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The CSO provides strategic leadership for organizational planning, alignment, marketing, communications, and enterprise-wide innovation.
Job Description
The Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) is a critical member of the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South’s C-Suite, reporting directly to the President & CEO. The CSO provides strategic leadership for organizational planning, alignment, marketing, communications, and enterprise-wide innovation. This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring the YMCA’s multi-year strategic plan, ensuring that every business unit and department is aligned around the association’s mission, priorities, and long-term goals.
The CSO serves as the architect and champion of organizational strategy, operational alignment, brand excellence, and performance measurement. This leader ensures that marketing, communications, and organizational strategy work seamlessly together to advance mission impact, financial sustainability, and community awareness.
Qualifications
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- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Strategy, Communications, or related.
- Preferred 5-10+ years of progressive leadership experience in strategy, operations, marketing, communications, or organizational development.
- Proven experience developing and implementing strategic plans and KPI frameworks.
- Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams, managing complex projects, and driving organizational alignment.
- Strong experience in marketing, brand management, and communication strategy.
- Exceptional analytical, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
- Ability to influence, motivate, and collaborate with diverse teams.
Commitment to the mission and values of the YMCA.
Essential Functions
Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Lead the development, execution, and continuous refinement of the YMCA’s strategic plan.
- Ensure organizational alignment across all business units, departments, and leadership teams.
- Partner with the CEO to translate strategy into operational execution, measurable outcomes, and clear priorities.
- Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve coordination, effectiveness, and mission impact across the association.
- Develop and monitor organizational performance through dashboards, milestones, and KPI frameworks.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) & Data Strategy
- Develop, implement, and monitor KPIs that align with organizational priorities and business unit goals.
- Ensure operational metrics are established, accurate, and actionable across the organization.
- Provide strategic insights to guide decision-making, resource deployment, growth priorities, and program sustainability.
- Ensure transparency and accountability across the organization through consistent reporting.
Marketing & Communications Leadership
- Provide executive leadership for Marketing & Communications to ensure unified, mission-driven messaging.
- Develop and implement a coordinated association-wide marketing strategy that strengthens brand identity and community visibility.
- Ensure brand alignment, visual consistency, and effective messaging across all departments.
- Drive internal and external communication strategies that enhance engagement and public relations.
Brand Standards, Culture, & Behavior Change
- Create and maintain brand standards that reflect excellence and mission alignment.
- Support leadership in embedding behaviors and cultural expectations that strengthen performance and community trust.
- Lead culture-based initiatives that reinforce high expectations for service, communication, and organizational representation.
Program & Organizational Development
- Serve as the lead project manager for association-wide initiatives and program-specific development.
- Ensure innovation, sustainability, and long-term planning are integrated into program design and operations.
- Coordinate development processes that support expansion, improvement, and scaling of high-impact programs.
- Support new opportunities, partnerships, and strategic initiatives that advance organizational growth.
Internal & External Communications
- Lead communication strategies that support internal alignment, staff engagement, and executive messaging.
- Prepare materials, presentations, and communications for the CEO and executive team.
- Ensure clear, timely, and mission-aligned communication across the association.
Other Responsibilities
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- Represent the YMCA in community partnerships, workforce initiatives, and professional associations.
- Develop cross-functional collaboration with HR, Finance, Marketing, and Operations to align priorities.
- Create and implement policies and procedures that drive consistency, accountability, and excellence.
- Engage in continuous professional development to stay informed of emerging trends and best practices.
Perform all other duties as assigned by the President & CEO.
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
Mission Advancement: Reinforces the Y’s values within the organization and the community.
Effectively communicates the benefits and impact of the Y’s efforts for all stakeholders.
Collaboration: Builds and nurtures strategic relationships to enhance support for the Y. Serves as a community leader building collaboration based on trust and credibility to advance the Y’s mission and goals. Communicates for influence to attain buy-in and support of goals. Provides tools and resources for the development of others.
Operational Effectiveness: Integrates multiple thinking processes to make decisions. Involves staff at all levels in the development of programs and activities. Ensures execution of plans. Institutes sound accounting procedures and financial controls. Assigns clear accountability and ensures continuous improvement.
Personal Growth: Fosters a learning environment embracing diverse abilities and approaches. Creates a sense of urgency and positive tension to support change. 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.
Behavioral Characteristics: Welcoming, Nurturing, Determined, Hopeful, and Genuine.
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