Indyhunger
THE OPPORTUNITY AT THE WABASH COUNTY YMCA
The CEO will provide visionary leadership and operational oversight for the YMCA. They will build upon our existing strengths while guiding the organization into the future — strengthening staff culture, expanding community engagement, ensuring financial sustainability, and deepening our positive local impact through programs and initiatives. The CEO will be a hands‑on, relational leader who lives and serves within the community, fosters strong partnerships, and drives results aligned with our core values.
Qualifications Criteria for Candidates:
Education & Professional Credentials
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or advanced nonprofit leadership credential preferred.
Preference for a minimum 5–10 years of senior leadership experience (nonprofit, mission-driven organization preferred; YMCA experience a plus).
YMCA Organizational Leader Certification or ability to achieve within 3 years.
Leadership & Management
Demonstrated success in building and leading teams.
High emotional intelligence, leadership presence, servant mindset, and commitment to YMCA values.
Experience in strategic planning, managing change, and driving organizational growth.
Knowledge and successful experience managing financial resources and leading organizational development.
Experience maintaining affordable access to services while achieving financial viability.
Track record of growing membership and programs in a nonprofit or membership organization.
Strong communication skills — written, oral, public speaking — and ability to represent the YMCA effectively.
Community Engagement & Relationships
Proven ability to build relationships, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and engage in community outreach.
Possess or have a willingness to learn and understand the needs of Wabash County and the region.
An understanding of working in a small/medium-sized community and its unique dynamics.
A willingness to be personally visible, active, and engaged in leadership of the community.
Experience developing, managing, and growing partnerships with schools, businesses, and community organizations.
Program & Mission Expertise
Familiarity with youth sports programming, senior services, and enrichment programs for teens and families.
Commitment to diversity and inclusivity, creating welcoming environments for people of all backgrounds, income levels, and ages.
Essential Functions KEY SKILLS AND ABILITIES OF OUR NEXT CEO
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:
Community Engagement & Partnerships:
Serve as an ambassador for the Y’s mission, purpose, and vision for Wabash County and Northeast Indiana by attending community events, building strategic partnerships, volunteering, and forming meaningful relationships. Build and deepen partnerships with local schools, nonprofits, faith‑based organizations, health providers, businesses, local government, and community groups. Ensure your Y is seen as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other as well as through outreach initiatives, volunteer programs, and inclusive activities. Listen to, inspire, and engage diverse populations in the community to ensure programs meet real needs and promote belonging. Develop and maintain excellent relationships within the community and the Association, as well as within the state, regional, national, and international YMCA movements. Key Competencies: Communication & Influence, Inclusivity, Engaging Community, Volunteerism, Collaboration
Strategic Leadership and Vision:
Lead development, implementation, and communication of a strategic plan that aligns with community needs, the Y’s mission, and organizational goals. Model YMCA core values through visible leadership, community presence, and personal integrity. Key Competencies: Servant Leadership, Understanding of local needs, Vision, Willingness to form partnerships
Staff Leadership:
Ensure a talent development system is in place, and hire, motivate, nurture, retain, and hold staff accountable for key objectives. Foster a strong internal culture by inspiring, engaging, supporting, and developing staff, building teamwork and accountability, and ensuring staff feel valued and motivated. Key Competencies: Developing Self & Others, Inclusion, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Emotional Maturity, Servant Leadership, Innovation
Operations and Fiscal Management:
Ensure a safe, welcoming, and high‑quality facilities and program environment for members, families, and staff. Oversee all program areas (youth, adults, seniors, wellness, outreach etc.), ensuring they are responsive to current and future community needs and inclusive of all ages and backgrounds. When issues arise, be quick to address them with respect and transparency. Lead annual budgeting, oversight of financial performance, and long‑term financial planning to maintain organizational health and affordability for participants. Empower and guide staff leaders to lead their departments to successful financial operation. Key Competencies: Fiscal Management, Transparency, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Developing Self & Others
Fundraising and Sustainability:
Lead major gifts fundraising and work alongside the Vice President of Mission Advancement to develop and implement an annual fundraising plan, stewardship activities, and endowment‑building strategies. Establish and cultivate relationships with donors, sponsors, community partners, members, and philanthropic entities to support mission‑driven initiatives. Key Competencies: Philanthropy, Engaging Community, Communication & Influence
Board & Governance Collaboration:
Work closely with the Board of Directors to support governance, goals, policy, and strategy. Keep the board informed of key metrics, strategic progress, risks, and opportunities. Support board recruitment, development, and engagement to reflect community diversity and strengthen leadership. Key Competencies: Collaboration, Transparency, Active Listening, Communication, Clarity
SALARY & BENEFITS Salary Range:
Approximately $100,000 to $160,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Benefits:
YMCA Retirement (10% paid by Y, 2% by employee) contribution once eligibility is met
YMCA 403B savings account
Health plan (75% paid by Y, 25% by employee)
Life insurance
Paid Time Off (PTO): days determined by years of service per personnel policy
Family compensated membership to the Wabash County YMCA
HSA Account $1,000 year - extra $500 w/ exercise
Partial cell phone reimbursement $
Residency Expectation Living in Wabash County is preferred. It is expected that the CEO be fully engaged in the communities the Y serves, visible in facilities to members, donors, program participants, and community leaders.
