EXECUTIVE VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Position: Chief Executive Officer

Address: 1000 Sherwood Eddy Dr, Jacksonville, IL 62650

The Bob Freesen YMCA is an equal opportunity employer

committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion.

The Opportunity

The Bob Freesen YMCA is seeking a visionary CEO to guide our mission-driven organization. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced leader to make a real difference in a supportive community. You'll join a dedicated team – an energized board and a passionate staff – who are all committed to serving our community's needs.

About the Position

The YMCA is seeking an innovative, strategic and community minded individual to serve as its next CEO. The CEO will build trust and extend the breadth and depth of A-YMCA’s reach across our service area. The President & CEO will lead collaborative efforts to grow and maintain productive working relationships in the community that enhances our reputation and furthers our mission and impact. One of the important roles of the CEO is to ensure the safety and well-being of young people. It’s foundational to everything we do as a youth-serving organization. The CEO creates a culture of safety for everyone by exceeding standards and maintaining compliance.

Criteria for candidates

1. Accredited 4-year college degree and or equivalent work experience.

2. Must demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills and personal values consistent with the YMCA mission.

3. A minimum of three 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.

4. Fiscally sound business management approach with a proven track record of budgetary and fiscal management more than $750,000 or more annually.

Key Skills and Abilities of Our Next CEO

The board believes its new CEO should be an experienced leader who has the background and qualities that will permit him or her to achieve excellence in the following roles:

Vision

1. 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. Ensure the Y is seen as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. Key competencies: Change Leadership, Communication & Influence, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Program/Project Management

Sustainable Operations

2. Fiscal Management and Improve Operating Performance: Use high-level financial analysis to forecast financial trends, growth, and stability, while consistently leading organization to balance or surplus operations by growing earned revenue and contributions and controlling costs. 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, Philanthropy, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Innovation

3. 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

4. Build and Lead Staff: Ensure a talent development system is in place for staff. Hire, motivate, nurture, retain, and hold staff accountable for key objectives. Work towards recruiting, retaining, developing, and promoting staff that represent the diversity of the communities you serve. Encourage the team by creating a spirit of camaraderie, inclusion, 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

5. Maintenance and Development of Facilities: Lead the organization’s efforts in performing preventive maintenance on facilities and equipment. Be responsible for the upkeep and improvement of the Y’s facilities. Determine future facility and equipment needs and be responsible for ensuring that our facilities are compliant with all safety, applicable codes and regulations. Key competencies: fiscal Management, Program/Project Management, Change Leadership, Critical Thinking & Decision Making

About the Bob Freesen YMCA

The Bob Freesen YMCA has a rich history in the greater Jacksonville area. The Y facility opened in 1968 thanks to the vision and dedication of committed community members. Since that day, the Y has been a key player in the social and economic well-being of the Jacksonville area. The Bob Freesen YMCA has worked faithfully to build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities. The Y offers a wide range of comprehensive services and programs.

The Y offers a safe and enriching environment where people of all ages can try new things, develop skills, meet new people, and show what they are capable of. We nurture the potential of every child and adult through sports: youth, pee-wee, and open basketball, tee ball, soccer, pickleball, softball, taekwondo and more. Through aquatics the Y offers competitive swim team, swim lessons, open swim and water fitness. In partnership with the City of Jacksonville, the Y operations swim lessons, swim team practice, and summer camp open swim at the outdoor community pool.

The Y also offers a number of out of school time programs including Child Watch, After School Care and an exciting Summer Day Camp. The Y partners with the local hospital to provide healthy lunches for our summer campers. The laughter and excitement of both participants and their parents can be heard all summer long!

The Y’s adult fitness classes promote not only healthy living but fellowship as well. The Y is a second home to many program participants and members. Classes offered include Zumba, Indoor Cycling, Step, Toning, Piyo, Women on Weights, Chair Yoga, Block Therapy and more. The Y’s Parkinson’s program makes a positive impact for the participants and has grown exponentially in the last 5 years thanks to our dedicated instructor.

The Y has a talented, awesome, high-level instructors. Most instructors are proficient in American Sign Language as Jacksonville is home to a large deaf and hard of hearing community.

The Y is a leading voice on health and well-being. Our mission is centered on balance, we bring families closer together, we encourage good health and foster connections through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests. As a result, area youth and families receive the support, guidance, and resources they need to achieve greater health and well-being!

Our Mission

To put 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 instilling the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement:

The Bob Freesen YMCA is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and wants to ensure that everyone feels both welcome and safe at our YMCA.

Current Key Strategic Initiatives

• Increase financial support through fundraising, special events, annual campaign,
• Increase community awareness through partnerships, collaborations, marketing.
• Better meet the needs of our community through collaborations, identifying needs, programming, technology, and outreach.

