President and CEO

  • YMCA
  • Chillicothe, Missouri
  • Full Time
The CEO role at the Grand River Area Family YMCA is a meaningful opportunity for a leader who wants to make a lasting impact. Job Description

EXECUTIVE VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
GRAND RIVER AREA FAMILY YMCA

Position: President and CEO (Chief Executive Officer)
Address: 1725 Locust Street, Chillicothe, Missouri, 64601

THE OPPORTUNITY AT THE GRAND RIVER AREA FAMILY YMCA

The CEO role at the Grand River Area Family YMCA in Chillicothe, Missouri, is a meaningful opportunity for a leader who wants to make a lasting impact. Serving three communities, the YMCA is deeply rooted in its mission of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Each Y is a central hub for connection, support, and growth. The organization reaches people of all ages and backgrounds. As CEO, you will have the chance to build strong partnerships with local leaders, organizations, and residents, helping to strengthen the YMCAs presence and deepen its impact across the region. The role also involves guiding the strategic direction of the organization, expanding outreach, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability. This is a dynamic position that blends vision, leadership, and direct involvement.

Qualifications

Criteria for Candidates:

  1. Accredited 4-year college degree and or equivalent work experience.
  2. Fiscally sound business management approach with a proven track record of budgetary and fiscal management more than $2M or more annually.
  3. 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.
  4. Proven ability to develop and strengthen community relationships.
  5. Strategic Planning and fundraising experience, including leading annual campaigns and securing grants.
  6. Capable of developing, reviewing, and enhancing programs for both cost-effectiveness and community engagement.
  7. Strong written and verbal communication skills, aligned with personal values consistent with the Y mission.
  8. YMCA Organizational Leader Certification is required. Candidates who are not currently certified will have up to three years to obtain it through YUSA.
Essential Functions

KEY SKILLS AND ABILITIES OF OUR NEXT CEO
The board believes its new CEO should be an experienced leader who has the background and qualities that will permit him or her to achieve excellence in the following roles:

Develop and Implement a Strategic Plan: Work effectively with volunteers, community leaders, and key staff, to create and develop a strategic plan that addresses the needs of the communities served by the Y 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

Improve Operating Performance: Engage the board and appropriate staff to develop an annual tactical plan for identifying and achieving key goals and objectives towards operating with safe, relevant, and sustainable practices. Quickly address issues that may arise, forecast future needs, and manage and direct the Ys operations and activities. Key competencies: Developing Self & Others, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Innovation

Fiscal Management: Use high-level financial analysis to forecast financial trends, growth, and stability, while consistently leading the organization to balance or surplus operations by growing earned revenue and contributions and controlling costs. Empower and guide staff leaders to lead their departments to successful financial operation. Develop and implement stewardship strategies. Key competencies: Fiscal Management, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Developing Self & Others, Philanthropy

Position the Y as a Vital Partner for Community Change: Serve as an ambassador for the mission, purpose, and vision for the YMCA within the community. Possess the ability to develop and cultivate relationships with key stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds, while always upholding the highest standards and values of the Y. Ensure your Y is seen as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. Key competencies: Communication & Influence, Engaging Community, Collaboration

Steward Fundraising Efforts: Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan that will establish the YMCA as a leading nonprofit organization within the community through the engagement of members, volunteers, staff, and donors. Identify the need for successful capital fundraising, while taking the organization to a new level of effectiveness and impact in annual giving and endowment. Key competencies: Philanthropy, Engaging Community, Communication & Influence

Build and Lead Staff: Ensure a talent development system is in place and executed effectively with cultural competence. Hire, motivate, nurture, retain, and hold staff accountable for key objectives. Work towards recruiting, retaining, developing, and promoting staff. Encourage the team by creating a spirit of camaraderie, connection, and sense of mission and purpose. Create a learning organization to help staff achieve their highest potential. Key competencies: Developing Self & Others, Inclusion, Emotional Maturity, Change Leadership

ABOUT THE GRAND RIVER AREA FAMILY YMCA
The Grand River Area Family YMCA was founded in 1989 when a group of visionary community leaders in Chillicothe, Missouri, came together with the goal of enhancing the lives of residents. When the Chillicothe leaders were told that the area was too small to support a YMCA, this determined group was not discouraged, with a can-do spirit, they secured funding from local businesses and individuals, launching the YMCA as a store front operation that used public schools and park facilities to offer its early programs. A passionate YMCA director was hired to lead the effort.

Within just a few years, the community raised the necessary funds to construct a state-of-the-art YMCA facility, complete with an indoor pool, and its own endowment to support scholarships for families and children in need. The YMCA quickly became an important community resource, not only for children and families, but also for seniors seeking health, faith-based connection, and social engagement. In 1998, the YMCA expanded by adding a second gym. A decade later, in 2008, it grew again with the addition of a gymnastics facility and upgraded weight and exercise areas, further extending its services and impact.

Inspired by the success of Chillicothes YMCA, surrounding communities expressed interest in starting YMCAs in their communities. In 2003, the Grand River Area YMCA opened a branch in Brookfield, Missouri under the name North Central Missouri YMCA. A new YMCA branch in Carrollton, Missouri was launched in 2012 as the Carroll County YMCA.

Our Mission
To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

Our Cause & Values
To strengthen the foundations of community and instill the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Our Culture:
The Y Experience The Y Experience is built from our mission and encompasses the values and philosophy by which we serve and operate.