SEARCH PROCESS TARGET DATES
Resumes accepted through: January 09, 2026
Preliminary interviews scheduled: February 12-13, 2026
In-person interviews: February 23-24, 2026
CEO selection made: February 26 or later
New CEO on board (anticipated): March / April
More information about the position and the Wabash County YMCA can be found by clicking the Apply Now.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Qualifications Criteria for Candidates:
Education & Professional Credentials
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or advanced nonprofit leadership credential preferred.
Preference for a minimum 5–10 years of senior leadership experience (nonprofit, mission-driven organization preferred; YMCA experience a plus).
YMCA Organizational Leader Certification or ability to achieve within 3 years.
Leadership & Management
Demonstrated success in building and leading teams.
High emotional intelligence, leadership presence, servant mindset, and commitment to YMCA values.
Experience in strategic planning, managing change, and driving organizational growth.
Knowledge and successful experience managing financial resources and leading organizational development.
Experience maintaining affordable access to services while achieving financial viability.
Track record of growing membership and programs in a nonprofit or membership organization.
Strong communication skills — written, oral, public speaking — and ability to represent the YMCA effectively.
Community Engagement & Relationships
Proven ability to build relationships, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and engage in community outreach.
Possess or have a willingness to learn and understand the needs of Wabash County and the region.
An understanding of working in a small/medium-sized community and its unique dynamics.
A willingness to be personally visible, active, and engaged in leadership of the community.
Experience developing, managing, and growing partnerships with schools, businesses, and community organizations.
Program & Mission Expertise
Familiarity with youth sports programming, senior services, and enrichment programs for teens and families.
Commitment to diversity and inclusivity, creating welcoming environments for people of all backgrounds, income levels, and ages.
Essential Functions KEY SKILLS AND ABILITIES OF OUR NEXT CEO
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:
Community Engagement & Partnerships:
Serve as an ambassador for the Y’s mission, purpose, and vision for Wabash County and Northeast Indiana by attending community events, building strategic partnerships, volunteering, and forming meaningful relationships. Build and deepen partnerships with local schools, nonprofits, faith‑based organizations, health providers, businesses, local government, and community groups. Ensure your Y is seen as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other as well as through outreach initiatives, volunteer programs, and inclusive activities. Listen to, inspire, and engage diverse populations in the community to ensure programs meet real needs and promote belonging. Develop and maintain excellent relationships within the community and the Association, as well as within the state, regional, national, and international YMCA movements. Key Competencies: Communication & Influence, Inclusivity, Engaging Community, Volunteerism, Collaboration
Strategic Leadership and Vision:
Lead development, implementation, and communication of a strategic plan that aligns with community needs, the Y’s mission, and organizational goals. Model YMCA core values through visible leadership, community presence, and personal integrity. Key Competencies: Servant Leadership, Understanding of local needs, Vision, Willingness to form partnerships
Staff Leadership:
Ensure a talent development system is in place, and hire, motivate, nurture, retain, and hold staff accountable for key objectives. Foster a strong internal culture by inspiring, engaging, supporting, and developing staff, building teamwork and accountability, and ensuring staff feel valued and motivated. Key Competencies: Developing Self & Others, Inclusion, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Emotional Maturity, Servant Leadership, Innovation
Operations and Fiscal Management:
Ensure a safe, welcoming, and high‑quality facilities and program environment for members, families, and staff. Oversee all program areas (youth, adults, seniors, wellness, outreach etc.), ensuring they are responsive to current and future community needs and inclusive of all ages and backgrounds. When issues arise, be quick to address them with respect and transparency. Lead annual budgeting, oversight of financial performance, and long‑term financial planning to maintain organizational health and affordability for participants. Empower and guide staff leaders to lead their departments to successful financial operation. Key Competencies: Fiscal Management, Transparency, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Developing Self & Others
Fundraising and Sustainability:
Lead major gifts fundraising and work alongside the Vice President of Mission Advancement to develop and implement an annual fundraising plan, stewardship activities, and endowment‑building strategies. Establish and cultivate relationships with donors, sponsors, community partners, members, and philanthropic entities to support mission‑driven initiatives. Key Competencies: Philanthropy, Engaging Community, Communication & Influence
Board & Governance Collaboration:
Work closely with the Board of Directors to support governance, goals, policy, and strategy. Keep the board informed of key metrics, strategic progress, risks, and opportunities. Support board recruitment, development, and engagement to reflect community diversity and strengthen leadership. Key Competencies: Collaboration, Transparency, Active Listening, Communication, Clarity
SALARY & BENEFITS Salary Range:
Approximately $100,000 to $160,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Benefits:
YMCA Retirement (10% paid by Y, 2% by employee) contribution once eligibility is met
YMCA 403B savings account
Health plan (75% paid by Y, 25% by employee)
Life insurance
Paid Time Off (PTO): days determined by years of service per personnel policy
Family compensated membership to the Wabash County YMCA
HSA Account $1,000 year - extra $500 w/ exercise
Partial cell phone reimbursement $
Residency Expectation Living in Wabash County is preferred. It is expected that the CEO be fully engaged in the communities the Y serves, visible in facilities to members, donors, program participants, and community leaders.
SEARCH PROCESS TARGET DATES
Resumes accepted through: January 09, 2026
Preliminary interviews scheduled: February 12-13, 2026
In-person interviews: February 23-24, 2026
CEO selection made: February 26 or later
New CEO on board (anticipated): March / April
More information about the position and the Wabash County YMCA can be found by clicking the Apply Now.
#J-18808-Ljbffr