YMCA Southcoast
Chief People and Culture Officer (CPCO)
YMCA Southcoast, New Bedford, Massachusetts, us, 02746
Overview
The Chief People and Culture Officer (CPCO) is a key member of the executive leadership team at the YMCA Southcoast. This position is responsible for developing and leading a comprehensive people strategy that attracts, develops, engages, and retains top talent while fostering a thriving culture rooted in the Y’s values and mission. Responsibilities
Lead Culture & Strategy
Champion an inclusive, mission-driven, and high-performance culture aligned with the YMCA’s values. Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the CEO and executive leadership on culture, equity, leadership, and organizational health.
Leadership & Learning Development
Design and implement leadership and learning development initiatives to build the next generation of YMCA leaders. Advance strategies to strengthen executive, manager, and staff capacity through training, coaching, mentorship, and continuous learning pathways.
Talent Management & HR Operations
Oversee all aspects of talent acquisition, recruitment, onboarding, and retention to build a diverse, engaged, and mission-driven workforce. Ensure effective and compliant administration of employee benefits, compensation, HRIS systems, and workforce policies. Provide leadership and support in employee relations, conflict resolution, and organizational change management.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)
Drive organizational commitment to equity and inclusion, ensuring practices, policies, and leadership behaviors align with YMCA values. Embed DEI principles into all people processes, including hiring, professional development, and employee engagement.
Organizational Health & Compliance
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and YMCA standards, including risk management and safety. Oversee workers’ compensation, unemployment, and related processes.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Organizational Development, Business, or related field – preferred, Master degree is a bonus. 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in human resources, organizational development, or people strategy. Experience designing and leading leadership development and learning strategies. SHRM-SCP or HRCI Senior Professional certification strongly preferred. Demonstrated success in building organizational culture, leading change, and driving employee engagement. Knowledge of employment law, benefits administration, HRIS systems, and workforce compliance. Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups and build inclusive teams. Excellent planning, organization, and communication skills. YMCA leadership certification preferred or commitment to obtain within two years. Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus. YMCA Leadership Competencies
Critical Thinking & Decision Making Inclusion & Belonging Communication & Influence Emotional Maturity Developing Self & Others Work Environment & Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device. The employee frequently is required to sit and reach and must be able to move around the work environment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Benefits
Health, Dental and Vision insurance YMCA Retirement – 12% match after 2 yrs of service Life & Long-Term Disability Insurance YMCA Southcoast Association Membership (includes Nationwide membership) Vacation, holidays and generous sick time
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The Chief People and Culture Officer (CPCO) is a key member of the executive leadership team at the YMCA Southcoast. This position is responsible for developing and leading a comprehensive people strategy that attracts, develops, engages, and retains top talent while fostering a thriving culture rooted in the Y’s values and mission. Responsibilities
Lead Culture & Strategy
Champion an inclusive, mission-driven, and high-performance culture aligned with the YMCA’s values. Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the CEO and executive leadership on culture, equity, leadership, and organizational health.
Leadership & Learning Development
Design and implement leadership and learning development initiatives to build the next generation of YMCA leaders. Advance strategies to strengthen executive, manager, and staff capacity through training, coaching, mentorship, and continuous learning pathways.
Talent Management & HR Operations
Oversee all aspects of talent acquisition, recruitment, onboarding, and retention to build a diverse, engaged, and mission-driven workforce. Ensure effective and compliant administration of employee benefits, compensation, HRIS systems, and workforce policies. Provide leadership and support in employee relations, conflict resolution, and organizational change management.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)
Drive organizational commitment to equity and inclusion, ensuring practices, policies, and leadership behaviors align with YMCA values. Embed DEI principles into all people processes, including hiring, professional development, and employee engagement.
Organizational Health & Compliance
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and YMCA standards, including risk management and safety. Oversee workers’ compensation, unemployment, and related processes.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Organizational Development, Business, or related field – preferred, Master degree is a bonus. 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in human resources, organizational development, or people strategy. Experience designing and leading leadership development and learning strategies. SHRM-SCP or HRCI Senior Professional certification strongly preferred. Demonstrated success in building organizational culture, leading change, and driving employee engagement. Knowledge of employment law, benefits administration, HRIS systems, and workforce compliance. Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups and build inclusive teams. Excellent planning, organization, and communication skills. YMCA leadership certification preferred or commitment to obtain within two years. Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus. YMCA Leadership Competencies
Critical Thinking & Decision Making Inclusion & Belonging Communication & Influence Emotional Maturity Developing Self & Others Work Environment & Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device. The employee frequently is required to sit and reach and must be able to move around the work environment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Benefits
Health, Dental and Vision insurance YMCA Retirement – 12% match after 2 yrs of service Life & Long-Term Disability Insurance YMCA Southcoast Association Membership (includes Nationwide membership) Vacation, holidays and generous sick time
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