Chief Executive Officer

YMCA
Salary
$207,000.00
$225,000.00
How to Apply
Apply Online
Resumes Accepted Until
The Family YMCA of the Desert is an equal opportunity employer. We work to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to reach...
Job Description

THE OPPORTUNITY AT THE YMCA OF THE DESERT
The Family YMCA of the Desert seeks an innovative, strategic, and community minded leader to serve as its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The CEO partners closely with the Board of Directors to advance the YMCA’s mission through strong leadership, operational excellence, philanthropy, and community engagement, while ensuring long term sustainability, growth, and impact.

The CEO will build trust and expand the YMCA’s reach across its service area by leading collaborative efforts and cultivating productive relationships with community leaders, donors, foundations, corporate partners, and key stakeholders. As the organization’s chief ambassador, the CEO will maintain a visible presence in the community and strengthen the YMCA’s reputation and mission impact.

The CEO will lead the YMCA’s fundraising and development strategy, oversee the annual campaign, major gifts, grants, and donor engagement, while fostering a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization. In addition, the CEO will provide overall operational leadership, ensuring high quality programs and services aligned with community needs and YMCA standards. Key responsibilities include setting strategic direction with the Board, driving financial sustainability through diversified revenue, overseeing budgeting and financial management, ensuring regulatory compliance, and strengthening partnerships with municipalities, schools, nonprofits, and other community partners.


ABOUT THE FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT
The Family YMCA of the Desert stands as a cornerstone of community life in the Coachella Valley, serving as a place where individuals and families come together to grow stronger—physically, mentally, and socially. Rooted in the long-standing mission of the YMCA, the organization is dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

For generations, the Family YMCA of the Desert has provided a safe and welcoming environment where children can learn, play, and thrive. Through youth sports programs, after-school care, and summer camps, the YMCA fosters confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills. These programs are more than activities; they are opportunities for young people to build character, form lasting friendships, and develop a sense of belonging.

Equally important is the YMCA’s commitment to social responsibility. The Family YMCA of the Desert works to ensure that no one is turned away due to financial hardship, offering scholarships and outreach programs that make participation accessible to all. In times of need, the organization has stepped forward to support families, providing resources, childcare, and a sense of stability during uncertain times.

At its core, the Family YMCA of the Desert is more than a facility—it is a gathering place where community is built every day. It reflects the belief that when people are given the support and opportunity to grow, stronger individuals create a stronger, more connected community.

Our Mission
Family YMCA of the Desert is dedicated to putting Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

Our Cause & Values 
To strengthen the foundations of community and instill the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Our Culture:

  • The Y Experience – The Y Experience is built from our mission and encompasses the values and philosophy by which we serve and operate.
  • Welcoming – We are open to all. We are a place where you can be yourself and find yourself in others.
  • Genuine – We value you and embrace your individuality.
  • Hopeful – We believe in you and your potential to do good in the world.
  • Nurturing – We support you as you become the best-version-of-yourself.
  • Determined – Above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

 

Our Profile: The Family YMCA of the Desert serves youth and families through sports leagues, camps, school-age programs, and preschool, along with supportive programming for affordable housing communities.

Since 2011, we have also proudly operated the Palm Desert Aquatic Center, providing swim lessons, fitness classes, recreational swim team opportunities, adult swim instruction, lap swim, and family recreation.

Together, our programs reach and support more than 12,000 participants across our community each year.

Program Locations: We have one main program site and 8 program locations:
3 preschool locations, 4 after school locations, 1 affordable housing program, and our partnership with the Palm Desert Aquatic Center.

Core Programs:

  • Programs: Youth Sports, Day camp, Camp Oaks
  • Affordable Housing Partnership/Programs
  • After school Programs with Desert Sands unified school district sites: Palm Desert, La Quinta, and Indian Wells.
  • Early Childhood Development: Doris Mechanick, Jean Benson, and La Quinta.
  • Palm Desert Aquatic Center: Swim Lessons, fitness classes, recreational swimming, lap swimming, and community events.


Annual Support Campaign: 

  • Current Year Goal: $201,000
  • Prior Year’s Total: $212,067
  • Current Year’s Progress Toward Goal: $96,443
  • Ten-year historical high: $599,400
     

Capital Campaign: The YMCA currently holds $1,083,632 in capital campaign reserves, positioning the organization well for future capital and growth initiatives.

CEO Direct Reports: 

  • COO/Human Resources Director
  • Sr. Program Director
  • ECE Program Director
  • Accounting Manager
  • School Age Program Director
  • Aquatics Director
  • Facilities and Maintenance Manager
     

Board of Directors: 
General Board - 17 total members

Committees:

  • Executive
  • Fundraising
  • Finance
  • Programs
  • Marketing
     

Financial Snapshot:

  • Current Annual Budget Size (FY 25-26): $9.5M
  • Current Debt: NoneCurrent Endowment: $145,000
  • Last year operating net (FY 24-25): $112,237
  • Previous year operating net (FY 23-24): $31,707
  • Previous year operating net (FY 22-23): $363,922
     

ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY 
Coachella Valley is a vibrant and diverse community nestled in the heart of Southern California’s desert landscape. Known for its stunning mountain views, warm climate, and rich cultural fabric, the valley is home to a unique blend of families, retirees, seasonal residents, and a growing workforce that keeps the region thriving year-round.

At the center of the valley are cities like Palm Desert, Indio, and La Quinta, each contributing its own character and energy. Together, they form a connected community where local events, youth sports, schools, and small businesses play a vital role in everyday life. The valley is widely recognized for hosting world-renowned events like the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and the Stagecoach Festival, drawing visitors from around the globe while showcasing the area’s dynamic spirit.

