President & Chief Executive Officer
The Itasca County Family YMCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and an equal opportunity employer.Job DescriptionThe Itasca County Family YMCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and an equal opportunity employer. We work to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity.THE OPPORTUNITYThe Itasca County Family YMCA is seeking a President & Chief Executive Officer who can translate vision into action and guide the organization through its next phase of growth. This role requires comfort leading through complexity, including close partnership with the board and key stakeholders on long-term facility planning and the potential execution of a significant capital project. We are looking for a collaborative leader who can align others around a clear direction, turn priorities into achievable plans, and keep the organization focused on results.The next CEO will be expected to bring strong operational judgment, use financial insight to support stability and smart growth, and help the Y continue adapting its programs, partnerships, and resources to meet evolving community needs. This is also a highly visible leadership role—one that requires someone who can represent the YMCA with credibility, strengthen relationships across the region, and build momentum around future opportunities, including facility and capital priorities.Just as important, the CEO will be responsible for developing an engaged and accountable team, strengthening organizational culture, and creating the conditions for staff and the mission to thrive.About The Itasca County Family YmcaThe Itasca County Family YMCA is a vibrant, community-rooted organization at the heart of Grand Rapids and the surrounding region. More than a fitness center, the Y is a welcoming and safe gathering place where individuals and families of all backgrounds build relationships, strengthen their health, and grow together.From early learning and school-age care to youth sports, aquatics, and wellness programming, the Y is a vital community asset that supports children, families, and older adults at every stage of life. A deep commitment to access ensures that financial circumstances are never a barrier to participation, reinforcing the Y’s role as a place of belonging for all.What makes this YMCA especially compelling is the strength of its partnerships and community support. Longstanding collaborations with ElderCircle and Grand Itasca, combined with significant investment from the Blandin Foundation, have positioned the Y as both a trusted partner and a catalyst for community well-being. This momentum is matched by an engaged, supportive board that is fully invested in the success of the next CEO.Looking ahead, the Y is entering an important phase. Demand for youth and children’s programming continues to evolve, creating meaningful opportunities to expand programs, deepen relationships, and build new pathways for impact. The next CEO will have the chance to harness significant untapped community energy and help shape a bold, sustainable future for the organization.Why This Opportunity Stands OutA welcoming, mission-forward culture grounded in belonging and community connectionDeep, trusted partnerships (ElderCircle, Grand Itasca) and strong philanthropic supportA highly engaged board committed to leadership successReal opportunity to expand community reach, talent, and leadership developmentA community ready for what’s next, with energy, optimism, and untapped potentialA Legacy of Community Investment and GrowthThe Itasca County Family YMCA was founded in 1979 through a community-led vision to create a gathering place for all. Since then, the organization has grown steadily through strong local support, strategic partnerships, and ongoing investment in its facilities and programs.1979–1981: YMCA established and facility opened through significant community and Blandin Foundation support1994 & 2002: Major expansions responding to growing membership and community demand2012–2015: Transformational partnership with ElderCircle and Grand Itasca, supported by a successful capital campaign2023: Awarded a “Dream Big” grant from the Blandin Foundation to explore future growth and sustainability opportunities. Planning is now underway to evaluate significant facility investment options, including major renovation or potential new facility developmentThis legacy reflects a consistent pattern: when the Itasca County Family YMCA identifies a need, the community responds. That strong foundation now sets the stage for the next chapter of leadership and impact.Mission and CauseThe Y’s mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities through growth in spirit, mind, and body. Its cause is to strengthen the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.Our Culture – The Y ExperienceThe Y Experience is built from our mission and reflects how we serve and support our community:Welcoming – Open to all; a place to belongGenuine – We value each individualHopeful – We believe in potentialNurturing – We support personal growthDetermined – We are committed to strengthening communityCURRENT KEY STRATEGIC INITIATIVESCulture & People – Increase staff and membership retentionCommunity Partnerships – Expand key partnerships, enhance wellness initiatives, and grow youth and teen programmingRealize Dreams – Advance the YMCA master plan through strategic partnerships MEMBERSHIPTotal Members: 6,132Membership Units: 3,156BRANCH INFORMATION AND PARTNERSHIPSOffsite childcare space leased from Itasca County (6,845 sq ft)Partnership with ElderCircle for programming and shared spaceGrand Itasca Physical Therapy provides on-site servicesOutdoor Courts Activity Complex supports community recreation through local partnershipsActive partnership with Blandin Foundation, including support