Associate Executive Director - Central City Family YMCA and Downtown YMCA

Join the Tampa YMCA as Associate Executive Director, Central City YMCA

Are you a seasoned YMCA or nonprofit leader ready for your next big opportunity? Do you thrive in a dynamic environment where you can lead membership, oversee multiple program lines, and drive meaningful community impact?

The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA is seeking an exceptional Associate Executive Director to lead our Central City and Downtown branches. This is more than a job - it’s a career-defining opportunity to shape growth, innovation, and community transformation in one of Florida’s most vibrant cities.

As the Associate Executive Director, you will oversee operations, programs, teams, and membership across two Y locations with a combined $2.5M operating budget and more than 1,800 household memberships. You will lead diverse programs serving youth, families, and adults while playing a central role in a transformational redevelopment project that includes a new four-story YMCA in a 1.6 million-square-foot mixed-use community.

The Tampa YMCA is recognized for developing leaders from within. Many current executive directors began their careers here, and others have advanced to senior roles across the Y movement. This position offers high visibility, influence, and the chance to make a lasting community impact.

Why This Role is Unmissable

• Oversee two YMCA locations, programs, teams, and membership engagement
• Opportunity for career growth within the Y movement and national YMCA leadership
• Lead a major redevelopment project and shape a new flagship facility
• Manage a $2.5M budget and programs serving 1,800+ households
• Collaborate with senior leaders and community partners to expand impact

What We Offer

• Robust Benefits: 12% retirement contribution, health insurance, generous PTO, work/life support
• Supportive Culture: Values-driven environment with strong leadership and collaborative colleagues
• Financial Stability: Well-managed organization with continuous investment in people and facilities
• Tampa Bay Lifestyle: No state income tax, sunny climate, world-class beaches, parks, biking trails, vibrant urban neighborhoods, and easy access via Tampa International Airport

Who You Are

• Experienced in leading multi-line YMCA or nonprofit operations (>$1M revenue, 1,000+ memberships preferred)
• Skilled in membership growth, program innovation, volunteer engagement, and fiscal management
• Strong communicator and relationship-builder with change leadership experience
• Strategic thinker with initiative, growth mindset, and data-informed decision-making
• Able to inspire, coach, and develop staff and volunteers to achieve shared goals

If you are ready to lead a flagship YMCA through an exciting transformation and make a lasting community impact, apply today and help us build a stronger Tampa Bay community

Under the direction of the District Executive Director, the Associate Executive Director provides leadership and oversight of the Central City and Downtown YMCAs, both branches of the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA. This position delivers Cause-Driven Leadership by supervising a high-performing team, engaging volunteers, managing fiscal operations, leading financial development efforts, and ensuring excellence in membership and program administration, facility and equipment stewardship, and community engagement. Key areas of focus include membership growth and retention, program innovation and quality, volunteer and board engagement, fundraising support, and community relationship-building. The role also ensures strong coordination between program areas and alignment with association initiatives.

The Central City YMCA has a significant youth development footprint, including licensed preschool, afterschool, and summer camp programs. Growth opportunities exist in youth and adult sports, young adult engagement, and community outreach.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Membership & Program Quality and Growth

• Achieve all goals and objectives as defined by the Association scorecard, including net promoter scores, revenue growth, operating margin, and membership expansion.
• Ensure compliance with all Tampa Y policies, procedures, and best practices, including those related to emergency preparedness, child abuse prevention, and risk management.
• Guarantee that all staff are properly trained in safety, emergency response, and incident reporting procedures.
• In collaboration with the District Executive Director, maintain safe, clean, and well-functioning facilities, coordinating repairs and improvements with the Property Management team.
• Participate actively in the Executive Leadership Team and Association program cabinet groups.
• Ensure full compliance with Preschool Licensing Standards and ACA Day Camp Standards.
• Lead or support Association initiatives as assigned.

Development and Fundraising

• Partner with the District Executive Director and Association Development Team to establish and achieve Annual Giving Campaign goals.
• Identify and cultivate opportunities for capital, endowment, and grant funding.
• Build and maintain relationships with current and potential donors, community leaders, and funding partners.
• Advance community awareness of YMCA impact areas and promote the Y’s mission as a community leader and partner.
• Ensure compliance with Association standards for donor cultivation, solicitation, recognition, and stewardship.

Advisory Board and Volunteer Leadership

• Support the District Executive Director and SVP of Operations in cultivating an active and engaged Urban Advisory Board.
• Recruit, develop, and inspire key community leaders to serve as volunteers and board members.
• Represent the YMCA in the local community, building partnerships with civic organizations, government agencies, schools, and businesses.
• Strengthen the Y’s presence and advocacy role within the community through consistent visibility and relationship management.

Fiscal Management

• Manage center budgets to achieve or exceed assigned operating margins.
• Monitor financial performance, analyze trends, and develop corrective plans as needed.
• Utilize key metrics and data to drive decision-making and identify growth opportunities.
• Develop and implement strategies to expand membership, program participation, and community impact within Association guidelines.

