District Executive Director

The YMCA of Coastal Carolina is seeking a visionary District Executive Director to guide multiple centers.

Job Description
POSITION SUMMARY:

The District Executive Director provides strategic and operational leadership for a region of the YMCA of Coastal Carolina, ensuring mission impact, financial strength, exceptional member experience, and staff culture across multiple branches. This role translates association strategy into district operating plans; develops leaders; drives membership, program quality, safety, equity/access, and community partnerships; and stewards the Y brand and values across all assigned sites.

Qualifications
Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Nonprofit Management, Recreation, Education, or related field (Master's preferred).
• 7–10+ years of progressive multi-site leadership with direct P&L responsibility; YMCA experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success in membership growth, program quality, staff development, and financial stewardship.
• Proven ability to lead through change; strong communication, coaching, and community-relations skills.
• Knowledge of risk management, youth protection, and compliance standards relevant to YMCA operations.
• Proficiency with membership/program systems and analytics (e.g., Daxko, dashboards, Excel).
• Required certifications or ability to obtain within 60 days: CPR/First Aid/AED, Child Abuse Prevention, Bloodborne Pathogens; additional credentials per program portfolio.
• Must pass background checks and meet YMCA standards for working with children.

Essential Functions

• Translate association strategic priorities into annual district operating plans with clear KPIs for each center.
• Lead market analysis and growth initiatives (new programs, partnerships, capital/facility planning) aligned to community needs.
• Champion equity of access and inclusion; align financial assistance policy and third-party pay strategies to impact goals.
• Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality programs and services across branches (youth development, aquatics, sports, health & wellness, AOA, family programs).
• Standardize best practices, SOPs, and service standards (e.g., scheduling, facility readiness, emergency procedures, Daxko/utilization and data hygiene).
• Monitor and improve member experience, retention, and satisfaction, implementing corrective action plans as needed.
• Hire, coach, and evaluate center staff; build succession pipelines and bench strength for critical roles.
• Foster a values-based, inclusive culture; model the Y's behaviors and leadership competencies.
• Ensure staff training, certifications, and onboarding are completed and tracked (e.g., CPR/First Aid, Child Abuse Prevention, aquatic safety where applicable); promote YPN engagement and leadership development.
• Oversee region P&L performance; lead budgeting, forecasting, pricing, and margin management with branch leaders.
• Optimize membership mix, program portfolio, staffing models, and cost controls to meet or exceed plan.
• Partner with the CFO/Finance on timely reporting, AR/NSF management, financial assistance utilization, and internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with YMCA policies, youth protection standards, licensing/health codes, insurance, and audit requirements.
• Lead incident reviews, investigations, and corrective action close-outs; maintain a proactive safety culture.
• Ensure proper cash handling, check/mail controls, and safeguarding protocols at all sites.
• Strengthen relationships with municipalities, school districts, healthcare systems, corporate partners, and community groups.
• Support branch advisory boards (recruitment, engagement, dashboards); coordinate with Development on annual campaign, grants, sponsorships, and major gifts.
• Serve as an ambassador for the Y brand and vision in the district.
• Ensure facilities are clean, safe, and guest-ready; prioritize preventive maintenance and life-safety remediation.
• Contribute to capital planning and project execution in partnership with Facilities/Development
• Data, Systems & Accountability
• Use dashboards to manage membership, program, safety, and financial KPIs; run disciplined business reviews with each branch.
• Ensure accurate use of membership/program systems (e.g., Daxko) and adherence to data standards.

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Team Leader)

• Mission Advancement: Models and drives the Y's cause; expands community impact.
• Collaboration: Builds inclusive teams; cultivates partnerships; resolves conflict constructively.
• Operational Effectiveness: Executes strategy; manages change; holds teams accountable for results.
• Personal Growth: Demonstrates adaptability, learning agility, and sound judgment.