for organizational capacity, childcare expansion, staff development, and long-term planningCORE PROGRAMSWeeFolks ChildcareBefore & After School CareCamp Wannago Summer Day CampYouth & Adult SportsForeverWell ProgrammingAquatics, Swim Lessons & Swim TeamHealth & Wellness (personal training, classes, massage)Community bike programsANNUAL SUPPORT CAMPAIGNPrior Year: $181,161Current Goal: $190,000Raised (as of April 2025): $94,783Individuals receiving assistance: 1,031Financial assistance provided: $236,063 CEO Direct ReportsFinance DirectorHealthy Living DirectorMission Impact DirectorMembership DirectorEducation DirectorSchool-Age DirectorBOARD OF DIRECTORS16-member Board of DirectorsCommittees: Executive, Board Development, Property & Finance, Mission ImpactTask Forces: HR, Building Expansion, ChildcareFINANCIAL SNAPSHOTOperating Budget: $4.39MDebt: $0Endowment (Board Designated): $1.6MMaintenance Fund: $705KRecent results reflect grant-related fluctuationsAbout Our CommunityThe Grand Rapids and Itasca County area offers an exceptional quality of life, combining the charm and connection of a close-knit community with the natural beauty and recreation of northern Minnesota.Residents are drawn to the region for its welcoming, relationship-driven culture where collaboration and civic engagement are a way of life. Leaders across nonprofits, business, education, and local government work closely together, creating a strong sense of shared purpose and momentum around community priorities.Outdoor living is central to the lifestyle here. With access to lakes, forests, and extensive trail systems, the area provides year-round opportunities for recreation—from boating and fishing in the summer to cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. This connection to the outdoors contributes to a strong culture of health, wellness, and work-life balance.Grand Rapids serves as a vibrant regional hub, offering a diverse economic base and access to healthcare, education, and workforce development resources. The community is supported by strong schools and Minnesota North College’s Itasca campus, along with key regional employers, making it an attractive place for both families and professionals.The area also boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, with local theaters, galleries, and community events that bring people together throughout the year. There is a deep commitment to youth development, lifelong learning, and expanding opportunities for all—values that align closely with the YMCA’s mission.For a leader looking to make a meaningful impact, Itasca County presents a unique opportunity to engage with a supportive, forward-thinking community that values partnership, innovation, and long-term investment in its people.Information SitesItasca County Family YMCA official website — https://ymcaitasca.org/U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Itasca County, Minnesota — https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/itascacountyminnesota/PST045225U.S. Census Bureau profile: Grand Rapids city, Minnesota — https://data.census.gov/profile/Grand_Rapids_city,_Minnesota?g=160XX00US2725118City of Grand Rapids official website — https://cityofgrandrapidsmn.com/Itasca County official website — https://itascacountymn.gov/Visit Grand Rapids — https://visitgrandrapids.com/Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce — https://www.grandmn.com/Minnesota North College, Itasca Campus — https://minnesotanorth.edu/campuses/itasca/Grand Rapids Area Schools — https://www.isd318.org/Blandin Foundation — https://blandinfoundation.org/ QualificationsCriteria for CandidatesAccredited four-year college degree or equivalent work experienceDemonstrated ability in fiscal management and analysis with a proven track record of budget management of at least $4M or more annuallySeven or more years of prior senior management experience in a YMCA or another nonprofit preferred, with direct supervision of multiple levels of staff and employeesAbility to establish and maintain collaborations with community organizationsDemonstrated success in previous positions managing staff and board cultureAbility to develop and strengthen innovative programs and evaluate and enhance existing and proposed programs for both economic and social impactStrategic planning and fundraising experience, including annual campaigns and grant expertiseYMCA Organizational Leader Certification or ability to achieve within 3 yearsEssential FunctionsKEY SKILLS AND ABILITIES OF OUR NEXT CEODevelop and Implement a Strategic PlanImprove Operating PerformanceFiscal ManagementPosition the Y as a Community Convener and Change AgentMaintenance and Development of Facilities (Capital Development)Build and Lead Staff Salary, Benefits & CriteriaSalary range: $100,000–$120,000Benefits include retirement plans, health coverage, paid time off, and additional employee benefits.Residency expectation: Living in the YMCA’s service area is required.Work arrangement: This is an on-site leadership role and is not a remote position.SEARCH PROCESSApplication deadline – July 1, 2026Preliminary interviews – August 12, 2026 (Zoom)Final interviews – August 25–26, 2026Anticipated start date – October 3, 2026How To ApplyCandidates must submit a resume and cover letter in PDF format. Candidates advancing to final interviews will provide references and complete background requirements.Candidates can apply here: https://tinyurl.com/itasca-co-family-ymca-ceoResidency & Work Arrangement: Due to the community-facing nature of the role, the CEO is expected to reside within the YMCA’s service area and work on-site; this position is not remote.About The Search ProcessShea Boschee, YMCA of the USA CEO Search[email protected] | 312-419-8363About The YMCAChris Stenberg, Upper Midwest Alliance of YMCAs[email protected] | 218-591-2617