Executive Director

The Georgia Mountains YMCA is seeking a high level Executive for our J A Walters Family YMCA branch in Gainesville, GA.

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Executive Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of the YMCA branch, ensuring alignment with the Association’s mission, strategic plan, and core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith.

This position cultivates a high-performing, inclusive team culture where staff can achieve, relate, and belong while delivering high-quality programs and services that strengthen the community.

The Executive Director is responsible for branch operations, staff leadership, financial sustainability, community engagement, and advancement efforts.

• Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent required;
  Master’s degree preferred.
• YMCA Organizational Leader certification preferred.

Eight plus years of professional experience in a nonprofit organization, demonstrated success in marketing and communications in the YMCA or another non-profit preferred.

• Ability to relate to top community leaders and diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
• Proficient in all standard business software. Microsoft office products and social media platforms.
• Excellence in organization and communication (verbal & written) skills
• Ability to work with initiative, integrity, discretion and a professional approach
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team-oriented environment
• High level marketing and brand strategy experience showing innovative and proven revenue and engagement results.

• Strategic & Mission Leadership
• Lead implementation of the YMCA’s strategic plan.
• Assess community needs and align programs to maximize impact.
• Serve as a primary ambassador and spokesperson for the YMCA.
• Model and embed YMCA values in culture and decision-making.
• Financial Sustainability & Oversight
• Develop and manage the annual operating budget.
• Ensure financial controls, risk management, and policy compliance.
• Monitor revenue streams (membership, programs, childcare, aquatics, etc.).
• Lead/ Support fundraising efforts including annual campaign and grant development.
• Report financial performance to the VP of Operations and Finance Director.
• Staff Leadership & Workforce Development
• Recruit, develop, and retain a diverse and engaged team.
• Establish clear performance expectations and accountability systems.
• Foster professional development and succession planning.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal employment laws and HR best practices.
• Promote an inclusive, equitable workplace culture.
• Program & Operational Excellence
• Ensure high-quality, safe, and impactful programs.
• Oversee facility management and risk management protocols.
• Monitor key metrics (membership retention, staff turnover, program participation).
• Maintain compliance with YMCA standards and applicable regulations.
• Community & Relationship Building
• Build partnerships with schools, nonprofits, civic groups, and local government.
• Advocate for YMCA programs and services.
• Position the YMCA as a trusted community convener and service provider.

• Community and Collaboration - ensures community engagement; promotes the global nature of the Y
• Communication and Influence - The ability to convey a message in a way that inspires, motivates, or persuades others to take action, make decisions, or adopt a certain viewpoint.
• Volunteerism - leads a culture of volunteerism ensuring engagement, inclusion, and ownership
• Relationships – Initiates the development of relationships with influential leaders to impact and strengthen the community
• Quality Results – Determines benchmarks and ensures appropriate leadership to meet objectives
• Emotional Maturity – Shares authority and demonstrates courage and humility