Job Description

The YMCA of the Palm Beaches is seeking an innovative, visionary, and hands-on Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join our Executive Leadership Team at an exciting time of growth and transformation. A dynamic leader who can turn strategy into results, build high-performing teams, drive innovation, strengthen operations, and ensure long-term sustainability.

This is an extraordinary opportunity to help launch a brand-new, state-of-the-art community center and shape its success from the ground up. The COO will lead operations across YMCA facilities, programs, and services while building the teams, systems, culture, and operational excellence needed to take our YMCA Association to the next level. The COO will work closely with director-level and other managerial staff across the organization to provide leadership, guidance, collaboration, and accountability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, nonprofit management, organizational leadership, or related field; master's preferred.
• 8-10+ years of progressive operations leadership experience.
• YMCA experience strongly preferred. Experience opening a new YMCA branch, community center, or similar facility is a plus.
• Proven experience managing multiple departments, budgets, and operational functions.
• Knowledge of facilities and plant maintenance management.
• Strong financial, strategic planning, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, develop, coach, and hold leaders accountable.
  Experience working with Boards, volunteers, donors, and community stakeholders preferred.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and public-speaking skills.

Essential Functions

New Community Center Launch

The COO will lead operational readiness for the new facility, including:

• Facility operations, policies, safety, and emergency preparedness
• Licensing, regulatory compliance, and inspections
• Staffing, recruitment, onboarding, and training
• Vendor contracts and facility services
• Procurement and equipment installation
• Operating budget, membership fees, and program pricing
• Technology, access control, and point-of-sale systems
• Program development and scheduling
• Marketing and charter membership coordination
• Soft launch and grand opening execution

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight of daily operations, facilities, membership, and program quality while supporting directors and managers responsible for these areas.
• Lead, coach, and empower existing directors and managers to achieve results.
• Monitor budgets, financial performance, staffing, membership trends, and KPIs.
• Strengthen organizational systems, communication, and operational efficiency.
• Oversee safety, risk management, compliance, and emergency preparedness.
• Identify opportunities for growth, innovation, partnerships, and sustainability.
• Oversee relationships with community partners, donors, schools, businesses, and government agencies.
• Collaborate with philanthropy leadership on fundraising and capital campaigns.
• Support the CEO with Board reporting, data analysis, and strategic recommendations.
• Strengthen and support a culture of accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and exceptional service.

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

Mission Advancement | Collaboration | Operational Effectiveness | Personal Growth

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to the YMCA mission, effective leadership and collaboration, sound operational judgment, financial accountability, and continuous professional development.

Required Certifications

YMCA Multi-Team or Organizational Leader Certification preferred, or willingness to obtain.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected] . Please include Chief Operating Officer in the subject line and please indicate any YMCA experience, especially facility/program start-up experience. NO CALLS OR DIRECT EMAILS, PLEASE.

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