The Kearney Family YMCA has a commitment to creating a culture of safety.

The Opportunity

Join us as we embark on the next chapter of our journey. The recent expansion of the Kearney Family YMCA presents a unique opportunity for an innovative and visionary leader. As the new CEO, you will have the chance to spearhead initiatives that capitalize on our new facility, introducing fresh ideas that will significantly impact and benefit our community. This is an unparalleled chance to shape the future of the YMCA and contribute to community well-being. If you are a dynamic leader with a passion for community enrichment, youth development, and developing strong families, we invite you to be part of the YMCA future.

The Kearney Family YMCA is in search of a leader capable of cultivating strong connections and establishing a prominent presence within the communities we serve. We desire an enthusiastic, energetic, and entrepreneurial individual, aiming to highlight the essential role our YMCA plays as a valuable community resource. As a prominent provider of adult and youth programs, along with health, fitness, and wellness services, the YMCA aspires to be the focal point of community life.

Our Mission

To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

The Kearney Family YMCA is an inclusive organization open to all. The Y believes that in a diverse world we are stronger when we are inclusive, when our doors are open to all, and when everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. At the Y, we welcome all people regardless of dimensions of diversity including race, faith, color, national origin/ancestry, sex, gender identity, marital status, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, disabilities, or socio-economic status.

Kearney Family YMCA Facts

In Kearney, Nebraska, the YMCA movement originated from a community–wide need for more than just an exercise and swimming facility. The call was for a community organization that supports youth, families, and senior citizens alike. The Kearney Family YMCA was granted its provisional charter on June 10, 1988 and initially operated programs out of a storefront on Main Street. In the spring of 1993, following an extensive capital campaign, the current location at 4500 6th Ave. was built on a 10.3-acre site. Subsequent expansions included a Super Gym, Family Center, and Child Development Center which were added in 2001. In 2023, The YMCA completed a new addition and renovation, enhancing the Wellness Center, Welcome Center, Studio Rooms, and added additional classrooms including a community kitchen. Serving Buffalo County with 55,000 residents and the City of Kearney, the YMCA continues to evolve to meet the diverse needs of its community.

Current Key Strategic Initiatives

• Grow Endowment
• Grow Volunteer Base
• Grow Membership and Program participation and revenue
• Develop Community Collaborations

Membership

• Total Number of Members is 5658
• Total Number of Membership Units is 2207
• 49% Household
• 24% Adult and Young Adult
• 17% Senior and Golden
• 10% Youth

Facility Information

• 106,000 sq. ft. facility
• 3 Gymnasiums
• 6-lane pool
• Wellness Center with cardio equipment, Precor equipment and free weights
• 1 Racquetball Court
• Child Development Center and Playground
• Family Fun Center
• Outdoor Fields

Core Programs

• Childcare includes infant/toddler, preschool, before-after school-age care
• Youth aquatics including swim lessons and swim team
• Youth sports leagues
• Adult fitness and wellness

Annual Campaign

• $46,605 was raised in 2021
• $61,606 was raised in 2022
• $35,533 was raised as of 12/31/2023

Previous Year’s Campaign Impact

• The total number of people receiving financial assistance was 836 in 2022.
• The total amount awarded in financial assistance was $183,407 in 2022.

Capital Campaign

We have successfully completed a $12.7 million renovation and expansion project, featuring a newly added wellness center, group exercise studios, a community kitchen, child watch facilities, offices, classrooms, and a yoga studio. Additionally, existing spaces like locker rooms and the Super Gym floor have been renovated. There will be no debt following the completion of the expansion project.

Staff

Current Staff

• 25 FT
• 125 PT
• 20 Seasonal
• 150 Program Volunteers

CEO Direct Reports

The CEO has 9 direct reports: Development Director, Program Director, Health & Wellness Coordinators, Childcare Director, Facility Director, Membership & Marketing Director, Business Operations Director, Aquatics Director

Board of Directors

• 15 board members
• 7 Female and 8 Male
• Diversity in age and occupation
• There is a separate Board of Directors for the Kearney Family YMCA Foundation

Financial

• Current Annual Budget Size is $2,960,000
• Current Debt includes monthly printer lease ($578.56/month) and cardio equipment lease ($348,359)
• 2022 surplus was $10,193 and 2021 surplus was $39,154

Population & Demographics

• The last census population recorded for the city of Kearney is 33,959 (2021)
• Median household income is $69,114
• Median age is 33 years old
• 82% White
• 11% Hispanic/Latino
• 3% Two or more races
• 4% All other races

Additional Important Information

Area Amenities and Community Benefit

Kearney is a prosperous, clean, and friendly community of approximately 35,000. We are extremely proud of the industries that make us great: Agriculture, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Education, Business, and Travel and Tourism. Centrally located in the beautiful state of Nebraska, Kearney offers big city amenities with small town ease.

