Chief Executive Officer (Springfield)
Committees: The Ozarks Regional YMCA is seeking a visionary, mission-driven leader to serve as its next Chief Executive Officer. Job Description EXECUTIVE VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT OZARKS REGIONAL YMCA Position: Chief Executive Officer Address: 3 23 N Patton Ave, Springfield, MO 65806 Website: https://www.orymca.org/ The Ozarks Regional YMCA is seeking a visionary, mission-driven leader to serve as its next Chief Executive Officer. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a respected, multi-branch YMCA association with a proud 137-year history of strengthening communities across Southwest Missouri. The organization enters its next chapter from a position of renewed strength. Through focused leadership and the commitment of an engaged board and dedicated staff team, the YMCA has strengthened operations, improved organizational stability, and established a clear strategic direction for future growth. The next CEO will have the opportunity to build upon this momentum while expanding the YMCA's impact throughout the region. Serving nearly 20,000 members through multiple branches, childcare programs, camps, and community initiatives, the Ozarks Regional YMCA is uniquely positioned to address some of the region's most pressing needs, including youth development, affordable childcare, water safety, chronic disease prevention, and community well‑being. The Board of Directors seeks a collaborative and strategic leader who will inspire others, build meaningful partnerships, strengthen philanthropic support, and elevate the YMCA's visibility as one of the region's leading nonprofit organizations. The successful candidate will possess the vision to identify emerging opportunities, the operational expertise to execute effectively, and the relationship‑building skills necessary to unite stakeholders around a shared vision for community impact. Above all, the CEO will champion a culture rooted in the YMCA's mission, values, and unwavering commitment to youth protection. The safety and well‑being of children will remain central to every decision, program, and interaction across the association. Why This Leadership Opportunity Matters The Next CEO Will Join The Ozarks Regional YMCA At a Pivotal And Exciting Moment In Its History. Key Opportunities Include Leading the implementation of an ambitious strategic vision focused on childcare access, water safety, health improvement, and community connection. Advancing a proposed $6 million capital development initiative designed to expand community impact and enhance recreational opportunities for families throughout the region. Building upon a strong foundation of community trust while elevating the YMCA's role as a leading convener, collaborator, and advocate for healthy communities. Strengthening long-term financial sustainability through philanthropy, earned revenue growth, operational excellence, and strategic partnerships. Developing and empowering the next generation of YMCA leaders while fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement. For an accomplished executive seeking meaningful work and the opportunity to create lasting impact, the Ozarks Regional YMCA offers both a significant leadership challenge and an extraordinary platform for community transformation. Qualifications A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four‑year college is preferred. Equivalent professional experience is required. Experience working across multiple locations and sites is preferred. Demonstrated fiscal management expertise, with a proven track record of overseeing annual budgets of $8 million or more. At least five years of senior management experience within a YMCA or a comparable organization, including direct supervision of staff across multiple levels. Essential Functions Key Skills and Abilities of Our Next CEO Implement the Vision and Strategic Priorities: Collaborate effectively with volunteers, community leaders, and key staff to develop and execute a strategic plan that addresses the evolving needs of the communities served by the Y. Ensure the plan includes clearly defined organizational strategies, actionable implementation steps, measurable outcomes, and accountability for results. Key competencies: Change Leadership, Communication & Influence, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Program/Project Management Improve Operating Performance: Partner with the board and staff leadership to develop and implement an annual operational plan that advances organizational goals while promoting safe, relevant, and sustainable practices. Proactively identify and address challenges, anticipate future needs, and provide effective oversight of the Y’s operations, programs, and services. Key competencies: Developing Self & Others, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Innovation Fiscal Management: Apply advanced financial analysis and forecasting to support the organization’s long‑term growth, stability, and sustainability. Consistently lead the Y toward balanced or surplus operations through revenue growth, philanthropic support, and prudent cost management. Empower and support staff leaders in achieving strong financial performance within their areas of responsibility, while developing and implementing effective stewardship strategies. Key competencies: Fiscal Management, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Developing Self & Others, Philanthropy Position the Y as a Vital Partner for Community Change: Serve as a visible and credible ambassador for the YMCA’s mission, vision, and values throughout the community. Build and strengthen relationships with diverse stakeholders, community partners, and civic leaders while consistently demonstrating the highest standards of integrity and service. Ensure the Y is recognized as a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities by connecting people to their potential, purpose, and one another. Key competencies: Communication & Influence, Engaging Community, Collaboration Steward Fundraising Efforts: Develop and execute a comprehensive annual fundraising strategy that engages members, volunteers, staff, donors, and community partners in advancing the YMCA’s mission. Assess and pursue opportunities for capital development while expanding the organization’s effectiveness and impact in annual giving, major gifts, and endowment growth. Key competencies: Philanthropy, Engaging Community, Communication & Influence Lead a High-Performing Team: Develop and implement a comprehensive talent development strategy that promotes a supportive, inclusive, and culturally competent workplace. Recruit, develop, and retain a diverse and high‑performing team that reflects and serves the community. Foster a culture of collaboration, shared accountability, continuous learning, and leadership development across the organization. Key competencies: Developing Self & Others, Inclusion, Emotional Maturity, Change Leadership Association Snapshot The Ozarks Regional YMCA is a long-standing nonprofit organization based in Southwest Missouri, founded in Springfield in 1888, with a mission centered on strengthening community through inclusive programs and services. Rooted in Christian principles, the organization focuses on building healthy spirit, mind, and body for all people, regardless of age, background, or financial situation. The Ozarks Regional YMCA is supported by a strong, mission-driven staff team in partnership with the board committed to serving the diverse needs of the communities across its service area. Staff and leadership bring a blend of experience, collaboration, and passion for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. With a culture that emphasizes teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement, the organization is well‑positioned to deliver high‑quality programs and services. The strength of the team is reflected in its ability to adapt, innovate, and build meaningful relationships that advance the YMCA’s impact throughout the region. The Ozarks Regional YMCA continues to reflect a commitment to excellence in everything we do. We focus our work in three key areas of impact, because nurturing the potential of children, helping people live healthier and supporting our neighbors are fundamental to strengthening communities. We believe that to bring about meaningful change in individuals and communities, we must be focused and accountable. Through its network of family centers, camps, and community initiatives, the YMCA provides opportunities for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, offering programs such as childcare, sports, wellness activities, and community outreach. With a strong commitment to accessibility, the Ozarks Regional YMCA also provides financial assistance to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive, making it a vital resource for individuals and families across the region. Our Mission To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Our Cause & Values To strengthen the foundations of community and instill the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Current Key Association Strategic Initiatives Priority One: Our YMCA Association will consistently demonstrate operational rigor and sophistication with programs, processes, and practices Priority Two: Quality, affordable childcare will be accessible to every working parent/guardian Priority Three: Everyone in our community will gain water