Team Leadership

• Provide leadership, direction, and support to all center staff, fostering a culture aligned with the Y’s mission, values, and member-focused service.
• Recruit, develop, motivate, and retain a passionate, high-performing team.
• Support professional growth of direct reports and promote leadership development across the team.
• Lead or support Association projects, design teams, and innovation initiatives as assigned.
• Participate in all required meetings, trainings, and community events.
• Demonstrate the ability to perform essential duties of supervised staff as needed.

Key Relationships

• Supervisor: District Executive Director
• Internal Partners:
• • Association Vice President of Membership
  • Association Senior Vice President of Operations – Youth Development
  • Association Service Departments
• Direct Reports:
• • Pool Manager
  • Wellness Director and/or Coordinators
  • Membership Director
  • Program Directors and/or Coordinators
  • Others as assigned

Safety and Risk Management

• Adhere to all Federal, State, and local safety regulations, as well as all YMCA policies and procedures related to the safety, health, and welfare of members, participants, guests, and staff.
• Ensure that all Tampa YMCA standards, leading practices, and policies are implemented and consistently followed, including those related to emergency procedures, child abuse prevention, and appropriate supervision.
• Adhere to policies and procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising participants and boundaries with participants when applicable.
• Ensure implementation of and follows all training requirements including risk management and child abuse prevention training in addition to ensuring proper reporting of all incidents/accidents according to risk management procedures.
• Maintain a safe and healthy environment at all times, including performing daily safety checks of program areas, equipment, and supplies.
• Maintain proper records, including certifications, meetings and trainings.
• Maintain an emphasis on safety in all areas of responsibility as they relate to members and staff.
• Front desk personnel—ensure member or association guest are properly signed in and signed out, ensures only authorized adults are allowed in the facility, etc.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Nonprofit Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of three years of progressive leadership experience in business operations, program or membership growth, fiscal management, community relations, and staff supervision.
• Proven record of success in leading large-scale operations exceeding $1 million in annual revenue and 1,000 household memberships (YMCA experience preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to achieve or exceed financial and fundraising goals.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to inspire, influence, and engage diverse audiences.
• Experience in facility management (30,000 sq. ft. or larger) preferred.
• Background in leading or supporting large community events is desirable.
• Self-driven, entrepreneurial, and results-oriented with demonstrated success in relationship-building and volunteer engagement.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills; able to use data for strategic decision-making.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other business software; ability to learn and adapt to new systems.
• Valid Florida driver’s license; occasional local travel required.

Certifications and Trainings

• Must obtain within 30 days of employment and maintain current certifications in:
• • CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers
  • First Aid
  • Oxygen Administration
• Maintain other certifications required by the Association or regulatory agencies (including preschool licensing).
• Must maintain insurability under YMCA vehicle insurance standards.

WORK CONDITIONS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job including, but not limited to:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and authorized work phone/smart device
• Ability to perform all physical aspects of the position, including but not limited to, walking, standing, bending, reaching, and lifting
• The employee frequently is required to sit and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment
• Ability to lift and move a minimum of 30 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust
• Ability to work in a variety of environments, specifically those subject to extreme humidity/dampness, heat and cold
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
• This position may require availability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Must be able to perform all duties and functions of those that are supervised

Please Note, all applications require a cover letter for consideration.

Click HERE to review guidelines and best practices for submitting an application

Full Time Benefits Summary:

• 20 days of Paid Time Off, increasing with service
• 7 paid holidays
• Employer-supported health, vision, dental insurance
• Tampa YMCA family membership
• $2,000 employer-provided assistance for qualified dependent care programs (before/after school care and camp)
• 20% off program fees (swim lessons, youth sports, summer camp and more)
• 30% off personal training
• Start at 403 (b) smart savings account through YMCA Benefits on day one of employment (optional)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through BayCare Behavioral Services (phone and online)
• Professional development opportunities through Y-USA trainings
• Retirement plan eligibility: After completing 1000 hours of service over two, twelve-month periods and at least 21 years of age, part-time and full-time associates are eligible for the Tampa YMCA to contribute 12% of your earnings to a 401(a) account. Once enrolled, the associate is immediately vested.

Association Summary:

The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA is a top-rated ‘4-star’ Charity Navigator and Guidestar ‘Gold’ rated non-profit charitable organization for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Join a cause-driven association focused on empowering every individual in our community to reach their healthiest and most fulfilled life. Learn more about the Tampa YMCA at www.tampaymca.org.

• 14 Family Center Ys, 65-acre outdoor adventure camp, Community Learning Center, two program centers, 27 afterschool sites, 18 Early Head Start sites
• Largest youth development and health & wellness provider in the region
• 300,000+ community members served
• 1,600+ staff members
• 1000+ volunteers
• $50MM in revenue
• An independent 501(c) 3, locally-governed and managed

Located in sunny Florida, the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA offers an ideal location with beautiful weather affording a desirable setting for an active outdoor lifestyle year-round, is close to many beaches and theme parks and Florida is one of very few states that has no state income tax.

The Tampa Y is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace.