Chief Executive Officer

Job Description

About GPY

The Greater Philadelphia YMCA (GPY) is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Throughout the Greater Philadelphia region, the Y serves more than 200,000 members and 60,000 program participants annually - regardless of age, income, or background.

GPY’s mission is about connecting people to healthier lives and each other. While each program and facility is always based on the unique needs and interests of each community, every Greater Philadelphia Y location has one thing in common: its people. The volunteers, staff, members, and donors of the Y are all united by a deep commitment to building stronger communities and being a place where all are welcome.

Financial Snapshot

Operating Budget: $100M

Net Assets: $130M

Staff

The Greater Philadelphia YMCA is comprised of over 4,000 employees

CEO Direct Reports

• Chief of Staff
• Chief Financial Officer
• Chief Operating Officer
• Chief Marketing Officer
• Chief Human Resources Officer
• Chief Development Officer
• Senior Vice President, Youth Development
• Vice President, Next Gen Leadership
• Vice President, Facilities and Real Estate

Position Summary

The Greater Philadelphia YMCA (GPY) plays a critical role in supporting the health and well-being of communities across the region. With 15 branches serving more than 150,000 members and 240,000 individuals annually—across all ages, incomes, and backgrounds: GPY provides programming tailored to the needs of each neighborhood it serves. Notably, GPY is the largest childcare provider in the state, providing a critical service to the community. Its mission-driven approach, grounded in the understanding that every community is different, guides a broad range of services designed to strengthen individuals and families.

Current CEO Shaun Elliott is stepping down after a highly successful ten years, during which he led the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic and into a stronger financial position. This leadership allowed GPY to touch the lives of more residents in the Greater Philadelphia region. Going forward, GPY seeks to reach even more people-- particularly at-risk youth-- as trends in government support may mean organizations like GPY will be asked to lean into community support more.

While mission and impact guide GPY’s priorities, metrics and investments: it is a point of pride that the organization operates with the discipline of a business, too. The next CEO will foster innovation of mission- and margin-accretive programs and raise the profile (and philanthropic support) of GPY.

The CEO reports to the Board of Directors and has ultimate responsibility for management of one of the largest, highest-impact, mission-driven organizations in the region. The CEO of GPY is as an ambassador for the organization and serves a key public voice on the opportunity to help all Philadelphians lead healthier lives.

Qualifications

Pivotal Experience & Expertise

Strategy & Vision – Proven experience developing and executing strategic plans for organizations that are innovative, pursuant to mission and result in real impact. Track record of measuring progress against goals and accountability to achieving critical benchmarks.

Operational Leadership at Scale – Senior leadership experience within an organization at scale with strong operational and financial management responsibility. Experience in a service-driven organization with multiple complex revenue streams and physical locations a plus.

Partnerships & Revenue Development – Relevant experience in building revenue from varied sources. Ability to effectively represent GPY to the community and clearly articulate the organization’s value proposition and impact.

Stakeholder Acumen – A strong, compelling communicator, with experience in stakeholder management that translates meaningfully to the GPY CEO’s interaction with Board members, staff, members, donors, government officials, and the broader community.

Culture Impact

Mission Orientation – Tangible commitment to GPY’s mission to connect people to healthier lives.

Collaboration, Connection, & Emotional Intelligence – Emotional intelligence, with the ability to build genuine relationships with others, leading with humility.

Inspiring Leadership - A leader who cultivates buy-in, leads through influence, and can inspire people to action.

Essential Functions

Strategic Direction - Develop, in partnership with the Board, senior leadership, and community stakeholders, a clear organizational vision and strategy grounded in GPY’s mission to connect people to healthier lives. Establish measurable goals and accountability systems that guide long-term success and operational discipline.

Operations and Program Excellence – Ultimate responsibility for operational and programmatic strategy across GPY’s 15 branches. Work closely with senior leadership and branch leaders to ensure programs are high-quality, mission-aligned, and responsive to evolving community needs.

Enterprise Risk Management – Lead execution of an association-wide risk management framework supported by proactive reporting. Identify, assess, and mitigate strategic, financial, operational, reputational, and compliance risks in partnership with the Board, senior leadership, and key stakeholders.

High-Quality Facilities and Infrastructure – Ensure that GPY maintains safe, well-functioning facilities: buildings, equipment, and maintenance systems that meet standards of excellence.

Governance and Leadership Partnerships – Maintain a strong, collaborative relationship with the Board of Directors. Provide timely, transparent updates on organizational performance and key issues. Engage Board members effectively and foster aligned decision-making.

Revenue, Fundraising, and External Partnerships - Secure and diversify revenue across memberships, fee-for-service programs, philanthropy, corporate and foundation support, and government funding. Serve as GPY’s primary external representative in the Philadelphia region and beyond, strengthening existing partnerships and establishing new relationships that expand GPY’s reach and impact.

Talent Development - Motivate, develop, and inspire staff across the organization. Identify opportunities for professional development and build a culture of collaboration, trust, transparency, and accountability.

Financial Stewardship - Ultimate responsibility for GPY’s annual budget and oversight of long-term financial planning. Ensure responsible management of resources and protect the organization’s financial health and sustainability.