Chief Executive Officer

Job Description

The Opportunity

This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned and mission-driven leader to make a profound impact within one of the most vibrant YMCA associations in Florida. The First Coast YMCA serves a growing and diverse community across Northeast Florida, helping all people reach their full potential in spirit, mind, and body.

The President and CEO provides visionary and strategic leadership to the YMCA of Florida's First Coast ensuring its continued mission impact, operational excellence, community relevance and financial sustainability. As the face of the organization, this leader will collaboratively partner closely with the Board of Directors, staff, philanthropic partners and community leaders to strengthen the YMCA's presence and legacy throughout the First Coast region advancing the Y's role as a trusted leader in youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Our CEO will inspire and empower a dedicated staff team and volunteer network, fostering a culture grounded in the YMCA’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. A top priority will be ensuring the safety, well-being, and belonging of all individuals—especially children and families—through the highest standards of operational excellence and compliance.

The ideal candidate will be a visionary, community-minded leader with demonstrated success in organizational growth, financial stewardship, and partnership cultivation. This individual will possess :

• Humility. With high emotional intelligence that fosters respect, and productive collaboration.
• Integrity. A reputation for aligning words, decisions, and actions with organizational values.
• Vision. Strategic insight to anticipate trends, adapt to changing needs, and guide long-term success.
• Executive Presence. Credibility and communication skills that engage and influence diverse stakeholders.
• Influence. Ability to build alignment, shape decisions, and lead effectively in complex environments.
• Service. A demonstrated commitment to community leadership and volunteer engagement.
• Engagement. A collaborative leadership approach that strengthens relationships and unites stakeholders.
• Executive Leadership. Successful experience within complex, mission-driven organizations.
• Operational Excellence. A track record of delivering measurable outcomes through strategic focus and innovation.

With an engaged Board of Directors and a passionate staff team, the First Coast YMCA offers a dynamic platform for a leader who is ready to make a lasting difference in the lives of thousands across the region.

About The YMCA of Florida’s First Coast

The First Coast YMCA is one of the region’s most respected and impactful nonprofit organizations, dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community across Northeast Florida. With a legacy that spans nearly 120 years, the First Coast Y has been a driving force for positive change—where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential and belong to something greater than themselves. The Y is always evolving to meet the changing needs of the community while staying true to its core mission—to build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

Serving more than 200,000 individuals and families each year, the First Coast YMCA operates more than a dozen membership facilities, a resident camp, a charter school, and an extensive network of youth development, wellness, and outreach programs. These initiatives range from afterschool care to chronic disease prevention, quality family time, senior engagement, workforce wellness, and partnerships that address social responsibility and community well-being.

The Y’s reach extends beyond its walls, empowering people of all ages and backgrounds to learn, grow, and thrive. Whether through swim lessons that save lives, mentorship programs that build confidence, or fitness experiences that foster lifelong wellness, the First Coast YMCA is a trusted community partner and a vital connector across neighborhoods.

Our Mission : To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

Membership :

Total Number of Members : 72,162 (17,021 Third Party, 3,194 Military)

Total Number of Membership Units : 41,549

(includes 9,996 in 3rd party reimbursement, i.e., Silver Sneakers)

Branch / Facility Information

Baker County YMCA – 136 West Lowder Street, Macclenny, FL 32063 |

Barco-Newton Family YMCA – 2075 Town Center Boulevard, Fleming Island, FL 32003 |

Brooks Family YMCA – 10423 Centurion Parkway North, Jacksonville, FL 32256 |

Brown Family YMCA – 170 Landrum Lane, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 |

Dye Clay Family YMCA – 3322 Moody Ave., Orange Park, FL 32065 |

Flagler Health+ Village YMCA (Murabella) – 120 Health Park Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32086 |

Johnson Family YMCA – 5700 Cleveland Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32209 |

McArthur Family YMCA – 1915 Citrona Dr., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 |

Nocatee YMCA – 400 Colonnade Drive, Ponte Vedra, FL 32081 |

St. Augustine YMCA – 500 Pope Rd., St. Augustine, FL 32080 |

Williams Family YMCA – 10415 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32257 |

Winston Family YMCA – 221 Riverside Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32202 |

YMCA at Baptist North – 11236 Baptist Health Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32218 |

YMCA at Wildlight – 123 Tinker Street, Yulee, FL 32097 |

YMCA Camp Immokalee – 6765 Immokalee Rd, Keystone Heights, FL |

YMCA Tiger Academy – 6079 Bagley Road, Jacksonville, FL 32209 |

Coming in 2026 : West Augustine YMCA - 1000 S Ponce De Leon Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32084

Out of School Locations :

Comprehensive Fundraising Campaign : The First Coast YMCA’s Annual Campaign is the foundation of our charitable mission, ensuring that every person, regardless of age, background, or income, has access to the programs and resources that build a healthier, stronger, and more connected community. Gifts to the campaign directly support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility across our 14 branches and program sites. These contributions provide children with safe spaces to learn and grow, strengthen mental and physical well-being for individuals and families, expand outreach to military members and veterans, and make it possible for seniors to stay active and engaged. Every dollar raised advances the Y’s commitment to giving people of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life the opportunity to reach their full potential. Our Annual Campaign goal for FY26 is $2 million.

