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The Opportunity
This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned leader to make a profound impact at a mission-driven YMCA within a thriving community. Our new CEO will drive innovative strategies to expand the YMCA’s reach and deepen its impact within the service area. Cultivate strong partnerships with key stakeholders to enhance the YMCA’s reputation and further its mission. Guide and inspire a dedicated staff team passionate about serving the community. And prioritize the safety and well-being of all individuals, especially youth, by exceeding industry standards and ensuring full compliance.
The YMCA Board is seeking a visionary and community-minded CEO with proven leadership experience. The CEO must have the ability to develop and implement strategic plans that align with the YMCA’s mission and long-term goals. Have excellent communication, relationship-building, and collaboration skills. Must have a track record of success in achieving measurable outcomes and driving organizational growth. Coupled with a deep understanding of the YMCA’s values and a commitment to its mission.
The YMCA boasts a strong and engaged Board of Directors and a dedicated staff team committed to serving the community. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic organization and make a lasting difference.
Our Mission
To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
Our Cause Defines Us and Drives Us!
At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Every day, we work side by side with our neighbors to make sure that people of every age, income level and background have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. To fulfill this promise, the Y requires strong cause-driven leaders to effect lasting personal and social change in our organization’s three areas of focus: youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. At the Y, we strive to put the following values into practice in everything we do: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
Greater Waterbury YMCA Facts
The Greater Waterbury YMCA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility in the Greater Waterbury community. We are located at 136 West Main Street with a campus that extends out to Prospect Street. Our YMCA facilities include our flagship building on West Main Street, the YMCA Annex at Rose Hill, two outdoor day camps (Watertown and Southbury), the newly incorporated Waterbury Youth Services branch of the YMCA, and a multitude of childcare sites in both Waterbury and Watertown. With a long-standing history of service, the YMCA provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for individuals and families of all backgrounds. Our facilities offers state-of-the-art fitness center, aquatics programs, and various wellness initiatives designed to promote physical health and well-being. Our YMCA is seen as a community leader in the child care arena, and has expanded over the years to include the following child care programs: infant/toddler, preschool and before and after school care. Additionally, the YMCA is committed to community outreach, ensuring access to programs that support underserved populations through scholarships and financial assistance.
In addition, the Greater Waterbury YMCA also currently has a management agreement with the Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut to provide CEO, Human Resources, and Financial Services.
In October 2024, the Greater Waterbury YMCA and Waterbury Youth Services (WYS) merged to enhance support for local families and youth. This strategic partnership allows WYS to operate as a branch of the YMCA, maintaining its existing programs and services. By combining resources, the two organizations aim to expand their reach and effectiveness in serving the Waterbury community. The merger facilitates a more comprehensive approach to youth development, leveraging the YMCA’s extensive experience in fostering healthy living and social responsibility with WYS’s specialized programs in areas such as juvenile justice, child advocacy, mentoring, truancy prevention, and support for youth experiencing homelessness.
Current Key Strategic Initiatives
Elevate membership and strengthen program efficacy to deepen the impact of the Y cause.
Build the organizational capacity necessary to effectively fulfill the Y cause.
Generate the awareness and financial resources needed to sustain the Y cause
To strengthen the child advocacy center by organizational oversight, enhance community partnerships, and ensure compliance with best practices and policies.
Membership
Total Number of Members in Association: 6,455
Total Number of Membership Units in Association: 3,959 % Youth: 458 = 12%
% Adults: 1,273 = 32%
% SPF/ Fam: 950 = 23%
% Senior: 1,255 = 32%
Branch/Facility Information
Main Facility: 136 W Main Street
Annex Building: 63 Prospect Street
Waterbury Youth Services: 83 Prospect Street
Camps: Mataucha/Oakasha
Programs
Aquatics
Out of School Time: Before and After School,
Preschool/ Infant Toddler
Camp Mataucha and Camp Oakasha
Social Services
Annual Campaign
2024 ASC Total: $ 170,890
Current 2025 Year’s Goal: $ 217,500 (Current YTD as of March $73,000)
Staff
Waterbury YMCA
FT: 79
PT: 175
Seasonal: 110
Regional YMCA of Western CT
FT: 31
PT: 247
Seasonal: 100
CEO Direct Reports:
Director of Operations
Chief Finance Officer
Development Director
Human Resource Director
Child Development Director
Youth Services – Director of Operations
Director of Executive Relations
Regional YMCA of Western CT – VP of Operations
Board of Directors
Number of Governing Board Members: 21
Board of Directors Regional: 14
Committees:
Board of Directors
Nominating Committee
Investment Committee
Risk/ Compliance Committee
Property Committee
Finance Committee
Executive Committee
Youth Services Advisory Board
Financial Snapshot
Current Annual Budget Size: $10,812,170
Current Debt: as of 12/31/2024 unaudited $4,143,634
Current Endowment: as of 12/31/2024 $5,753,000
3-year annual surplus/deficit: 12/31/22 ($ 1,578.630)
12/31/23 $1,897,408
12/31/24 unaudited $738,132
Population & Demographics
Population estimates, July 1, 2023, (V2023): 164,206
Persons under 5 years: 6.2%
Persons under 18 years: 22.5%
Persons 65 years and over: 15.6
White: 42%
Black or African American: 26.0%
American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2%
Asian: 2.5%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1
Two or More Races: 15.4%
Hispanic or Latino: 37.5%
White alone, not Hispanic or Latino: 30.5
Households, 2018-2022: 65,112
Persons per household, 2018-2022: 2.45
Median household income (in 2022 dollars), 2018-2022: $67,865
Additional Important Information
Area Amenities and Community Benefits
Known as the “Brass City,” Waterbury, Connecticut, is a thriving, expanding city with a thriving corporate community, a fascinating past, and a thriving arts and culture scene. Waterbury has made incredible progress in recent years as a city committed to community involvement and economic growth, and continued rehabilitation initiatives are paving the way for a better future. Local companies flourish in an atmosphere that encourages creativity, networking, and economic growth thanks to the support of the Waterbury Regional Chamber of Commerce. From innovative manufacturing to healthcare, hospitality, and education, the city is home to a wide range of businesses that present chances for both new business owners and well-established enterprises.
