Branch Executive Director - Brooks

About the Brooks Family YMCA

A growing wellness-focused YMCA distinguished by its partnership with Brooks Rehabilitation and innovative Urban Court community engagement model.

The Brooks Family YMCA serves one of Jacksonville's fastest-growing communities and has become a destination where individuals and families come together to pursue healthier lives, build meaningful relationships, and experience a true sense of belonging.

What makes Brooks especially unique is its longstanding relationship with Brooks Rehabilitation. Built on a shared commitment to health, wellness, and improving quality of life, this partnership creates opportunities for innovation while reinforcing the YMCA's role as a trusted community resource where people can thrive physically, socially, and emotionally.

The branch is also home to the recently added Urban Court, a vibrant outdoor gathering space designed to bring people together through recreation, connection, and community.

More than a place for sports, the Urban Court serves as a neighborhood hub where youth, adults, and families build relationships, stay active, and create lasting memories. It reflects the YMCA's commitment to breaking down barriers, fostering belonging, and creating accessible opportunities for people of all ages to connect.

As the surrounding community continues to grow, so does the opportunity for the YMCA to deepen its impact. The Executive Director will have the opportunity to develop a high-performing team, cultivate emerging leaders, strengthen strategic partnerships, and help shape the future of one of the association's most innovative and fast-growing branches. For leaders energized by growth, collaboration, and community building, Brooks offers an exceptional opportunity to lead with purpose and vision.

Lead with Purpose. Build Community. Change Lives.

At the YMCA, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. As our next Branch Executive Director, you will have the unique opportunity to lead a dynamic YMCA branch that serves as a cornerstone of our community.

We are seeking a mission-driven, strategic, and relationship-focused leader who is a passionate and forward-thinking executive with a proven track record of advancing organizational impact. The ideal candidate will demonstrate success in developing and engaging a strong branch board, growing philanthropic support through annual giving, strengthening community relationships, increasing membership and program participation, and leading initiatives that expand the YMCA's mission and impact within the community.

Why the YMCA?

Working for the YMCA means joining a cause-driven organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. As a Branch Executive Director, you will:

• Make a meaningful impact in the lives of children, families, and seniors.
• Lead a talented and dedicated team of staff and volunteers.
• Build relationships that create lasting community change.
• Develop innovative programs that meet critical community needs.
• Grow professionally through leadership development opportunities and YMCA networks.

Position Summary

The Executive Director is responsible for creating a welcoming and inclusive culture that reflects the YMCA's core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility while ensuring the branch achieves its mission, strategic goals, and financial objectives.

Essential Functions

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for all branch operations, ensuring achievement of the YMCA's mission, strategic plan, and annual goals.
• Establish a culture of service excellence that delivers exceptional member and staff experiences.
• Develop, manage, and monitor the branch operating and capital budgets to achieve financial sustainability and revenue growth.
• Lead membership growth and relationship-based engagement strategies that increase participation, retention, and community impact.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality, mission-driven programs that meet YMCA standards and respond to community needs.
• Develop and utilize key performance metrics to evaluate branch performance, member satisfaction, staff engagement, and program outcomes.
• Serve as the YMCA's ambassador by building and strengthening strategic relationships with community leaders, businesses, government agencies, and partner organizations.
• Lead the branch's annual fundraising efforts, including volunteer recruitment, campaign execution, donor engagement, and achievement of philanthropic goals.
• Recruit, develop, and support an effective volunteer board and committee structure that reflects and represents the branch community.
• Recruit, mentor, supervise, and develop staff and volunteers, fostering a high-performing, inclusive culture that supports personal and professional growth.
• Participate as an active member of the association leadership team, Executive Cabinet, and cross-functional initiatives to advance organizational priorities.
• Ensure excellence in facility operations, risk management, and safety by maintaining high-quality facilities, emergency procedures, required certifications, and compliance with all YMCA policies and applicable laws and regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the YMCA's mission and strategic objectives.
• Ensures all First Coast YMCA standards and best practices are implemented and followed.
• Applies YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to best practices, emergency procedures, medical and disciplinary situations and child abuse prevention.
• Ensures the health and safety of all members/guests.
• Inspect physical space to ensure the safety, orderliness, sanitation and cleanliness of facilities.
• Demonstrates compliance with YMCA Child Abuse Prevention and Abuse Risk Management policies.

Qualifications

Required

• 8+ years overall leadership experience or closely related non-profit.

• 2+ years of successful experience managing large teams in an executive level/senior management position.

• Demonstrated success in securing philanthropic support and leading annual fundraising efforts, preferably generating $100,000 or more annually through annual campaigns, donor cultivation, grants, sponsorships, or community partnerships.

• A history of success in:

• Financial and budget management

• Staff supervision and team development

• Strategic planning and goal achievement

• Community partnership development

• Membership and program management Must pass Level 2 Background Screening. Level 2 is a fingerprint check of state and federal criminal history information conducted through the Florida Department of law Enforcement (FDLE) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). https://info.flclearinghouse.com

Preferred

• Bachelor's Degree
• Previous YMCA leadership experience.
• YMCA Organizational Leader Certification or willingness to obtain.
• Experience leading multi-department operations and managing complex organizations.

Compensation & Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation package that may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Paid time off
• Professional development and leadership training
• YMCA membership

To Apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your leadership experience and passion for the YMCA mission.

The YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and the communities we serve.