardship of our $1.9 million budget and strengthening our endowment for future generations. As the Y’s chief ambassador, you will nurture relationships with civic leaders, schools, healthcare systems, businesses, and faith communities, communicating the Y’s impact and inspiring volunteers and donors to invest in our mission.
Ideal candidates will bring at least five years of senior executive experience in the YMCA or a comparable nonprofit, a history of progressive budgetary leadership, demonstrated success in community relationship-building and strategic fundraising, and personal values that align with caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. If you are a visionary leader eager to inspire teams, deepen community impact, and steward a vibrant organization into its next chapter, we invite you to join us in building a healthier, more connected Grand Island.
Qualifications
Criteria for Candidates:
- Accredited 4-year college degree or equivalent experience.
- Must demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills and personal values consistent with the YMCA mission.
- Minimum five years prior experience in a senior management role with a YMCA or related experience at a comparable organization with direct supervision of multiple levels of staff and employees.
- Must be able to develop and strengthen community relationships.
- Have the ability to develop innovative programs, review and enhance programs being offered or considered for both economy and the effectiveness in broadening our engagement in the communities in which we serve.
- Strategic planning and Fundraising experience including annual campaigns and the securing of grants.
- Fiscally sound business management approach.
- A proven record of accomplishment of progressive budgetary leadership and advanced fiscal management practices.
- YMCA Organizational Leader Certification or ability to achieve within 3 years.
Essential Functions
Role The board believes its new CEO should be an experienced leader who has the background and qualities that will permit him or her to achieve excellence in the following roles:
Fundraising and Financial Development: Develop and execute a comprehensive annual fundraising plan that establishes the YMCA as a leading nonprofit in the community. Identify, cultivate, and solicit major gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations. Lead successful capital fundraising campaigns and grow the organization’s endowment to secure its long-term future. Ensure the organization has a culture of philanthropy, engaging the board, staff, and volunteers in fundraising efforts. Oversee grant writing and reporting to secure funding from various sources. Ensure sound fiscal management of the organization, including budget development and oversight of financial performance.
Community Engagement and Advocacy: Serve as the primary ambassador for the YMCA’s mission, purpose, and vision within the community. Develop and cultivate strong relationships with key community leaders, government officials, school districts, and other non-profit organizations. Effectively communicate the YMCA impact to all stakeholders, inspiring greater community involvement and support. Advocate for the YMCA’s mission.
Strategic Leadership and Vision: Work with the Board of Directors to develop and implement a strategic plan that aligns with the YMCA’s mission and addresses the evolving needs of the community. Foster a culture of innovation, encouraging the development of new programs and services that broaden our reach and impact. Lead and inspire a team, ensuring a talent development system is in place to attract, retain, and develop high-performing staff.
Salary, Benefits, & Criteria
Salary Range: $75,000 - $90,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
Benefits
- Y Retirement - 8% contribution to a 401a, once eligibility is met.
- Y Retirement 403B Savings Account eligible on first day of employment.
- PTO – Unlimited Vacation/Sick Leave for Exempt personnel after 90 days continuous service.
- Health plan (75% paid by Y for employee-only plan) or stipend if health plan is not offered.
- Other benefits per personnel policy.
Residency Expectation: The CEO is expected to be highly engaged and visible in our community. Living in the YMCA’s service area is preferred.
Search Process & Dates
Resumes accepted through: September 8, 2025
Preliminary interviews scheduled: October 5 and 6, 2025
In-person interviews: October 28 and 29, 2025
CEO selection made: November 6, 2025
New CEO on board (anticipated): December 1, 2025
How To Apply
Candidate will apply via the following website:
Application Materials
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.
Questions
Mike Gulick
Executive Director
Heartland Alliance – YMCAs of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa
(email protected),
Grace Matos
Director, Executive Leadership / CEO Search, Network Experience
YMCA of the USA
(email protected),