Kearney is the Sandhill Crane Capitol of the World, drawing visitors from around the globe. There are many cultural activities available including the Museum of Nebraska Art, Trails and Rails Museum, Kearney Community Theater, Crane River Theater, and the Archway.

The City of Kearney Park and Recreation Department offers a diverse selection of recreational opportunities. Department staff takes great pride in providing quality leisure time activities including some fabulous special events such as Community Olympics, Daddy/Daughter Date Night, and Heritage Day. Well over 200 recreation programs are conducted annually ranging from youth day camps to adult athletic leagues. Kearney has 18 beautiful parks totaling over 600 acres. Some of the park amenities include lakes, trails (over 13 miles of hike/bike trails), athletic fields, courts, amphitheaters, picnic shelters, swimming pools, splash pads, and flower gardens.

Kearney is home to the University of Nebraska at Kearney, with three undergraduate colleges and a graduate college, 170 majors, and 20 pre-professional programs. Kearney also has higher education at Central Community College – Kearney Center. Kearney also has two regional hospitals – Kearney Regional Hospital and CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital. Kearney offers a variety of athletic opportunities with leagues, clubs, facilities, and associations for all ages from elementary to seniors. Our Kearney Family YMCA is recognized as a top recreational facility for our community.

Other sites for information:

www.kearneyymca.org

https://www.facebook.com/KearneyFamilyYMCA

https://visitkearney.org/

https://www.unk.edu/

https://www.cccneb.edu/

https://www.cityofkearney.org/

https://www.kearneycoc.org/

https://www.kearneypublicschools.org/

https://www.growbuffalocounty.com/

Heartland Alliance of YMCAs https://heartlandymcas.org/

YMCA of the USA www.ymca.org

Minimum Candidate Criteria:

Preferred Candidate Criteria:

Key Skills and Abilities

Develop and Implement the 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.

Develop a Strong Fiscal Plan and Continue to Improve Operational Performance: Evaluate the current operation and develop a business plan that will drive continued growth and optimize efficiency in membership and programs. Demonstrate effective leadership to position the Y for strong fiscal performance while expanding services to the community. Collaborate with the board and staff to develop long-term and annual tactical plans, ensuring the achievement of key goals and objectives.

Position the Y as a Vital Community Partner: Serve as an ambassador for the mission, purpose, and vision for the YMCA within the community. Possess the ability to develop and cultivate relationships with key stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, consistently upholding the highest standards and values of the Y. Establish our YMCA as the leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. Deepen community engagement and foster partnerships and alliances, ensuring the Y is actively involved in addressing important community issues.

Lead and Develop the Staff Team: Position yourself as a leader to attract, motivate, inspire, engage, and retain staff in a constructive and efficient manner by setting high standards of excellence. Demonstrate an engaging, open, positive, and inclusive leadership style with a proven history of displaying integrity, a strong work ethic and courage. Be innovative and maintain an open mind for developing new ways of expanding services and enhancing their influence.

Steward Fundraising Efforts: Along with the Director of Development, implement an annual fundraising plan that will position the YMCA as a leading nonprofit organization within the community. Engage members, volunteers, staff, and donors to build a strong network. Foster connections with professional advisors, foundations, and major donors while serving as the face of YMCA fundraising. Nurture and retain first time donors and work with the Kearney Family YMCA Foundation to grow the endowment and planned giving program. Identify the need for successful capital fundraising, elevate the organization to a new level of effectiveness and impact in annual giving and endowment.

Salary Range: $85,000 - $100,000

Benefits: We have a competitive benefits package and additional details will be shared with finalists. We participate in the Y Retirement Fund and the current retirement contribution is that the YMCA pays 7% and the employee contributes 5% per eligibility requirements ( www.yretirement.org ).

Target Dates for the Search Process

Applications accepted through: January 28, 2024

Preliminary interviews scheduled: March 1, 2024

Final interviews: March 13 and 14, 2024

CEO selection made: By March 18, 2024

New CEO on board (anticipated): April 22, 2024

To Apply

Candidates will apply via the following website: http://tinyurl.com/kearney-family-y-ceo

You will be requested to submit the following with your online application: A resume and cover letter, along with four professional and two personal references. Note: References will be checked on final candidates. Applicants will be kept confidential until announced as finalists.

Questions regarding this position should be directed to:

Leighann Sibal

YMCA of the USA – Search Consultant

312-209-3832

Leighann.sibal@ymca.net

Questions regarding this YMCA should be directed to:

Mike Gulick

Heartland Alliance YMCAs of ND, SD, NE, and IA – Executive Director

605-941-7438

gulick@crmetroymca.org