YMCA Buffalo Niagara-President​/CEO

Overview

VP – Real Estate & Facilities;
Financial Development

EXECUTIVE VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

YMCA BUFFALO NIAGARA

POSITION:
President/CEO

Final date to receive applications:
April 3, 2026

301 Cayuga Rd, Suite 100, Buffalo, NY 14225

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 with the senior leadership team, Board of Directors, and Board of Trustees to advance the organization’s new strategic plan, strengthen the vision for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, engage communities, deliver high-quality programs, drive member satisfaction, philanthropic support, and operational excellence. The President/CEO is expected to be a visible, engaged community leader who helps ensure the YMCA remains a respected partner in addressing community needs while strengthening the Association’s brand and financial position for long-term sustainability and impact.

The board seeks an experienced leader with the background and qualities to excel in the following roles:

• Implement a Strategic Plan:
  Work with volunteers, community leaders, and staff to implement the new strategic plan with defined strategies, an implementation plan, deliverables, and measurable goals. Key
  
  Competencies:
  
  Change Leadership, Communication & Influence, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Program/Project Management
• Build and Lead Staff:
  Establish a talent development system with cultural competence. Hire, motivate, retain, develop, and hold staff accountable for key objectives. 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 with the board and staff to achieve goals using safe, relevant, and sustainable practices. Forecast needs and manage 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. Build relationships with diverse stakeholders while upholding YMCA values. Ensure the Y is seen as a leading nonprofit strengthening community.
• Fiscal Management:
  Forecast financial trends, lead the organization toward balanced or surplus results, grow earned revenue and contributions, and control costs. Develop stewardship strategies. Key
  
  Competencies:
  
  Fiscal Management, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Developing Self & Others, Philanthropy
• Steward Fundraising:
  Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan to elevate the YMCA as a leading nonprofit in the community. Engage members, volunteers, staff, and donors. Identify needs for capital fundraising and enhance annual giving and endowment. Key
  
  Competencies:
  
  Philanthropy, Engaging Community, Communication & Influence

Serving nearly 100,000 members, volunteers, and program participants, YMCA Buffalo Niagara is a leading nonprofit in Western New York, a large childcare provider, and a major employer. Founded in 1852, the YMCA operates wellness centers, camps, and childcare/fitness programs across more than 50 locations in Erie and Niagara Counties.

Mission: A charitable, community-based organization building a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

Purpose:

To transform lives and strengthen communities. Impact:
Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.

• Youth Development –…