Chief Executive Officer

The Mahaska County YMCA is an equal opportunity employer. We work to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to reach their... Job Description

THE OPPORTUNITY AT THE MAHASKA COUNTY YMCA

The Mahaska County YMCA offers a distinctive executive leadership opportunity for a CEO who is energized by community partnership, operational integration, and visible civic leadership. This is a rare moment to lead one of Iowa's long-standing YMCAs into its next chapter while the organization transitions from a legacy facility model into a modern, community-anchored campus designed around early childhood education, wellness, recreation, aquatics, and family connection. The next CEO will inherit both momentum and meaningful work. The YMCA has opened its Green Street facility, experienced substantial membership growth, and, by the time the next CEO is on board, will have opened the new Aquatic Center. With the Green Street facility, Early Childhood Education and Recreation Facility, and Aquatic Center operating as one integrated campus, the Y will be positioned to bring its primary operations under one roof while moving away from active YMCA use of the 3rd Street facility. The role calls for a leader who can integrate people, systems, facilities, culture, revenue, and community expectations into one clear operating model. What differentiates this opportunity is the scale of community trust behind it. The YMCA is part of a major public and nonprofit partnership with the City of Oskaloosa, the Oskaloosa Community School District, and the Mahaska County community to advance a new Early Childhood Education and Recreation Facility. This work reflects a community that sees the Y not simply as a fitness center, but as civic infrastructure. The next CEO will have the opportunity to steward that trust, strengthen the Y's voice in countywide quality of life efforts, and ensure the facility becomes a hub where children, families, seniors, employers, schools, and partners experience the mission every day. The CEO will also have the opportunity to help shape the future use and long-term potential of the Bruce and Mary Lou Sedrel Day Camp, a YMCA-owned 10-acre outdoor asset adjacent to Lake Keomah State Park. While the Green Street campus will serve as the Y's primary operational hub, the Sedrel Day Camp offers meaningful potential for expanded youth, family, outdoor education, recreation, and community programming in the years ahead. This is an excellent opportunity for a strategic operator and relationship builder who can balance near-term execution with long-term positioning. Priorities include strengthening fiscal performance, expanding annual campaign, endowment, grant, and partnership revenue, developing and stabilizing the staff structure, elevating the member experience, growing youth and senior engagement, and ensuring the new Aquatic Center opens with operational discipline, strong safety practices, and a clear plan for sustainable impact.

ABOUT THE MAHASKA COUNTY YMCA

The Mahaska County YMCA has been part of the community fabric since 1866. Its first YMCA building opened in 1903 and was dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt. A second facility on 3rd Avenue broke ground in 1968 and was dedicated in 1969. The dedication of the new Green Street YMCA in May 2024 marked a generational milestone, and the opening of the Aquatic Center on Green Street in August 2026 will complete the next major chapter in the Y's physical and programmatic evolution. As operations shift to the Green Street campus, the YMCA will no longer actively use the 3rd Street facility for YMCA purposes. Following the move to the new Aquatic Center, the aquatics portion of the 3rd Street facility will be decommissioned in an orderly fashion. The remainder of the building is currently, and is expected to continue being, operated by the Oskaloosa Community School District as a Home School support facility. The YMCA is working with OCSD on terms for the continued operation of the facility, building on a strong partnership that also includes the Early Childhood Education and Recreation Facility and the Aquatic Center. Today, the Mahaska County YMCA serves primarily Mahaska County, including Oskaloosa, University Park, Beacon, New Sharon, Rose Hill, Lake Keomah, Leighton, and surrounding communities, while also drawing participants from Pella, Eddyville, Sigourney, and other nearby areas. The YMCA's service area includes approximately 22,000 county residents, with Oskaloosa serving as the county seat. The Mahaska County YMCA is a cause-driven organization strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Its impact is especially visible in childcare, where the YMCA is the largest childcare provider in the community and has a strong reputation for early learning and quality care for children from six weeks through preschool, as well as before school, after school, and summer camp programming. The YMCA also provides a free healthy snack program for youth in the community. The organization is deeply committed to safety. The Mahaska County YMCA is participating in the Praesidium class of 2028, childcare staff participate in ongoing continuing education, aquatic staff participate in monthly trainings, and the Childcare Director and Aquatic Director serve as trainers in their respective program areas. Our Mission To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The Mahaska County YMCA is a cause-driven organization strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. 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

