Job Description
THE OPPORTUNITY AT THE YMCA OF METROPOLITAN FORT WORTHThis is a unique and important opportunity to lead the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth at a defining moment in its history-a time when its future will be redefined and its opportunities expanded. Serving communities across the fast growing and economically robust Tarrant County and surrounding areas, the YMCA plays a critical role in strengthening youth, promoting healthy living, and responding to evolving community needs. With a strong legacy and deep community presence, the organization now requires forward-thinking, purpose-driven leadership that brings fresh ideas, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to collaboration. This next leader will provide clear direction, align stakeholders, and ensure the YMCA's long-term sustainability, relevance, and impact in the community.
The Association has recently taken steps to address financial pressures and begun organizational restructuring to improve operations and efficiency. Like many nonprofits, it is dealing with rising operational costs, shifting revenue streams, and increasing demand for services. The changes that have occurred and the further improvement still to come highlight the need for a leader who is at ease with and committed to transparent communication, trust-building, and a renewed focus on employee engagement and support. The next President/CEO must be a leader who listens, builds confidence, and mentors a strong bench of up-and-coming leadership-aligning actions with organizational values and fostering a culture where staff are connected to the mission.
The President/CEO will work closely with the senior leadership team, Board of Directors, and key stakeholders to improve operations, grow staff leaders, define and advance strategic priorities, and create a clear and actionable path forward. This leader will be responsible for driving financial success, strengthening internal alignment, and ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality programs that meet the needs of the communities served.
Externally, the President/CEO must be a visible, engaged, and credible leader who can strengthen partnerships, expand philanthropic support, and reinforce the YMCA's role as a trusted community anchor. This includes elevating the Association's brand, deepening relationships with donors and partners, and positioning the YMCA as a leader in addressing critical community challenges across a growing and prosperous region, with a steadfast commitment to ensuring all individuals have access to the support and community needed to share in that progress.
Ultimately, this is an opportunity for a mission-driven leader to guide the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth into an elevated role in the community, build a strong operational foundation and bring clarity, excitement and renewed momentum to its future while honoring its legacy.
Membership: Total Number of Members: 37,500 (14,160 units)
Locations:
Family Wellness Center City/Town Opened Members
Benbrook Community Center YMCA Benbrook, TX 2000 7,100
Amon G. Carter Downtown YMCA Fort Worth, TX 1925 2,800
The Bedford Center YMCA Bedford, TX 2023 9,100
Eastside YMCA Fort Worth, TX
Joshua Community YMCA Joshua, TX 2013 1,700
Hood County YMCA Granbury, TX 2006 4,300
Northpark YMCA Fort Worth, TX 2008 3,700
Northwest YMCA Fort Worth, TX 1946 3,000
Ryan Family YMCA Fort Worth, TX 1994 3,500
William M. McDonald YMCA Fort Worth, TX 1944 2,000
Child Care Branch
Youth Achievement Services 55 Afterschool Sites Across 6 School Districts
Overnight Camp City/Town Opened Acres
YMCA Camp Carter Fort Worth, TX 1948 360
Annual Support Campaign:
2026 Goal: $1.4 million
2025 Total: $1 million
In addition to traditional annual giving campaigns, YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth runs two signature special events that raise over $511,000 annually:
The Fort Worth YMCA Turkey Trot is an annual Thanksgiving morning tradition held in Downtown Fort Worth, celebrating its 45th anniversary in 2026 and bringing together over 10,000 participants for a festive run/walk that supports programs of the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth while promoting health, family fun, and community impact.
The Y's Annual Celebration recognizes the countless donors, volunteers and supporters who help move our mission forward in our communities. The Y is more than just one place. It's the time, energy, and dedication individuals put into giving back to our community.
Upcoming Capital Campaign: The YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth is entering an important phase of strategic investment to strengthen its facilities, expand access, and better serve the growing needs of the Fort Worth community. Two key capital initiatives will play a critical role in advancing the Association's long-term impact and sustainability.
