Chief Executive Officer

Job Description

The YMCA of the Cedar Rapids Metropolitan Area is an equal opportunity employer. We work to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity.

The Opportunity

Lead a mission-driven organization with roots that run deep. Since 1868, the Cedar Rapids Metro YMCA has been a steady force for connection and belonging, from the heart of downtown to the neighborhoods and schools of Linn County. This role invites you to honor that history while shaping what comes next for a community you can see and feel every day.

You will set the course for a growing multi-branch association powered by strong partnerships and a community that shows up. Prairie Summit YMCA opens in 2026 in collaboration with the College Community School District, creating a larger stage for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. A modern urban facility, a vibrant suburban branch, a new suburban branch coming online in 2026, and Camp Wapsie’s 182 acres together give you year-round reach and room to innovate across aquatics, youth, sports, and wellness.

What differentiates this opportunity is the chance to lead where mission meets momentum. You will translate a new three-year strategy into visible gains in membership, programs, philanthropy, and community outcomes. You will invest in people, strengthen systems, and use data to guide decisions. You will build trust at every level, from families learning to swim to partners investing in access and building connected communities. A culture of safety and care makes the Y a reliable anchor for children, teens, adults, and active older adults who count on us every day.

If you are a strategic builder who leads with purpose and delivers results, Cedar Rapids offers the rare combination of heritage and headroom. You will work with an engaged board, dedicated volunteers, and public and private partners who believe in what the Y makes possible. You will widen the welcome, expand scholarships, and leave the association stronger than you found it.

Our Mission

We put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. This commitment guides every program, partnership, and investment we make in Cedar Rapids and across Linn County.

Our Vision

The place for community connection and total wellness.

Our Cause

We are here to strengthen community. We do this by advancing youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility through welcoming spaces, skilled staff, and accessible programs. From swim lessons and childcare to chronic disease prevention, camp, and teen leadership, we remove barriers to participation, expand scholarships, and partner with neighbors to improve wellbeing across our service area.

Position Description

Cedar Rapids Metro YMCA seeks a President and CEO who leads with clarity, discipline, and community credibility. The CEO will translate the new three-year strategy into specific priorities across membership growth, program participation, philanthropy, and measurable community outcomes. The CEO will align budgets with mission, ensure reliable operations at every location, and set clear standards for safety, service, and the member experience. The CEO’s direct reports will include a third Facility Executive Director when the new Prairie Summit branch opens.

The CEO will cultivate partnerships with area school districts, health systems, employers, civic leaders, and donors to widen the welcome and reduce barriers to participation. The CEO will invest in staff development, coach strong leaders, and use data to guide decisions and demonstrate progress. Working closely with an engaged board, the CEO will represent the Y effectively in the community and steward resources for long-term sustainability.

Cedar Rapids YMCA Facts

Rooted in downtown Cedar Rapids and serving all of Linn County, Cedar Rapids Metro YMCA operates modern branches in the city and Marion, along with Camp Wapsie’s 182 acres of outdoor learning and retreat space. A new Prairie Summit YMCA is planned to open in 2026 in partnership with the College Community School District, creating an expanded platform for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Facilities include lap and leisure pools, multiple gyms, racquetball courts, indoor tracks, fitness studios and floors, childcare spaces, and specialty program areas across locations.

Current Key Strategic Initiatives

Open Prairie Summit YMCA in 2026 and integrate programs with the school district to expand reach

Translate the new three-year strategy into measurable growth in membership, programs, philanthropy, and outcomes

Strengthen financial sustainability through disciplined operations, pricing, and mix of earned and contributed revenue

Advance a culture of safety and trust with consistent practices in member and staff protection

Invest in staff development, engagement, and retention to build a high performing, service focused team

Expand access through scholarships and partnerships that reduce barriers for youth, families, and seniors

Membership

Total membership units : 9,275

• Helen G. Nassif YMCA : 4,135
• Marion YMCA : 5,140

Total members : 16,023

Branch / Facility Information

Overview

Helen G. Nassif YMCA (downtown Cedar Rapids, opened 2002)

Marion YMCA (opened January 2021)

YMCA Camp Wapsie (established 1918, Coggon)

Prairie Summit YMCA (scheduled to open April 2026)

Programs

Annual Campaign

Previous Year’s Campaign Impact

Capital Campaign(s)

Staff

Current Staff

CEO Direct Reports

Board of Directors

Committees Executive

Finance and Audit

Development and Community Engagement

Governance and Board Development

Facilities and Capital Projects

Program and Membership

Risk and Safety

Financial Snapshot

Three-year operating patternFY2023 surplus

FY2024 deficit

FY2025 projected surplus

Population & Demographics

The Cedar Rapids Metro YMCA draws primarily from Linn County and from households within approximately a 12-minute drive of each branch location (downtown, Marion, and the future Prairie Summit site), as well as families connected to the College Community School District. This reflects the full community the Y serves.

Race and Ethnicity

Additional Important Information

Area Amenities and Community Benefits

Other Sites for Information :

City of Cedar Rapids

Metro Economic Alliance

Marion Chamber of Commerce

College Community School District (our partner with the Prairie Summit YMCA. District covers 7 communities including south Cedar Rapids, Linn County, Swisher, Ely, Shueyville)

Marion Independent Schools

Linn-Mar School District (Marion, Robins, Linn County and part of Cedar Rapids)

Cedar Rapids School District

(Private)

Qualifications

Criteria for Candidates :

Essential Functions

Key Performance Objectives

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

Build and Lead Staff : 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

Implement a Strategic Plan : Execute the Board-approved strategic plan by aligning staff, programs, and resources to stated priorities. Establish timelines, assign ownership, track progress, and report regularly to the Board on outcomes and adjustments. Key Competencies : Change Leadership, Communication and Influence, Critical Thinking and Decision Making, Program / Project Management.

Fiscal Management : Use high-level financial analysis to forecast financial trends, growth and stability, while consistently leading the 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 operations. Develop and implement stewardship strategies. Key Competencies : Fiscal Management, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Developing Self & Others, Philanthropy

Maximize Operating Performance : 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

Capital Development : Lead the Y through current and future capital projects, including planning, design, construction, and operational start-up of new, renovated, or expanded facilities. Key Competencies : Fiscal Management, Program / Project Management, Change Leadership, Critical Thinking & Decision Making.

Salary Range : $160,000- $190,000 annually

Benefits : Health, dental, and vision coverage. Life insurance. HSA and FSA options. YMCA membership and program discounts. Laptop and cell phone. Monthly driving per diem. Paid time off with accrual that increases by tenure. Professional development support. YMCA retirement plan eligibility after two years with a 12 percent employer contribution.

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

Target Dates for the Search Process

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 :

Wade Riedinger

Heartland Alliance Executive Director

YMCAs of Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota

Grace Matos

Y-USA, Director of Executive Leadership and CEO Search