President and CEO

VP – Real Estate & Facilities

Financial Development

This is a unique opportunity to lead one of Western New York’s most trusted and impactful nonprofit organizations.

YMCA Buffalo Niagara

POSITION:
President/CEO

Final date to receive applications:
April 3, 2026

301 Cayuga Rd, Suite 100
Buffalo, NY 14225
www.ymcabn.org

YMCA Buffalo Niagara is an equal opportunity employer. We work to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity.

This is a unique opportunity to lead one of Western New York’s most trusted and impactful nonprofit organizations at a moment of resurgence and possibility. YMCA Buffalo Niagara serves approximately 1 in every 12 residents across Erie and Niagara Counties, delivering critical programs that strengthen youth, promote healthy living, and address pressing community needs. With a strong reputation, engaged boards, and a newly adopted strategic plan, the organization is well-positioned for its next chapter of growth and impact.

The President/CEO will work closely with the senior leadership team, Board of Directors, and Board of Trustees to advance the organization’s new strategic plan and build on recent momentum. The CEO will strengthen a clear vision for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility — engaging communities, delivering high-quality programs, and driving member satisfaction, philanthropic support, and operational excellence.

The President/CEO is expected to be a visible and engaged leader in the community, ensuring YMCA Buffalo Niagara remains a respected partner in identifying and addressing community needs. The President/CEO will lead efforts to strengthen the Association’s brand and community image while maintaining and enhancing a strong financial position to ensure long-term sustainability and impact.

Criteria for Candidates:

• Accredited 4-year college degree and/or equivalent work experience.
• Fiscally sound business management approach with a proven track record of budgetary and fiscal management, more than $10M annually.
• Minimum seven years prior experience in a senior management role with a YMCA or related organization with direct supervision of multiple levels of staff.
• Ability to develop and strengthen community relationships.
• Ability to develop innovative programs and evaluate programs to broaden engagement in the communities served.
• Strategic planning and fundraising experience including annual campaigns and securing grants.
• YMCA Organizational Leader Certification or ability to achieve within 3 years.

Role

The board seeks a CEO who can excel in the following roles:

• Implement a Strategic Plan: Work with volunteers, community leaders, and staff to implement the organization’s strategic plan with measurable goals. Key competencies:
  Change Leadership, Communication & Influence, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Program/Project Management.
• Build and Lead Staff: Ensure a talent development system is in place and executed with cultural competence. Hire, motivate, retain, and develop staff. Create a learning organization to help staff achieve their potential. Key competencies:
  Developing Self & Others, Inclusion, Emotional Maturity, Change Leadership.
• Improve Operating Performance: Develop an annual tactical plan, address issues, forecast needs, and oversee operations. Key competencies:
  Developing Self & Others, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Innovation.
• Position the Y as a Vital Partner for Community Change: Serve as an ambassador for the mission. Cultivate relationships with diverse stakeholders, upholding Y values. Ensure the Y is seen as a leading nonprofit strengthening community.
• Fiscal Management: Forecast financial trends, lead toward balanced or surplus results through earned revenue, contributions, and cost control. Develop stewardship strategies. Key competencies:
  Fiscal Management, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Developing Self & Others, Philanthropy.
• Steward Fundraising Efforts: Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan, including capital fundraising. Key competencies:
  Philanthropy, Engaging Community, Communication…