Job Description

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

YWCO — Athens, Georgia

Salary: $110,000 - $130,000 annually

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

About the YWCO

The YWCO is a legacy community organization committed to strengthening individuals and families through fitness, aquatics, wellness, childcare, and youth development programs. As we prepare for an expanded strategic vision—including a full rebrand, modernization of systems, and future capital improvement projects—we are seeking a dynamic and mission-driven Chief Executive Officer to lead the YWCO into its next era of impact.

Position Summary

The CEO serves as the chief visionary and strategic leader of the YWCO, responsible for the overall success, long-term growth, and operational excellence of the organization. This position oversees a multi-department agency—including Aquatics, Fitness, After School, Break Camps, Summer Day Camp, Membership, Finance, and Marketing—and ensures that every department functions cohesively, efficiently, and in alignment with the YWCO mission.

The CEO leads organizational strategy, strengthens community partnerships, supports and develops department leaders, and ensures that all programs and operations meet the highest standard of safety, quality, and service. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO serves as the ambassador of the YWCO in the community, representing the organization with integrity, professionalism, and vision.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Leadership & Organizational Management

• Provide overarching leadership to all YWCO departments, ensuring each area—including Aquatics, Fitness, After School, Break Camps, Summer Day Camp, Membership, Girls Club, Finance, and Marketing—operates smoothly and at a high standard.
• Direct and support senior leadership team members including program directors, HR/administrative leads, and the marketing department manager.
• Establish a high-performing organizational culture rooted in accountability, service, mission awareness, and staff development.
• Lead and evaluate the effectiveness of all programs and services, ensuring they meet evolving community needs and industry best practices.

Strategic Vision, Rebranding & Organizational Growth

• Serve as the strategic architect of the YWCO’s long-term vision, including the implementation of a full organizational rebrand.
• Oversee the rollout of new brand identity, messaging, membership structure, marketing strategies, and community engagement initiatives.
• Identify new opportunities for organizational expansion, partnerships, and program innovation.
• Lead organizational transitions such as system upgrades, technology improvements, renovation planning, and capital project development.

Operational Excellence & Oversight

• Ensure strong internal systems in HR, payroll, operations, member services, safety, and risk management.
• Oversee compliance with regulatory agencies including childcare licensing, employment law, aquatics safety standards, and financial reporting requirements.
• Monitor operational performance metrics and drive continuous improvement across all departments.
• Ensure facilities are safe, clean, fully staffed, and well-maintained, working closely with department leaders and maintenance teams.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Serve as the primary public representative of the YWCO within Athens and surrounding communities.
• Attend and lead partnership meetings with schools, nonprofits, local businesses, government agencies, and collaborative organizations.
• Strengthen relationships with past partners while developing new community alliances that support program growth and member engagement.
• Represent the YWCO at community events, chamber meetings, coalition groups, and donor gatherings.

Board Governance & Executive Collaboration

• Work closely with the Board of Directors to implement strategic goals and provide clear, consistent updates.
• Support board development, recruitment, and succession planning.
• Present data-driven reports to inform board decisions and ensure transparency.

Financial Health & Fund Development

• Oversee the organization’s annual budget, financial strategy, and long-term sustainability.
• Work closely with finance staff to maintain strong accounting practices, forecasting, and fiscal management.
• Support fundraising initiatives, donor development efforts, marketing campaigns, and special events.
• Ensure all financial activities align with nonprofit regulatory standards and best practices.

Marketing, Communications & Brand Stewardship

• Oversee the marketing department, ensuring all branding, communications, social media, and outreach initiatives run efficiently.
• Approve high-level marketing strategies, major campaigns, annual messaging, and community-facing communications.
• Ensure consistent and mission-aligned branding across all physical and digital mediums.

Benefits Package

• Discounted Aflac supplemental insurance, dental and vison
• PTO (vacation, sick, personal days)
• Paid holidays
• Free family YWCO membership
• Discounted After School and Summer Day Camp rates

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred in Business, Public Administration, Nonprofit Leadership, Education, Recreation, or related field.
• 5–8+ years of executive or senior-level nonprofit leadership experience, preferably in a multi-program community organization.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing large departments, complex programs, and high-volume operations.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, staff leadership, operational excellence, and organizational development.
• Strong financial management experience including budgeting, forecasting, and revenue development.
• Experience leading or supporting large-scale projects, rebrands, and capital improvements.
• Exceptional relationship-building and public speaking skills.
• Experience working with Boards of Directors and supporting governance structures.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, ethical leadership, and mission-centered decision making.

Leadership Competencies

• Vision & Strategic Thinking
• Executive-Level Operations Management
• Community & Partnership Engagement
• Talent Development & Team Leadership
• Fiscal Responsibility & Fund Development
• Project Management & Change Leadership
• Innovation & Problem-Solving
• Communication & Influence
• Integrity, Character & Professionalism

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