Chief Executive Officer

THE OPPORTUNITY AT THE YMCA OF THE DESERT

The Family YMCA of the Desert seeks an innovative, strategic, and community minded leader to serve as its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The CEO partners closely with the Board of Directors to advance the YMCA's mission through strong leadership, operational excellence, philanthropy, and community engagement, while ensuring long term sustainability, growth, and impact. The CEO will build trust and expand the YMCA's reach across its service area by leading collaborative efforts and cultivating productive relationships with community leaders, donors, foundations, corporate partners, and key stakeholders. As the organization's chief ambassador, the CEO will maintain a visible presence in the community and strengthen the YMCA's reputation and mission impact. The CEO will lead the YMCA's fundraising and development strategy, oversee the annual campaign, major gifts, grants, and donor engagement, while fostering a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization. In addition, the CEO will provide overall operational leadership, ensuring high quality programs and services aligned with community needs and YMCA standards. Key responsibilities include setting strategic direction with the Board, driving financial sustainability through diversified revenue, overseeing budgeting and financial management, ensuring regulatory compliance, and strengthening partnerships with municipalities, schools, nonprofits, and other community partners.

ABOUT THE FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT

The Family YMCA of the Desert stands as a cornerstone of community life in the Coachella Valley, serving as a place where individuals and families come together to grow stronger—physically, mentally, and socially. Rooted in the long-standing mission of the YMCA, the organization is dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. For generations, the Family YMCA of the Desert has provided a safe and welcoming environment where children can learn, play, and thrive. Through youth sports programs, after-school care, and summer camps, the YMCA fosters confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills. These programs are more than activities; they are opportunities for young people to build character, form lasting friendships, and develop a sense of belonging. Equally important is the YMCA's commitment to social responsibility. The Family YMCA of the Desert works to ensure that no one is turned away due to financial hardship, offering scholarships and outreach programs that make participation accessible to all. In times of need, the organization has stepped forward to support families, providing resources, childcare, and a sense of stability during uncertain times. At its core, the Family YMCA of the Desert is more than a facility—it is a gathering place where community is built every day. It reflects the belief that when people are given the support and opportunity to grow, stronger individuals create a stronger, more connected community. Our Mission Family YMCA of the Desert is dedicated to putting Judeo-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 instill the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Our Culture:

The Y Experience

• The Y Experience is built from our mission and encompasses the values and philosophy by which we serve and operate. Welcoming
• We are open to all. We are a place where you can be yourself and find yourself in others. Genuine
• We value you and embrace your individuality. Hopeful
• We believe in you and your potential to do good in the world. Nurturing
• We support you as you become the best-version-of-yourself. Determined
• Above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

Our Profile:

The Family YMCA of the Desert serves youth and families through sports leagues, camps, school-age programs, and preschool, along with supportive programming for affordable housing communities. Since 2011, we have also proudly operated the Palm Desert Aquatic Center, providing swim lessons, fitness classes, recreational swim team opportunities, adult swim instruction, lap swim, and family recreation. Together, our programs reach and support more than 12,000 participants across our community each year.

Program Locations:

We have one main program site and 8 program locations: 3 preschool locations, 4 after school locations, 1 affordable housing program, and our partnership with the Palm Desert Aquatic Center.

Core Programs:

Programs:

Youth Sports, Day camp, Camp Oaks Affordable Housing Partnership/Programs After school Programs with Desert Sands unified school district sites: Palm Desert, La Quinta, and Indian Wells.

Early Childhood Development:

Doris Mechanick, Jean Benson, and La Quinta.

Palm Desert Aquatic Center:

Swim Lessons, fitness classes, recreational swimming, lap swimming, and community events.

Annual Support Campaign:

Current Year Goal:

$201,000

Prior Year's Total:

$212,067

Current Year's Progress Toward Goal:

$96,443 Ten-year historical high: $599,400

Capital Campaign:

The YMCA currently holds $1,083,632 in capital campaign reserves, positioning the organization well for future capital and growth initiatives.

CEO Direct Reports:

COO/Human Resources Director Sr.

Program Director ECE Program Director Accounting Manager School Age Program Director Aquatics Director Facilities and Maintenance Manager Board of Directors:

General Board

• 17 total members

Committees:

Executive Fundraising Finance Programs Marketing Financial Snapshot:

Current Annual Budget Size (FY 25-26): $9.5

M Current Debt:

NoneCurrent Endowment:

$145,000 Last year operating net (FY 24-25): $112,237 Previous year operating net (FY 23-24): $31,707 Previous year operating net (FY 22-23): $363,922 ABOUT

OUR COMMUNITY

Coachella Valley is a vibrant and diverse community nestled in the heart of Southern California's desert landscape. Known for its stunning mountain views, warm climate, and rich cultural fabric, the valley is home to a unique blend of families, retirees, seasonal residents, and a growing workforce that keeps the region thriving year-round. At the center of the valley are cities like Palm Desert, Indio, and La Quinta, each contributing its own character and energy. Together, they form a connected community where local events, youth sports, schools, and small businesses play a vital role in everyday life. The valley is widely recognized for hosting world-renowned events like the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and the Stagecoach Festival, drawing visitors from around the globe while showcasing the area's dynamic spirit. Beyond its reputation as a destination, Coachella Valley is deeply rooted in community connection. Families here value access to safe spaces for their children, quality education, and opportunities for recreation and personal growth. Local organizations, schools, and programs work together to support youth development, promote healthy living, and provide essential services to those in need. The valley is also shaped by its cultural diversity, with strong Latino, agricultural, and working-class communities contributing to its identity. This diversity is reflected in local traditions, food, festivals, and the shared commitment to supporting one another. While the region continues to grow, it remains grounded in a sense of neighborly connection—where people show up for each other, whether through volunteering, coaching youth teams, or supporting local initiatives. In Coachella Valley, community is not just a concept—it is a way of life. It's seen in the families who gather at parks, the volunteers who give their time, and the organizations that create opportunities for all. Together, these elements make the valley not just a place to live, but a place to belong.

Information Sites:

City/County Website:

https://www.palmdesert.gov/ ; https://rivco.gov/

Chamber of Commerce:

https://www.pdacc.org/ ; https://gcvcc.org/

University/College:

https://www.collegeofthedesert.edu/

Hospital System:

Eisenhower Health https://eisenhowerhealth.

org/ Desert Care Network https:

//www.desertcarenetwork.com/

School System:

Desert Sands USD https://www.dsusd.us/ ; Coachella Valley USD https://www.cvusd.us/ ; Palm Springs USD https://www.psusd.us/

Qualifications:

Criteria for

Candidates:

Accredited 4-year college degree and or equivalent work experience. Fiscally sound business management approach with a proven track record of budgetary and fiscal management more than $9.5M or more annually. Minimum seven 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. Must be able to develop and strengthen community relationships. Have the ability to develop innovative programs, review, and enhance programs being offered or considered for both economic and effectiveness in broadening our engagement in the communities in which we serve. Strategic planning and Fundraising experience including annual campaigns and the securing of grants. Fiscally sound business management approach. A proven record of accomplishment of progressive budgetary leadership and advanced fiscal management practices. YMCA Organizational Leader Certification or ability to achieve within 3 years.