The YMCA is preparing to launch a $1.5 million capital campaign to renovate and expand the Northwest YMCA. This investment will enhance program capacity, modernize facilities, and create improved spaces to better serve youth, families, and seniors in the surrounding community. The project reflects the YMCA's commitment to ensuring that its facilities remain welcoming, functional, and responsive to evolving community needs.
In addition, the YMCA is pursuing a $5 million capital campaign in partnership with the City of Fort Worth to support the renovation and expansion of the Northpark YMCA. This effort is tied to a proposed municipal bond initiative scheduled for May 2026. If approved by voters, the bond will allocate $5 million in public funding, contingent upon the YMCA raising a matching $5 million in private support.
Staff Team: The Y's workforce consists of approximately 100-employees (87 FT), with an additional 300 seasonal employees in the summer.
Direct reports to the President/CEO include:
- Executive VP / COO
- Executive VP / CFO
- Executive VP / CPO( Chief program officer)
- Executive VP / CHRO
- VP - Development
- VP - Programs
Governance: 26 members of the Board of Directors, and 8 Endowment Board Members, with the following standing committees:
- Finance/Audit
- Philanthropy
- Governance
- Human Resources
- Properties
Financial Snapshot:
2026 Budget: $27.3 million
Long-Term Debt: $6 million
Endowment: $14 million
2025 operating net: $(1.6 million)
2024 operating net: $(1.1 million)
ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY
Fort Worth offers an exceptional quality of life that appeals to professionals, families, and community-minded leaders alike. As part of the rapidly growing Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex-one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States-Fort Worth blends the economic opportunity and amenities of a major region with the character, accessibility, and strong civic pride of a distinct and welcoming community.
Fort Worth is a city deeply rooted in tradition while embracing growth and innovation. Known for its rich Western heritage and authentic culture, the city is home to the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, alongside a vibrant downtown, thriving business sector, and expanding neighborhoods that continue to attract new residents and investment.
Sports and entertainment play a central role in the region's identity. Residents enjoy proximity to major professional teams, including the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Texas Rangers (MLB), Dallas Mavericks (NBA), and Dallas Stars (NHL). In addition, Fort Worth hosts premier events such as the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, further reinforcing the community's strong sense of identity and shared pride.
The region stands out for its relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major metropolitan areas, diverse housing options, and manageable commute times. Residents benefit from a high quality of life with access to excellent schools, expanding infrastructure, and a strong sense of community connection.
Fort Worth's culinary scene continues to gain recognition for its diversity and authenticity, ranging from iconic Texas barbecue and Tex-Mex to chef-driven restaurants and vibrant local dining districts. The city's cultural offerings are equally impressive, anchored by the renowned Fort Worth Cultural District, home to world-class museums, galleries, and performing arts venues.
With access to outdoor recreation, including the Trinity Trails, nearby lakes, and expansive park systems, Fort Worth provides an ideal balance of professional opportunity and personal lifestyle. Its combination of economic growth, cultural richness, and community spirit makes it an outstanding place to live, work, and lead.
Nearby Attractions Include:
Professional Sports: NFL (Cowboys), MLB (Rangers), NBA (Mavericks), NHL (Stars)
Museums: Kimbell Art Museum, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
Visual & Performing Arts: Bass Performance Hall, Casa Mañana
Historic & Cultural Sites: Fort Worth Stockyards, Sundance Square
Parks & Outdoor Recreation: Trinity Trails, Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Zoo: Fort Worth Zoo
Higher Education: Texas Christian University, Texas Wesleyan University, Tarrant County College, and others
Information Sites:
YMCA Website: ymcafw.org
Area Information: Fortworth.com
Chamber of Commerce: Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
Qualifications
Criteria for Candidates:
- Accredited 4-year college degree and or equivalent work experience.
- Fiscally sound business management and accountability, with a proven track record of budgetary and fiscal management, more than $10M or more annually.
- Minimum seven years prior experience in a senior management role with a YMCA or related experience at a comparable organization with direct supervision of multiple levels of staff and employees.
- Must be able to develop and strengthen community relationships.
- Must have demonstrated experience in organizational culture and change management.
- Have the ability to dev