The First Coast YMCA is dedicated to expanding and modernizing our facilities to better serve the evolving needs of our community. Key capital projects, totaling about $37 million, include :

Philanthropy

FY25 $1,689,000

FY26 $2,010,000

Previous Year’s Annual Giving Impact 2024 :

Total number of people receiving financial assistance (scholarship) : 32,208

Total membership units : 30,152

Total amount awarded in financial assistance (scholarship) : $2,655,057

Staff

Current Staff : FT – 196 FT Staff

PT – 1396 PT Employees

CEO Direct Reports :

Chief Development Officer

EVP, COO / CFO

Chief Marketing Officer

Director of Executive Support

Board of Directors : 24 Participants

1 Board Emeritus Member

6 Committees

Financial Snapshot :

Revenue & Expenses 2026 Budget $49.9 million

Required Debt Covenants Ration 1.25 and 60 DCOH

(actual FY 2025 : 1.41x and 86 DCOH)

Current Endowment $3.8 million

Current Debt $24 million

Undesignated Cash on Hand $3.6 million

Total Liquidity (all funds) $21 million

About the First Coast

Florida’s First Coast is an exceptional place to live, work, and lead. Anchored by Jacksonville and stretching through St. Augustine and surrounding counties, the region combines coastal beauty with metropolitan opportunity. Known for its vibrant blend of urban, suburban, and coastal living, the region offers a high quality of life with beautiful beaches, a thriving arts and cultural scene, diverse dining, and year-round outdoor recreation. It’s home to major employers, world-class healthcare, respected universities, and a proud military presence, offering both economic vitality and stability. With its affordability, family-friendly neighborhoods, and dynamic growth, the First Coast attracts people who want to build meaningful lives and lasting connections. For the next leader of the First Coast Y, it offers the ideal environment to make a transformative impact while enjoying one of the most desirable regions in the Southeast.

Qualifications

Criteria for Candidates :

Essential Functions

Key Skills and Abilities of Our Next CEO

Develop and Implement a Strategic Plan : Partner with volunteers, community leaders, and key staff, to create and develop a strategic plan that addresses the needs of the communities served by the Y and includes defined organizational strategies, a clear implementation plan with deliverables, and measurable goals. Key competencies : Change Leadership, Communication & Influence, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Program / Project Management

Steward Fundraising Efforts : Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan that will establish the YMCA as a leading nonprofit organization within the community through the engagement of members, volunteers, staff, and donors. Serve as the chief Fundraiser, personally engage major donors, foundations and public / private partners. Identify the need for successful capital fundraising, while taking the organization to a new level of effectiveness and impact in annual giving and endowment. Key competencies : Philanthropy, Engaging Community, Communication & Influence

Fiscal Management : Use high-level financial analysis to forecast financial trends, growth and stability, while consistently leading organization to balance or surplus operations by growing earned revenue and contributions and controlling costs. Empower and guide staff leaders to lead their departments to successful financial operation. Develop and implement stewardship strategies. Key competencies : Fiscal Management, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Developing Self & Others, Philanthropy

Build and Lead Staff : Champion a workplace culture that is inclusive, mission-driven and performance oriented. Ensure a talent development system is in place and executed effectively with cultural competence. Hire, motivate, nurture, retain, and hold staff accountable for key objectives. Work towards recruiting, retaining, developing and promoting staff. Encourage the team by creating a spirit of camaraderie, connection, and sense of mission and purpose. Create a learning organization to help staff achieve their highest potential. Key competencies : Developing Self & Others, Inclusion, Emotional Maturity, Change Leadership

Position the Y as a Vital Partner for Community Change : Serve as an ambassador for the mission, purpose, and vision for the YMCA within the community. Possess the ability to develop and cultivate relationships with key stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds, while always upholding the highest standards and values of the Y. Ensure your Y is seen as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. Key competencies : Communication & Influence, Engaging Community, Collaboration

Improve Operating Performance : Directs overall YMCA operations across multiple branches. Engage the board and appropriate staff to develop an annual tactical plan for identifying and achieving key goals and objectives towards operating with safe, relevant, and sustainable practices. Quickly address issues that may arise, forecast future needs, and manage and direct the Y’s operations and activities. Key competencies : Developing Self & Others, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Innovation

Develop an Effective and Diverse Volunteer Board : Work with the board to foster a high performing governance culture. Acting as a resource to evaluate strengths and support the recruitment of strategic and connected candidates. Work to ensure the board represents the communities we serve. Work with the board to establish the best practices to recruit, train, develop, and renew board volunteers. Key competencies : Volunteerism, Change Leadership, Engaging Community

Salary Range : $237,185-$355,778

Benefits : We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, life and disability insurance, and voluntary benefits. Eligible employees receive an 8% YMCA Retirement Fund contribution. Paid time off includes generous PTO and additional leave benefits. Employees also enjoy free Y family memberships and discounts on YMCA programs like day camps, after school care, and swim lessons.

Residency Expectation : The CEO is expected to be highly engaged and visible in our community. Living in the YMCA’s service area is required.

Other Sites for Information :

Target Dates for the Search Process

Resumes accepted through : December 19th

Preliminary interviews scheduled : February 2nd

Final interviews : February 17th & 18th

New CEO on board (anticipated) : April 1st

To Apply

Candidates will apply via the following website :

Application, References, Background Check, and Organizational Leader Certification :

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 regarding this position should be directed to :

Sandy Morander Lynne Wilcox

Sr. Consultant, CEO Search President / CEO Florida State

Alliance of YMCAs& Foundation