Current Key Strategic Initiatives:

Improve childcare impact. Improve personnel and volunteer engagement. Increase youth and senior usage. Strengthen annual campaign, endowment, and grant income. Integrate primary YMCA operations at the Green Street campus following the opening of the Aquatic Center. Explore the long-term potential of the Bruce and Mary Lou Sedrel Day Camp as an outdoor program and community asset.

Membership:

1,606 membership units and 3,273 total members.

Branch Information:

Green Street

YMCA / ECE

Facility:

Primary campus.

New Aquatic Center:

Opens August 2026. 3rd

Street Facility:

Transitioning out of active YMCA use.

Bruce and Mary Lou Sedrel Day Camp:

10-acre day camp.

Service Area:

Mahaska County and surrounding communities.

Core Programs:

Childcare and early learning Before school, after school, and summer camp Free healthy snack program for youth Aquatics, swim lessons, water exercise, and swim team Youth and adult sports Wellness, personal training, group exercise, senior fitness Special events, certifications, and family engagement Outdoor day camp and nature-based youth and family programming

Annual Support Campaign:

Current Year Goal:

$155,000

Prior Year's Total:

$153,021

Current Year's Progress Toward Goal:

Approximately $146,000

Recent Capital Campaign:

$33M Green Street campus and Aquatic Center partnership with the City, OCSD, and Mahaska community.

CEO Direct Reports:

Childcare Director Aquatics Director Sports / Wellness Director Maintenance / Custodial Director Membership Coordinator School Age / Marketing Director, currently vacant Business Director, currently vacant

Board of Directors:

14 members The Board includes civic, business, and community leaders who are deeply invested in the YMCA's future. Established committees include Childcare (monthly), Endowment (quarterly), Finance (monthly), Fund Development (monthly), Governance (as needed), Membership (monthly), and Site & Facilities (monthly). The Board of Directors meets monthly.

Financial Snapshot:

Current Annual Budget Size:

$2.6 million

Current Debt:

Approximately $85,000 as of the end of April 2026

Current Endowment:

The Mahaska County YMCA Endowment Fund is in its initial stage with approximately $10,000. The YMCA also has an interest in the Lacy Trust of $1.5 million, with approximately $75,000 drawn annually.

Last Year Operating Net:

Three-year pattern of deficit operations, largely tied to aquatic center delays and related facility complexity

Current Year Budgeted Operating Net:

Budgeted operating deficit of $28,685

Current Year Budgeted Operating Net Before Depreciation:

Approximately $103,000

Current Year Progress:

As of March 31, 2026, the YMCA was operating at net of depreciation of approximately $119,000 ABOUT

OUR COMMUNITY

Oskaloosa, Iowa offers the kind of quality of life that is increasingly attractive to leaders and families seeking both purpose and pace. As the county seat of Mahaska County, Oskaloosa combines small-town warmth, civic pride, and a strong sense of belonging with the amenities and partnerships that support a vibrant life. It is a place where the next CEO can be highly visible, build authentic relationships quickly, and see the tangible results of community leadership. The heart of Oskaloosa is its beautiful town square, anchored by a historic bandstand and surrounded by locally owned shops, restaurants, coffee spots, public art, murals, and seasonal flowers. Summer brings music, community events, and gatherings on the square, including concerts and downtown celebrations that create a strong sense of place. The community also offers cultural and creative assets such as the George Daily Auditorium, Oskaloosa Art Center, Nelson Pioneer Farm, the public library, and long-standing community events such as Art on the Square. Outdoor recreation is woven into daily life. Residents enjoy Lake Keomah State Park, Edmundson Park, golf, fishing, walking and biking trails, sports, and family-friendly recreation. The presence of Bruce Sedrel YMCA Day Camp at Lake Keomah gives the YMCA a direct connection to one of the area's signature outdoor assets. Oskaloosa also benefits from strong community institutions. William Penn University brings higher education, energy, events, and students to the community. Mahaska Health provides healthcare access for Oskaloosa and southeast Iowa, and local employers such as Musco, Clow Valve, Interpower Corp., and other regional businesses contribute to a diversified local economy. For the next YMCA CEO, this community offers more than a place to live. It offers a place to lead.