Membership

• Total Number of Members: 1,801
• Total Number of Membership Units: 450
  • 9% Youth
  • 38% Adults
  • 32% Household
  • 21% Senior

Annual Support Campaign

• Prior Year’s Total: $141,433
  • Current Year’s Goal: $145,000
• Raised to date this year: $40,000
• Special Event: Soiree has raised more than $500,000 in contributed support since its inception in 2016.
• Total number of people receiving financial assistance prior year: 85

Staff

• FT: 4
• PT: 56
• Seasonal: 10

CEO Direct Reports

• Finance Director
• Property Manager
• Membership Director
• Marketing Director
• Childcare Director
• Aquatic Director
• Fitness Director
• Sports Director

Staff Demographics

• Gender:
  • 64% Female
  • 36% Male

Board of Directors

• Number of Governing Board Members: 9
• Committees:
  • Building and Grounds
  • Risk Management
  • Endowment
  • Annual Support Campaign
  • Personnel

Financial

• Current Annual Budget Size: $1,004,489
• Current Debt: $0
• Current Endowment: $3,793,648
• 3-year annual surplus/deficit:
  • Last year: -$121,989
  • Previous year: -$22,652 Previous year: $632,390

Key Partnerships

• Salvation Army Food Bank: Serves as a distribution site to get food to community members
• Illinois College: Student work program
• United Way: Funding and serves as a site for their Guns and Hoses event
• Jacksonville Memorial Hospital: Partners with the Y’s Parkinson's Program and purchase sack lunches for our Summer Camp participants
• West Central Mass Transit: Transports children of our After School Children to the Y, and summer camp field trips

Community Population & Demographics

Jacksonville, Illinois

• Population Estimates, July 1, 2022, (V2022) 17,279
• Persons under 5 years, percent 5.20%
• Persons under 18 years, percent 17.10%
• Persons 65 years and over, percent 18.60%
• White, Caucasian, percent 83.50%
• Black or African American, percent t8.40%
• American Indian and Alaska Native, percent 0.20%
• Asian, percent 0.90%
• Two or More Races, percent 5.90% Hispanic or Latino, percent 3.60%

About the Area

Jacksonville, Illinois is a city located in Morgan County, roughly 35 miles west of Springfield, the state capital. Founded in 1825, it's one of the oldest towns in the "Land of Lincoln" and exudes a rich historical charm. Jacksonville was once home to Illinois' first governor, making it a significant stop on many historical trails. The city played a vital role in the Underground Railroad, aiding enslaved people seeking freedom before the Civil War. Jacksonville boasts a vibrant arts scene, with museums, art galleries, and a historical movie theater. The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, one of the oldest in the state, regularly performs throughout the year.

Jacksonville is home to two prestigious colleges: Illinois College, a private liberal arts institution, and Lincoln Land Community College, a public college known for its nursing program. The Illinois School for the Deaf and the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired are also located in Jacksonville, contributing to the city's diverse and inclusive character. The community is known for its friendly atmosphere and strong sense of civic pride.

Residents have the opportunity to explore the historic downtown area, with its unique shops, restaurants, and architectural gems, including the beautifully restored Victorian Governor Duncan Mansion home. Residents can take a walk or bike ride through one of the city's many parks, such as Duncan Park or South Side Park. Residents can also catch a performance at the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra or the Jacksonville Arts Council during the Spring and Summer Season. There are plenty of outdoor activities, from fishing and boating to hiking and biking.

Overall, Jacksonville, Illinois, is a charming city with a rich history, vibrant culture, and strong sense of community. It's a great place to visit for a weekend getaway or to settle down and raise a family.

Information Sites

Bob Freesen YMCA website

City/County Website

Jacksonville Regional Economic Development

Chamber of Commerce

Jacksonville School District

Illinois College

Hospital System

YMCA of the USA

Residency Expectation: Living in the YMCA’s service area is required. It’s expected and essential for the CEO to live within the YMCA's service area, allowing them to directly experience the needs and opportunities of the community they serve.

Salary Range: $75,000 to $90,000

Benefits

• YMCA Retirement: 10% (6 percent paid by Y, 4% by employee) contribution once eligibility is met
• Health plan: 100% paid by Y for employee.
• Paid Time Off (vacation, personal or family illness, holidays, personal business, funeral/bereavement leave, birthdays, or school activities) based on years of service Other benefits per personnel policy.

Search Process Target Dates

• Resumes accepted through: June 5, 2024
• Preliminary interviews scheduled: Afternoon of June 20 and Morning of June 21
• In-person interviews: July 18 and 19, 2024
• CEO selection made: Week of July 22, 2024
• New CEO on board (anticipated): September 1 or earlier

References, Background Check, and Organizational Leader Certification

Candidates must submit (pdf format only) the following in their online application: a resume, cover letter.

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.

Candidates must apply via the following website: https://tinyurl.com/Bob-Freesen-Y-CEO

Questions about the Search Process?

Contact Richard Clegg, CEO Search Senior Consultant, YMCA of the USA, richard.clegg@ymca.net .

Questions about the YMCA?

Contact Christy Filby, Executive Director, Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs, christy.filby@illinoisymcas.org