EXECUTIVE VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENTCALIFORNIA STATE ALLIANCE OF YMCASPosition: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Address: 925 L Street, Suite 1200, Sacramento, California 95814
Website: https://www.ymcasofca.org/
Key DeliverablesSeveral performance objectives define the experiences, competencies, relationships, and leadership capabilities essential for success in this role. These priorities will provide an important roadmap for the new CEO and include:
- Elevate and Advance the Alliance's Advocacy Efforts: Work in partnership with all Ys in the Alliance on critical state, regional and federal issues. Work with the Alliance Board Members to advance statewide and federal legislative priorities as well as stewarding the efforts. Identify and determine potential statewide and or federal funding opportunities that support the Alliance's strategic plan and the work of Y's collectively in the Alliance. Create and disseminate annually a community benefit document to key stakeholders and elected officials that highlights stories, statistics, and funding that communicates the true value of local Ys community benefit as well as collectively as an Alliance. The Alliance identifies and advocates for public policies that address critical social issues in the Y's areas of impact while also activating community leaders, policy makers, influencers, and the public to foster dialogue and catalyze positive change. Conducts advocacy events and training opportunities for Y leaders that raise the visibility of Ys in the Alliance as valued resources to respective state partners and groups in the Y's areas of impact. Manage contract lobbyist to set and meet the contract's deliverables. Key competencies: Change Leadership, Inclusion, Communication and Influence, Collaboration
- Steward State and Federal Funding Efforts: Identify, pursue, and steward state and federal funding opportunities that advance the Alliance's strategic priorities and strengthen the collective work of YMCAs across California. Build relationships with public agencies, policymakers, and funding partners; assess opportunities for strategic alignment and feasibility; coordinate collaborative funding efforts among member YMCAs; and ensure effective implementation, accountability, compliance, and reporting for secured funds. Key competencies: Strategic Thinking, Collaboration, Fiscal Management, Communication & Influence, Project Management, Quality Results
- Lead Strategic Services and the Alliance Team: Build, develop, and lead a high-performing Alliance staff team while ensuring effective strategic services to YMCA member organizations. Recruit, develop, retain, and hold staff accountable for key objectives while fostering a culture of inclusion, collaboration, learning, and shared purpose. Lead or oversee strategic services including strategic planning, board development and governance, CEO/CVO onboarding, collaborations, shared services, and mergers. Partner with Y-USA to leverage best practices and maximize impact. Key competencies: Developing Self & Others, Inclusion, Emotional Maturity, Change Leadership, Decision-Making, Innovation, Project Management, Quality Results, and Influence
- Position the Alliance as a Vital Partner for Community and Statewide Change: Build and cultivate relationships with key constituents from diverse backgrounds while upholding the highest standards and values of the Y and the Alliance. Position the Alliance as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities by connecting elected officials, community leaders, and partners with the Alliance and one another. Educate and inform Board Members, equipping them to advocate effectively as a collective voice. Key competencies: Communication & Influence, Engaging Community, Collaboration
- Develop, Implement, and or Lead Alliance Strategic Plan: Work effectively with CEOs, and key Alliance staff, to create and develop a strategic plan that addresses the needs of the Ys in the Alliance and includes defined organizational strategies, a clear implementation plan with deliverables, and measurable goals. Key competencies: Change Leadership, Communication & Influence, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Program/Project Management
Salary Range: $240,000 to $270,000 commensurate with the selected candidate's experience, qualifications, and demonstrated leadership.
Residency and Travel Expectation: The successful candidate must reside in California, with a preference for living in or near the Sacramento area. Regular statewide travel is required, including frequent presence in Sacramento and at the State Capitol to build relationships with elected officials, policymakers, state agencies, and statewide partners, as well as regular visits with key leadership at local YMCAs throughout the state to strengthen relationships, understand local priorities, and represent the collective interests of California YMCAs.
Benefits: - 12% Alliance paid retirement after eligibility
- 403b supplemental retirement plan at employee's cost
- Medical and dental covered 99% for the employee, 0% for dependents
- Medical plans through Kaiser Permanente or Anthem Blue Cross
- Dental plan through CIGNA
- Long term disability
- Life insurance
- PTO and other benefits per personnel policy
Minimum Candidate Criteria: - Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent experience.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong alignment with the YMCA mission and Alliance purpose.
- Five+ years of senior management experience, including multi-level staff supervision.
- Proven ability to build relationships with state and federal officials and statewide leaders.
- Demonstrated success securing funding and managing budgets of $5 million+.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with the Alliance Board, California Ys, networks, and Y-USA.
Search Process Target Dates:- Resumes accepted through: October 30, 2026
- Virtual Preliminary Interviews: December 3-4, 2026
- On-site interviews: January 7-8, 2027
- New CEO on board (anticipated): February 1, 2027
To Apply: Candidates will apply via the following website: https://tinyurl.com/california-alliance-ymca-ceo
Questions?Richard Clegg
Senior CEO Search Consultant
