Executive Director

Careers by Empowering Futures, Building Communities

Imagine going to work each day knowing that your efforts positively impact individuals and communities. As a global movement and the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA of Greater San Francisco offers more than just a job-we offer a career with a future and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in your community. At the Y, you can uncover your passion and build a lifelong career addressing some of the nation’s most pressing social issues.

Our Organizational Culture

At the YMCA of Greater San Francisco, we are committed to demonstrating values that aim to building strong communities where you can Be, Belong and Become. With Truth & Courage, we strive to understand and act on individual and societal truths. We ensure a safe and inclusive environment with Authenticity & Accessibility, allowing everyone to participate according to their needs. Our approach is Dependable & Creative, as we respond to community needs through strong partnerships. Above all, we embody Dignity & Empathy, treating everyone with respect and compassion, and recognizing the inherent dignity in all individuals.

Position Summary

The Executive Director (ED) is responsible for leading the Mission branch of the YMCA of San Francisco, located within the Excelsior district. This branch operates with an annual revenue of over $8.295 million. Additionally, the branch oversees multiple off-site school-based programs.

The ED provides strategic leadership in community engagement, board development, fundraising (including annual and sustaining contributions), volunteer coordination, and external relations. They oversee the branch’s programs, ensuring alignment with YMCA best practices and standards while driving financial sustainability. The role requires strong relationship-building skills to foster partnerships with public and private stakeholders and navigate the complexities of the community.

This position involves on-site leadership at branch locations, attendance at community meetings, and occasional travel.

Job Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Provides direction for setting and achieving the strategic plan and annual operating plan in conjunction with POD leadership.
• Directs long-range planning for the branch through collaboration with the board and association leadership.
• Understands the need for alignment with the board and association to advance the branch vision.

Board & Community Engagement

• Provides stewardship to the branch advisory board, ensuring a strong, dedicated, and engaged group of volunteers.
• Develops relationships with community leaders and fosters collaboration with agencies, schools, and other organizations.
• Communicates and ensures transparency and clarity in board and association communications.

Fundraising & Financial Management

• Leads fundraising efforts in partnership with board and staff, ensuring consistent growth in donated dollars.
• Provides direction, leadership, and coordination for the annual fundraising campaign, including active participation.
• Develops and manages the branch budget, understanding fiscal constraints while coordinating administrative activities.

Operations & Program Management

• Manages and directs operations of the branch facilities and assigned programs, which may include wellness, youth sports, childcare, after-school programs, older adult programs, membership, and special events.
• Supports the management and maintenance of the branch and facilities, including facility planning and administration.
• Supports marketing and public relations efforts for the branch and its programs.

Staff & Volunteer Leadership

• Hires, trains, and evaluates staff and volunteers while providing leadership, guidance, and professional development.
• Provides direction and coordination for staff to ensure high-quality program delivery and operational excellence.
• Demonstrates competencies in Cause-Driven Leadership by advancing the mission, building relationships, leading operations, and developing others.

YMCA & Association Leadership

• Acts as a team player within the YMCA of San Francisco, the broader YMCA movement, and the local community.
• Serves on the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and supports association-wide objectives.
• Participates in training and follows YMCA’s Cause-Driven Leadership guidelines.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Upholds YMCA policies on safety, supervision, mandated reporting, and risk management.
• Demonstrates and promotes the YMCA’s core values of Caring, Respect, Honesty, and Responsibility in all interactions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional and community leadership experience
• Minimum of 5 years of executive-level leadership and at least 10 years of experience leading and coaching others.
• Excellent interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills
• Must have basic computer program knowledge (Microsoft Office Suite including Teams, internet navigation

Preferred Qualifications

• YUSA Organizational Leader or Multi-team leader certification preferred

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• This role primarily operates in an office setting with occasional visits to YMCA branches, program sites, and community locations.
• May require a hybrid work schedule, balancing in-office and remote work based on operational needs.
• Regular use of a computer, phone, and standard office equipment.
• Occasional lifting of supplies, materials, or equipment up to 25 pounds.
• Requires prolonged periods of sitting, as well as frequent standing, walking, and reaching.
• Must be able to travel locally to multiple YMCA locations and external partner sites as needed.
• May require occasional evening or weekend hours to support onboarding, volunteer engagement, or workforce development events

Disclaimers

• Must successfully complete a background screening, including criminal and employment verification. Some positions may also require a credit check.
• All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. The YMCA of Greater San Francisco promotes an equal employment opportunity workplace, which includes reasonable accommodation for otherwise qualified disabled applicants and employees. Please contact your manager if you have any questions about this policy or these job duties.
• This job description may not be all-inclusive, and employees are expected to perform other duties as assigned by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified by management as needed.
• Job offers are conditional and contingent upon background clearance. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and CA Fair Chance Act, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.

Salary Description

The Executive Director position offers a competitive salary of $135,000 – $155,000 per year, based on qualifications and experience and is aligned with current salary benchmarking. Compensation is contingent upon grant fund approval and program budget availability.