Beyond its commercial district, Waterbury is home to cultural treasures like the Palace Theater, a world-class theater that brings Broadway productions, concerts, and other entertainment right into the city center. While restaurants and cafés provide a varied culinary scene that appeals to all tastes, museums, art galleries, and community activities further enhance the local experience. With schools like Post University and Naugatuck Valley town College training the next generation of professionals, education is also a cornerstone of the town. The city is a desirable destination to live and work because of its ideal location between large metropolitan regions, easy access to highways, and public transit.
Waterbury is a destination to think about whether you want to expand your business, live in a friendly community, or discover a city full of opportunities and history. The city is growing and has a bright future for both businesses and inhabitants because of the Chamber’s commitment to local success.
Qualifications
Criteria for Candidates:
- Accredited 4-year college degree or equivalent experience.
- Must demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills and personal values consistent with the YMCA mission.
- Minimum five 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.
- Have the ability to develop innovative programs, review and enhance programs being offered or considered for both economy and the effectiveness in broadening our engagement in the communities in which we serve.
- Strategic planning and Fundraising experience including annual campaigns and the securing of grants.
- Fiscally sound business management approach.
- A proven record of accomplishment of progressive budgetary leadership and advanced fiscal management practices.
- YMCA Organizational Leader Certification or ability to achieve within 3 years.
Essential Functions
Key Performance Objectives
Community Leadership and Involvement: Ability to be a visible and approachable leader who engages with the community, builds relationships, and understands the diverse needs of Waterbury’s underserved and low-to-middle-income families. 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 our Y is seen as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening the community. Ideally have a strong grasp of Waterbury’s political climate to navigate local government relationships and secure funding sources. Serve as an ambassador for the mission, purpose, and vision for the YMCA within the community
Key competencies: Communication & Influence, Leadership, Engaging Community, Collaboration
Manage And Lead Staff: Develop Organization and Culture: Role models the standards and values of the Y. Ability to manage and lead a diverse staff at multiple locations. Hire, motivate, retain, nurture, and develop staff. Hold staff accountable for key objectives. Bring together employees from different backgrounds, perspectives, and demographics. Fosters a learning environment to help staff achieve their highest potential. Encourages the team by creating a culture of collaboration, teamwork, camaraderie, connection, and sense of mission and purpose
Key competencies: Leadership, Developing Self & Others, Inclusion, Emotional Maturity, Change Leadership
Sound Operational and Financial Management: Demonstrated leadership, preferably in a non-profit. A solid understanding of finance, fiscal sustainability, business development and fundraising. Develop policies and procedures and conduct annual assessments to ensure a safe environment for members, program participants, staff and the community. Commitment to and passion for the organization and community. Ability to engage in strategic planning and implementation. Ability to articulate the organization’s vision and strategic direction to important stakeholders, board members, and employees. Creativity and initiative in establishing new programs, opportunities and revenue streams.
Key competencies: Fiscal Management, Communication & Influence, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Program/Project Management
Salary Range: $150,000- $195,000 annually
Benefits:
- Y Retirement (percent paid by Y, by employee) contribution once eligibility is met. 10% paid by Y
- Y Retirement 403B Savings Account eligible on first day of employment
- PTO (how many days) Based on YMCA years of service – up to 31 days
- Health & dental plan 75% paid by Y – vision, LTD, life 100% paid by Y
- Other benefits per personnel policy. Family Membership, free childcare
Residency Expectation: The CEO is expected to be highly engaged and visible in our community. Living in the YMCA’s service area is preferred.
Target Dates for the Search Process
Resumes accepted through: 5/11/2025
Preliminary interviews scheduled: 6/10/2025
Final interviews: 7/8/25 and 7/9/25
New CEO on board (anticipated): September/October 2025
To Apply
Candidates will apply via the following website: https://tinyurl.com/greater-waterbury-ymca-ceo
Application, References, Background Check, and Organizational Leader Certification:
Candidates must submit the following in their online application, uploading a PDF of your cover letter and resume. Applications 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-USA’s Organizational Leader Certification or obtain certification within the first three years from start date as the CEO.
Questions regarding this position should be directed to:
Nicole Bolding, Y-USA Search Consultant, nicole.bolding@ymca.net
Chris Pallatto, CEO of Connecticut & Rhode Island State Alliance of YMCAs, cpallatto@ct-ri-ymca.org