Chief Financial Officer - National Office (Remote)

Interested candidates should send a letter of interest and comprehensive resume to Dina Satriale at [email protected]  
Job Description

The YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) is recruiting for a Chief Financial Officer (CFO), a new role created to steward the organization’s financial strength and sustainability while advancing the important work and agenda of its members - putting Christian principles into practice to build healthy spirit, mind, and body—during an unprecedented inflection point in our nation’s history. The CFO will play a pivotal role in safeguarding and growing the financial health of the YMCA Movement, ensuring that millions of lives continue to be positively impacted through the Y’s programs and national reach.

As the national resource office for the Movement, Y-USA exists to support and strengthen its member associations’ ability to carry out the mission in their communities while advancing collective goals and priorities. As one of the most well-known and trusted nonprofit brands in the country, the YMCA is uniquely positioned to lead in youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Local Ys serve as essential social, health, and development anchors in thousands of communities nationwide.

The CFO will be responsible for aligning Y-USA’s financial strategy with its mission and operational goals, ensuring the organization has the fiscal resilience and resources to serve more than 2,650 local Ys. This includes oversight of all aspects of financial management—strategy, planning, reporting, compliance, and risk management—while ensuring financial stewardship and transparency deliver value for associations of all sizes. Reporting directly the COO, the CFO will serve as a strategic partner in shaping long-term organizational strategy while ensuring day-to-day financial excellence.

This is a unique opportunity for a mission-driven, visionary financial leader to guide the country’s largest health and human services nonprofit through a period of transformation and growth. The ideal candidate will bring exceptional financial and business acumen, proven experience in complex or federated organizations, and the ability to balance strategic vision with rigorous financial discipline. A collaborative communicator and servant leader, the CFO will be people-focused, data-driven, and results-oriented, embodying the Y’s values while advancing its mission.

Organization Overview

The YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) is a leading nonprofit membership organization committed to strengthening community by empowering young people, improving the health and well-being of people of all ages, and inspiring action in and across communities.

Founded in 1844, the YMCA (The National Council of Young Men’s Christian Associations) has grown into one of the largest organizations focused on strengthening communities, serving more than 64 million people in 120 countries. Across the globe, individual Ys respond to community needs with programs and services that empower all people to reach their full potential with dignity.

In the United States, the Y Movement is comprised of the YMCA of the USA, a national resource office headquartered in Chicago, and over 2,650 Ys serving 11 million people in 10,000 communities across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

Y-USA operates with approximately 200 employees and an annual budget of $99 million. Its endowment is valued at $85 million, with more than $40 million raised yearly through grants, contributions, and major gift donations. Y-USA’s budget is primarily funded by its member associations. These associations are autonomous corporations, separately incorporated in their respective states, and have independent boards and issue separate financial statements.

The Y-USA is governed by its National Board of Directors, whose purpose is to carry out the objectives, goals, and powers in the organization’s Constitution.

We offer a full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, defined benefit plan (retirement savings), defined contribution plan (403(b) plan, life and disability insurances, technology stipend, and generous paid time off. YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) embraces a remote-first working environment which means most employees work remotely from a home office within the continental United States.

Qualifications

The CFO will be a proven financial leader with extensive executive-level experience in complex, mission-driven organizations.

Education/Certification

  • Bachelor’s degree required.
  • CPA or MBA strongly preferred.

Knowledge and Work Experience

  • Minimum 15 years of progressively responsible financial leadership experience, including prior experience as a CFO or equivalent senior finance executive.
  • Demonstrated success managing complex financial systems and driving strategic decision-making.
  • Deep knowledge of nonprofit accounting standards and practices (GAAP, FASB, AICPA) as well as federal compliance regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance).
  • Knowledge and experience with modern accounting, financial reporting, and ERP systems.
  • Experience working in a federated nonprofit or mission-driven organization with multiple constituents preferred.

Leadership Skills & Core Competencies

  • Board & Executive Engagement: Proven ability to engage Boards and executive leaders with clarity, transparency, and credibility.
  • Team Leadership: Track record of leading diverse finance teams, mentoring talent, and building strong succession pipelines.
  • Values & Inclusion: Demonstrates commitment to the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
  • Strategic Vision: Ability to align financial strategy with organizational mission and long-term sustainability goals.
  • Influence & Communication: Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information to varied audiences.
  • Results Orientation: History of exceeding goals, balancing budget realities with mission delivery, and making data-driven decisions.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility and openness to change, with a solution-oriented and collaborative approach to problem-solving.
Essential Functions

Strategic Financial Leadership

  • Serve as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to enterprise strategy and long-term planning.
  • Partner with the CEO, COO, senior leadership, and the Board of Directors to develop long-term financial strategies that ensure the sustainability of Y-USA and strengthen the wider Movement.
  • Advise the CEO, COO, and Board on financial trends, emerging risks, and long-range fiscal strategies.
  • Develop and implement financial models that support growth, financial vitality, and strategic initiatives across the Movement.

Enterprise Financial Operations Oversight

  • Oversee all financial functions, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, grants, treasury, tax, compliance, investments, and audit.
  • Ensure accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of internal and external financial reporting.
  • Maintain strong systems of internal controls, regulatory compliance, and best-in-class financial policies.
  • Enhance systems, tools, and reporting processes to improve accuracy, transparency, and evidence-based decision-making.
  • Lead and develop a high-performing Finance team, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.

National Movement Financial Leadership

  • Provide thought leadership, education, and consulting support to local YMCAs on financial sustainability, fiscal strategy, debt, and capital planning.
  • Partner with Y-USA field leaders and national initiatives to deliver scalable financial guidance, training, and capacity-building resources.
  • Champion nationwide financial equity by identifying barriers and aligning resources to support underserved communities.
  • Ensure that the value delivered by Y-USA exceeds the expectations of associations investing in national membership.

Governance & Risk Management

  • Serve as staff lead for the Finance, Investment, and Audit Committees of the Board.
  • Guide fiduciary oversight practices and ensure full transparency in reporting to governance bodies.
  • Develop and oversee enterprise risk management systems, including insurance, financial controls, and regulatory compliance.
  • Safeguard Y-USA’s assets and reputation through strong internal controls, audit processes, and accountability measures.

Strategic Partnerships and Resource Development

  • Collaborate with Resource Development and Program teams to align financial strategy with philanthropic goals.
  • Support major funding initiatives through financial modeling, investment strategy, and donor reporting.
  • Develop external partnerships that drive innovation and impact in nonprofit finance and YMCA service delivery.
  • Represent Y-USA in financial and philanthropic forums to advance credibility, build trust, and attract resources.

Network Alignment and Advocacy

  • Build and maintain relationships across the YMCA Network to strengthen the credibility and adoption of Y-USA financial strategy.
  • Align practices and strategies across Y-USA and local associations to create shared goals and outcomes.
  • Serve as Finance Practice Lead for Y-USA and as a partner to CFOs across the Movement.
  • Serve as a key advocate for financial stewardship, balancing innovation and long-term growth opportunities.