Beyond its reputation as a destination, Coachella Valley is deeply rooted in community connection. Families here value access to safe spaces for their children, quality education, and opportunities for recreation and personal growth. Local organizations, schools, and programs work together to support youth development, promote healthy living, and provide essential services to those in need.

The valley is also shaped by its cultural diversity, with strong Latino, agricultural, and working-class communities contributing to its identity. This diversity is reflected in local traditions, food, festivals, and the shared commitment to supporting one another. While the region continues to grow, it remains grounded in a sense of neighborly connection—where people show up for each other, whether through volunteering, coaching youth teams, or supporting local initiatives.

In Coachella Valley, community is not just a concept—it is a way of life. It’s seen in the families who gather at parks, the volunteers who give their time, and the organizations that create opportunities for all. Together, these elements make the valley not just a place to live, but a place to belong.

Information Sites:
City/County Website: https://www.palmdesert.gov/; https://rivco.gov/ 
Chamber of Commerce: https://www.pdacc.org/; https://gcvcc.org/   
University/College: https://www.collegeofthedesert.edu/   
Hospital System: Eisenhower Health https://eisenhowerhealth.org/  
Desert Care Network https://www.desertcarenetwork.com/   
School System: Desert Sands USD https://www.dsusd.us/; Coachella Valley USD https://www.cvusd.us/; Palm Springs USD https://www.psusd.us/  

 

Qualifications

Criteria for Candidates: 

  • Accredited 4-year college degree and or equivalent work experience.
  • Fiscally sound business management approach with a proven track record of budgetary and fiscal management more than $9.5M or more annually.
  • Minimum seven 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 economic and 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 SKILLS AND ABILITIES OF OUR NEXT CEO

Develop and Implement a Strategic Plan: Work effectively with volunteers, community leaders, and key staff, to create and develop a strategic plan that addresses the needs of the communities served by the Y and includes defined organizational strategies, a clear implementation plan with deliverables, and measurable goals. Key Competencies: Change Leadership, Communication & Influence, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Program/Project Management

Position the Y as a Vital Partner for Community Change: Serve as an ambassador for the mission, purpose, and vision for the YMCA within the community. 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 your Y is seen as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. Key Competencies: Communication & Influence, Engaging Community, Collaboration

Steward Fundraising Efforts: Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan that will establish the YMCA as a leading nonprofit organization within the community through the engagement of members, volunteers, staff, and donors. Identify the need for successful capital fundraising, while taking the organization to a new level of effectiveness and impact in annual giving and endowment. Key Competencies: Philanthropy, Engaging Community, Communication & Influence

Improve Operating Performance: Engage the board and appropriate staff to develop an annual tactical plan for identifying and achieving key goals and objectives towards operating with safe, relevant, and sustainable practices. Quickly address issues that may arise, forecast future needs, and manage and direct the Y’s operations and activities. Key Competencies: Developing Self & Others, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Innovation

Fiscal Management: Use high-level financial analysis to forecast financial trends, growth, and stability, while consistently leading the organization to balance or surplus operations by growing earned revenue and contributions and controlling costs. Empower and guide staff leaders to lead their departments to successful financial operation. Develop and implement stewardship strategies. Key Competencies: Fiscal Management, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Developing Self & Others, Philanthropy

Build and Lead Staff: Ensure a talent development system is in place and executed effectively with cultural competence. Hire, motivate, nurture, retain, and hold staff accountable for key objectives. Work towards recruiting, retaining, developing, and promoting staff. Encourage the team by creating a spirit of camaraderie, connection, and sense of mission and purpose. Create a learning organization to help staff achieve their highest potential. Key Competencies: Developing Self & Others, Inclusion, Emotional Maturity, Change Leadership 

SALARY, BENEFITS, & CRITERIA

Salary Range: $207,000 - $225,000

Benefits:

  • YMCA Retirement: 8% of gross salary contribution once eligibility is met
  • YMCA 403B savings account 100% employee contribution
  • Health plan: YMCA covers 100% of the cost for employee medical, dental and vision insurance. Coverage for dependents is available at the employee’s expense.
  • Paid Time Off: Vacation and sick leave are accrued and become available after 90 days of employment. Vacation is accrued at a rate of 7.7 hours per pay period, with a maximum accrual cap of 240 hours. Sick leave is accrued at a rate of 1 hour for every 30 hours worked, with a maximum accrual cap of 160 hours.
  • Paid Holidays: 11 paid holidays and 1 floating holiday.
  • Other benefits: Company Paid Life Insurance up to $100,000; voluntary benefits: Additional Life, dependent life insurance, identity and theft protection and wellness program reimbursement.

Residency Expectation: Living in the YMCA’s service area is preferred.

SEARCH PROCESS TARGET DATES

Resumes accepted through: 5/13/2026
Preliminary interviews scheduled: 6/15/2026 & 6/16/2026
In-person interviews: 7/20/26 & 7/21/26
New CEO on board (anticipated): 9/1/2026

*Dates subject to change

HOW TO APPLY

References, Background Check, and Organizational Leader Certification:
Candidates must submit (pdf format only) the following in their online application: a resume, cover letter. Applications submitted 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. The YMCA's personnel policies may require further screening.

Candidates must apply via the following website: https://tinyurl.com/family-ymca-of-the-desert-ceo  

QUESTIONS

About the Search Process?

Questions about the search process may be directed to Shaneé Jenkins, Senior Director, Executive Leadership- CEO Search, YMCA of the USA, [email protected], (O) (312-416-0852).

Questions about this YMCA may be directed to Dan Crocker, Director of Association Resources, California State Alliance of YMCAs, [email protected], (O) (541-646-4672).