Welcoming We are open to all. We are a place where you can be yourself and find yourself in others.
Genuine We value you and embrace your individuality.
Hopeful We believe in you and your potential to do good in the world.
Nurturing We support you as you become the best-version-of-yourself.
Determined Above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

Membership: 6577

Branch Information:
Grand River Area Family YMCA - 1725 Locust Street, Chillicothe, Missouri, 64601
North Central Missouri YMCA - 1140 W Helm Sreet, Brookfield, Missouri, 64628
Carroll County Area Family YMCA 315 N Jefferson Street, Carrollton, Missouri, 64633

Core Programs:
Aquatics
Out of School Time: Before and After School, Day Camp
Youth Sports
Group Exercise
Health and Wellness
Gymnastics
Senior Fitness and Health

Annual Support Campaign:
Current Year Goal: $204,700
Prior Years Total: $293,786
Current Years Progress Toward Goal: $205,974
Total number of people receiving financial assistance prior year: 359

Recent Capital Campaign: $5.7 million

CEO Direct Reports:
Carroll County Area Family YMCA Branch Director
North Central Missouri YMCA Branch Director
Grand River Area Family YMCA Membership Director
Grand River Area Family YCMA Sports Director
Grand River Area Family YMCA Program Director
Grand River Area Family YMCA Aquatics Director
Grand River Area Family YMCA Maintenance Director

Board of Directors: 12 members with the following standing committees:
Finance/Risk Management
Fundraising
Building and Maintenance
Executive/HR/Nominations
Program

Financial Snapshot:
Current Annual Budget Size: $2,191,886
Current Debt: $60,000
Current Endowment: $2,554,892
Last years operating net: $13,023.85
Previous year operating net: $44,039.58
Previous year operating net: $213,461.36

ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY
The Grand River Area Family YMCA seeks a visionary and community-focused leader to serve as its next Chief Executive Officer. With a service area spanning three distinct and vibrant towns in north-central Missouri, this is a unique opportunity to lead a respected organization rooted in community values and poised for growth. The next CEO will have the chance to shape the future of local youth and adult development, healthy living, and social responsibility in a region known for its deep civic pride and strong Midwestern spirit.

Chillicothe, Missouri
As the largest city in north-central Missouri, Chillicothe is a regional hub for healthcare, education, and commerce, with a population of over 9,500. Known as the Home of Sliced Bread, the city blends historical pride with forward-thinking initiatives and modern amenities. Chillicothe is home to the Grand River Area Family YMCAs flagship facility and has excellent schools, recreational opportunities and an active civic life, the city offers an ideal setting for a transformational leader to make lasting change.

Brookfield, Missouri
Located in Linn County, Brookfield is a welcoming town of approximately 4,100 residents and a strong tradition of community involvement. The town values youth development, family engagement, and public service all central to the YMCAs work. Known for events like the Great Pershing Balloon Derby and supported by schools and local organizations, Brookfield provides a strong platform for expanding community health and wellness programs. For a mission driven CEO, Brookfield offers the change to lead with purpose in a community that embraces and supports the Y mission.

Carrollton, Missouri
Carrollton, the county seat of Carroll County, is a proud and resilient town with a population of around 3,500. It combines historic charm with a strong commitment to youth, wellness, and civic engagement. With a supportive local government, well-maintained parks, and active community life, Carrollton offers a welcoming environment for the YMCAs continued growth. For a leader passionate about service and impact, Carrollton presents an opportunity to foster strong community partnerships and deliver meaningful change.

Information Sites:
City of Chillicothe www.chillicothecity.org
Chillicothe Convention & Business & Visitors Bureau www.VisitChillicothe.com
Chamber of Commerce www.chillicothemo.com
Chillicothe School System www.chillicotheschools.org
Chillicothe Hospital System (Hedrick Medical Center)
North Central Missouri College www.ncmissouri.edu
City of Brookfield www.brookfield.com
Brookfield Chamber of Commerce www.brookfieldchamber.com
Brookfield School System
Brookfield Hospital System (Pershing Memorial Hospital)
City of Carrollton www.carrolltonmo.org
Carroll County Chamber of Commerce www.cccoc.org
Carrollton Schools -
Carrollton Hospital System (Carroll County Memorial Hospital)

SALARY, BENEFITS, & CRITERIA

Salary Range: $78,000 - to $100,000 annually

Benefits:
YMCA Retirement (7% paid by Y, 5% by employee) contribution once eligibility is met
YMCA 403B savings account 100% employee contribution
Health plan The YMCA covers the employees health care plan. Upgrades are available at employees expense
Other benefits per personnel policy

Residency Expectation: Living in the Chillicothe area is required.

SEARCH PROCESS TARGET DATES
Resumes accepted through: September 5th, 2025
Preliminary interviews scheduled: September 26th, 2025
In-person interviews: October 14th and 15th 2025
CEO selection made: October 22nd, 2025
New CEO on board (anticipated): December 1st, 2025

*dates subject to change

HOW TO APPLY

References, Background Check, and Organizational Leader Certification:
Candidates must submit (pdf format only) the following in their online application: a resume, cover letter. Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.

Candidates who advance to final interviews will need to submit six references (four professional and two personal). References checked only with prior notification. Successful candidate accepting the offer must pass a background check and must have a current Y-USAs Organizational Leader Certification or obtain certification within the first three years from start date as the CEO. The YMCA's personnel policies may require further screening.

Candidates must apply via the following website:

QUESTIONS

About the Search Process?
Shea Boschee, YMCA of the USA CEO Search, [email protected] , ...

About the YMCA?
Patty Miller, Missouri State Alliance of YMCAs, [email protected] , ...

Job ID: 488551391
Originally Posted on: 8/8/2025

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