Job Details

Overview

This is an incredible chance to lead a highly respected, cornerstone community organization in Silicon Valley. The YMCA of Silicon Valley is one of the ten largest Ys in the country. The President and CEO will collaborate with a devoted board and dedicated staff to deliver enriching programs and services across a two-county service area, building on a rich history of community service.

The President and CEO of the YMCA of Silicon Valley is a crucial leadership position, reporting directly to the Association Board of Directors. This person will be responsible for defining the vision, strategic direction, and organizational planning for the entire Association, upholding the YMCA's mission and guiding principles, fostering growth, ensuring financial stability, spearheading fundraising efforts, cultivating strong community relationships, and overseeing all staffing and operations.

We're looking for an inspiring leader who can become a visible figure in the community, with deep understanding of Silicon Valley's opportunities, challenges, needs, and resources, and extensive knowledge of the YMCA at local, national, and global levels. This role requires a highly collaborative leader who can engage with staff, the board, community and local government leaders, members, donors, and volunteers. The CEO will be a visionary with a proven history of building partnerships, fostering unity, and navigating challenging periods, and will advocate for the YMCA as a vital community partner.

The successful candidate will have substantial experience building and leading teams and the skills to guide a multi-site, multi-program, complex organization through the current pandemic-affected environment and into the future.

Key Skills and Responsibilities

• Execute the Strategic Plan: Collaborate with leadership and the board to implement the current YMCA strategic plan, develop organizational strategies with measurable goals and actionable implementation plans. Key competencies: Change Leadership, Communication & Influence, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Program/Project Management.
• Improve Operating Performance: Work with the leadership team to develop an annual tactical plan to drive new revenue streams and achieve financial objectives. Maintain sustainability and strong financial health through prudent operations, forecasting, and performance improvement. Key competencies: Developing Self & Others, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Innovation.
• Fiscal Management: Lead the organization toward financial health and growth via advanced financial analysis, budgeting, and staffing development. Ensure stability and stewardship across departments. Key competencies: Fiscal Management, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Developing Self & Others, Philanthropy.
• Position the Y as a Vital Partner for Community Change: Embody the YMCA's mission and develop stakeholder relationships while upholding core values. Establish the Y as a pivotal nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the community. Key competencies: Communication & Influence, Engaging Community, Collaboration.
• Elevate Fundraising Efforts: Develop and execute a fundraising plan including annual, capital, and endowment initiatives. Implement systems to streamline fundraising, cultivate donor relationships, and engage members, volunteers, and staff in fundraising efforts. Key competencies: Philanthropy, Engaging Community, Communication & Influence.
• Build and Lead a High-Performing Team: Develop a talent strategy to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse workforce, fostering a high-performance, inclusive culture. Key competencies: Developing Self & Others, Inclusion, Emotional Maturity, Change Leadership.
• Maximize Board Engagement: Increase board engagement and collaborate on best-practice processes for recruitment, training, development, and renewal of board members.

About the YMCA of Silicon Valley

Our Y is a leading nonprofit focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Our mission is to strengthen the community by helping individuals and families reach their full potential. Learn more on the YMCA's website or in our Community Impact materials.

We are one of the largest YMCAs in the U.S. and Silicon Valley. We operate 11 branches (10 full facilities and a resident camp) and partner with volunteers across hundreds of program locations in the valley.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation: $450,000 to $550,000 commensurate with experience. A market study of area executive salaries is underway. Additional compensation, temporary housing and housing assistance may be offered to help with relocation.

• Benefits: Health benefits (four plan options: three Kaiser plans and Sutter Health Plan's HMO), PTO, Y Retirement Fund with 10% YMCA contribution, 403B Savings, car allowance, cell phone.

Minimum Criteria for Candidates

Education: Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.

Leadership Experience: At least ten (10) years of senior leadership experience, preferably within a YMCA or a comparable, complex multi-site organization, including direct oversight of diverse teams. Proven leadership abilities and track record of building strong teams and culture.

Financial Expertise: Proven financial acumen with a track record of managing multi-site operations and annual budgets exceeding $40MM.

Fundraising Acumen: Demonstrated success in cultivating philanthropic support, including securing corporate, major private, foundation, government, and individual gifts. Experience leading a major capital campaign.

Change & Innovation: History of leading change management and driving innovative solutions.

Interpersonal & Strategic Leadership: Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build trust; experience leading strategic planning initiatives.

Language Proficiency: Ability to speak languages other than English is a plus.

Search Process Target Dates

Resumes accepted through: September 1

Preliminary Zoom interviews: October 7 and 8

Final in-person interviews: November 17 and 18

New CEO on board (anticipated): January 2, 2026, or earlier

*Dates subject to change

How to Apply

References, Background Check, and Organizational Leader Certification: Candidates must submit a resume (PDF) and cover letter (PDF) via the application portal. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Final interview candidates will provide six references (direct supervisor, current or former supervisor, peer/colleague, plus two personal references). HireRight will conduct a comprehensive background check, including criminal records, education, and employment verification.

A successful candidate must pass a background check and obtain Y-USA's Organizational Leader Certification within the first three years of start date. Other screening requirements may apply per YMCA personnel policies.

Apply here:

Questions

About the Search Process?
Richard Clegg, Senior CEO Search YMCA Consultant, DBD Group, ...@ymca.net

About the YMCA?
Dan Crocker, Director of Association Resources, California State Alliance of YMCAs, ...@ymcasofca.org