Chief Operating Officer

Lead Change. Transform Lives. Be Our Next COO!

Join the Crossroads YMCA in Northwest Indiana, where we impact over 128,000 lives annually, empowering individuals, strengthening families, and uplifting entire communities.

We’re seeking a passionate Chief Operating Officer (COO) to drive our mission of transforming lives and creating lasting impact. If you’re a visionary leader with a heart for community and the skills to elevate our thriving organization, we want you on our team!

For more information: COO Profile & Description

POSITION SUMMARY: The Chief Operating Officer is directly responsible for developing and executing the operational strategies necessary to achieve the mission-focused goals and objectives developed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the board. The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will oversee the daily operations of the organization, ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic goals and objectives. The COO is responsible for optimizing operational efficiency, fostering collaboration among departments, and driving growth and innovation. The COO is accountable for the success of each of each operating unit while driving financial results. This position is critical to achieving the organization’s vision and requires a results-driven, forward-thinking leader who can inspire teams and drive success.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Supervises Operational Vice Presidents and Branch Executive Directors while supporting all departments to ensure smooth operations. 
2. Provides leadership and development through modeling relationship-building skills with staff, volunteers, members, and the community.
3. Collaborate with the CEO and leadership team to develop and implement strategic plans.
4. Translate organizational goals into actionable operational plans.
5. Oversee daily operations, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in all business functions.
6. Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and make data driven decisions to measure impact and adjust strategies to achieve membership and program targets.
7. Ensure compliance with applicable regulations and organizational policies to ensure efficiency, safety, and high quality member experiences.
8. Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation.
9. Collaborate with training department to implement training and development programs.
10. Ensures financial sustainability by managing budgets, identifying new revenue streams, and monitoring performance to meet or exceed financial targets.
11. Support expansion initiatives, including partnerships, acquisitions, or new ventures.
12. Responsible for Annual Community Campaign efforts (recruiting, exceeding goals, etc.).
13. Proactively supports Branch board recruitment and engagement, with a strategic focus on relationship management, and the recruitment and retention of board members.
14. Fosters a climate of innovation to develop member-focused programs and leads in the planning, development and implementation of new program initiatives and activities that supports the diverse community needs that insures inclusivity and accessibility.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Organizational Leader):

Mission Advancement: Models and teaches the Ys values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives.  Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition. Cultivates relationships to support fund-raising.

Collaboration: Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Builds relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience. Provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance and support.

Operational Effectiveness: Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of team. Effectively creates and manages budgets. Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.

Personal Growth: Shares new insights. Facilitates change; models adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor's degree in Management, Business Administration, non-profit Management, or related field; Master’s preferred.
2. 10+ years of executive-level experience required, preferably within the YMCA or similar nonprofit organization.
3. Key competencies: strategic thinking, operational excellence, leadership development, and financial acumen.
4. Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. 
5. Extensive experience in operations, including staff supervision, membership practices, program development, volunteer management, facility oversight, and financial stewardship.
6. Understanding of the YMCA's mission and the roles of staff and volunteers.
7. Proven success managing budgets and fiscal resources of $15M or more.
8. Strong communication skills with diverse community groups with a track record of building authentic, positive relationships.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The COO will work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, requiring adaptability and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• The role involves extensive computer use and regular communication via computer, phone, or smart device.
• Requires occasional evening and weekend work to support YMCA events and initiatives; must travel to various YMCA locations within Northwest Indiana.
• Requires frequent sitting, reaching, and movement within the work environment.
• Work environment typically has a moderate noise level.
• Must reside within the Association’s service area.

Click here for the 2023 Crossroads YMCA Annual Report