The Joplin Family YMCA is seeking a bold, forward-thinking CEO who won’t just manage—but reimagine how we serve our community.
Job Description
EXECUTIVE VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
JOPLIN FAMILY YMCA
Position: Chief Executive Officer
Application Deadline: January 19th, 2026
The Joplin Family YMCA is an equal opportunity employer. We work to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity.
THE OPPORTUNITY AT THE JOPLIN FAMILY YMCA
The Joplin Family YMCA is seeking a bold, forward-thinking CEO who won’t just manage—but reimagine how we serve our community. This is an opportunity to drive innovation by launching impactful programs that expand our reach, strengthen families, and elevate our role as a trusted community partner. You will inspire excellence by leading a passionate team dedicated to transforming lives every day, while championing safety and setting the standard for youth protection and community well-being.
We are looking for a visionary leader with a proven ability to turn strategic plans into measurable results. You must bring strong relationship-building skills that allow you to connect, collaborate, and inspire stakeholders at every level, along with a growth mindset that drives organizational expansion and breakthrough success. Above all, you bring a deep commitment to the values of the YMCA and a heart for community transformation that aligns with our mission.
Join a historic and mission-driven organization with an engaged Board of Directors, committed volunteers, and a dedicated staff team that lives our mission daily. This isn’t just a job—it’s your chance to create lasting change in a community that is ready to grow. Joplin awaits, and your impact begins here.
Qualifications
- 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 $1.5 million 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 collaboratively with volunteers, community partners, and staff leadership to create and execute a strategic plan that reflects the needs and aspirations of the Joplin community. This includes establishing clear organizational priorities, defining measurable goals, and ensuring consistent follow-through that moves the Y forward.
Position the Joplin Family YMCA as a Vital Partner for Community Change
Serve as a visible and trusted ambassador for the mission and values of the Joplin Family YMCA. Build and maintain strong relationships with city leaders, schools, businesses, donors, and partner organizations to increase the Y’s impact and ensure our programs meet community needs.
Improve Operating Performance
Partner with the Board and staff to develop an annual operational plan that supports safe, high-quality, and sustainable practices across all departments. Address challenges proactively, anticipate future needs, and ensure the Y is operating efficiently and effectively to best serve our members and community.
Build and Lead Staff
Foster a positive and inclusive culture where staff feel supported, valued, and motivated to excel. Ensure strong hiring and onboarding practices, ongoing professional development, and clear accountability. Build a team environment grounded in trust, connection, and a shared sense of purpose.
Cause-Driven Leadership
Partner with the Board and staff to develop an annual operational plan that supports safe, high-quality, and sustainable practices across all departments. Address challenges proactively, anticipate future needs, and ensure the Y is operating efficiently and effectively to best serve our members and community.
Fiscal Management
Demonstrate strong financial leadership through forecasting, budgeting, and maintaining stable operations. Guide and empower department leaders to achieve financial strength within their areas while supporting growth in earned revenue, philanthropic contributions, and resource stewardship.
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
Current Key Strategic Initiatives
- Develop new and innovative programs that meet the evolving needs of the Joplin community.
- Strengthen membership recruitment and retention through intentional engagement strategies and high-quality member experiences.
- Enhance internal and external marketing to improve visibility, communication, and community awareness of YMCA programs and services.
- Implement a comprehensive member engagement plan that deepens relationships, increases participation, and supports long-term membership growth.
- Ensure strong fiscal stewardship to maintain long-term financial stability and mission sustainability.
- Build collaborative partnerships with local organizations, schools, healthcare providers, and community leaders to expand impact.
- Grow the YMCA Endowment Fund to secure the future of our mission and increase access for generations to come.
- Establish consistent methods for measuring impact, program quality, and community outcomes.
- Conduct mission-driven and cost-analysis reviews of all programs to ensure alignment with community needs and organizational priorities.
Branch Information
- Full-sized Gymnasium
- Community Room
- Kids Zone
- Three Studios
- Walking Track
- Zero Entry Heated Indoor Pool
- Wellness/Functional Training Area
- Two Locker Rooms and Two Community Rooms
Core Programs
- After School Program at 11 School Sites
- Day Camps
- Swim Lessons
- Youth Sports
Annual Support Campaign
- Current Year Goal: $60,000
- Prior Year’s Total: $60,000
- Current Year’s Progress Toward Goal: $49,700
CEO Direct Reports
- Chief Financial Officer
- Administrative Assistant
- Child Services Director
- Membership Director
- Program/Aquatics Director
- Wellness Director
- Custodial/Janitorial
Board of Directors
- Executive
- Board Development
About Our Community
Located in the heart of Southwest Missouri, Joplin is a vibrant, resilient, and welcoming community known for its strong civic spirit and deep sense of connection. With a population of nearly 53,000, Joplin serves as a regional hub for healthcare, education, commerce, and outdoor recreation. The city continues to grow through major investments in education and development, including the expansion of Kansas City University’s Medical and Dental Schools and the Tin Cup Trail, which has created new opportunities for wellness, connectivity, and community engagement.
Joplin offers an affordable cost of living, family-friendly neighborhoods, and a supportive environment where people look out for one another. Our community values faith, service, and collaboration—qualities that align closely with the mission of the Joplin Family YMCA. From exceptional schools and thriving local businesses to a strong nonprofit network and an active arts and culture scene, Joplin provides a high quality of life for individuals and families alike.
The Joplin Family YMCA is proud to be part of this dynamic and caring community—one that continues to rebuild, grow, and innovate, while honoring its history and strengthening its future.
Information Sites
Benefits
- YMCA Retirement (9% paid by Y, 3% by employee) contribution once eligibility is met
- YMCA 403B savings account 100% employee contribution
- Health plan (75% paid by Y, 25% by employee)
- Paid Time Off (PTO) as defined in personnel policy
- Other benefits per personnel policy
Residency Expectation
Living in the YMCA’s service area is preferred.
How to Apply
Apply Online
Questions
About the Search Process? Shea Boschee, Search Consultant, YMCA of the USA, shea.boschee@ymca.net
About the YMCA? Patty Miller, Chief Executive Officer, Missouri State Alliance of YMCAs, patty@moymca.org