Information Sites:

Mahaska County YMCA:

www.mahaskaymca.org

City of Oskaloosa:

www.oskaloosaiowa.org

Mahaska Chamber and Development Group:

www.oacdg.org

Mahaska Health:

www.mahaskahealth.org

William Penn University:

www.wmpenn.edu 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, preferably with budgets of $2 million 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. Ability to develop, strengthen, and sustain community relationships and partnerships. Ability to develop innovative programs, review and enhance current programs, and evaluate both economic viability and effectiveness in broadening engagement across the communities served. Strategic planning and fundraising experience, including annual campaigns, grants, donor engagement, partnership development, and endowment growth. Demonstrated team leadership, delegation, staff development, and accountability skills. YMCA Organizational Leader Certification or ability to achieve within 3 years. Essential Functions

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 them to achieve excellence in the following roles: 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.

Key competencies:

Change Leadership, Communication & Influence, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Program/Project Management Improve Operating Performance:

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, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Innovation Fiscal Management:

Use high-level financial analysis to forecast financial trends, growth, and stability, while consistently leading the organization to balance or surplus operations by growing earned revenue and contributions and controlling costs. Empower and guide staff leaders to lead their departments to successful financial operation. Develop and implement stewardship strategies.

Key competencies:

Fiscal Management, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Developing Self & Others, Philanthropy Position the Y as a Vital Partner for

Community Change:

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 a variety of backgrounds, while always upholding the highest standards and values of the Y. Ensure your Y is seen as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other.

Key competencies:

Communication & Influence, Engaging Community, Collaboration 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 Build and Lead Staff:

Ensure a talent development system is in place and executed effectively with cultural competence. Hire, motivate, nurture, retain, and hold staff accountable for key objectives. Work towards recruiting, retaining, developing, and promoting staff. Encourage the team by creating a spirit of camaraderie, connection, 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 Leadership

SALARY, BENEFITS, & CRITERIA

Salary Range:

$100,000

• 115,000

Benefits:

YMCA Retirement:

YMCA contributes 5% of gross wages for eligible employees; eligible employees contribute 3% of gross wages.

YMCA 403B

savings account: 100% employee contribution.

Health plan:

YMCA pays 80% of the employee health insurance premium. Paid Time Off (PTO): 120 hours for 0 to 5 years; 160 hours for 6 to 10 years; 200 hours for 11 to 20 years; 208 hours for 20 or more years of continuous employment.

Other benefits:

100% of employee vision and dental premium; $10,000 life insurance paid on the first of the month after 60 days of employment; $1,500 relocation support.

Residency Expectation:

Living in the YMCA's service area is preferred and strongly encouraged due to the community-facing nature of the CEO role.

SEARCH PROCESS TARGET DATES

Resumes accepted through: June 11, 2026 Preliminary interviews scheduled: Monday, July 20 and Tuesday, July 21, 2026 In-person interviews: Monday, August 10 and Tuesday, August 11, 2026 CEO selection made: August, 2026 New CEO on board (anticipated): September 2026 HOW

TO APPLY

References, Background Check, and Organizational Leader Certification:

Candidates must submit (pdf format only) the following in their online application: a resume and cover letter. Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered. Candidates who advance to final interviews will need to submit six references (four professional and two personal). References checked only with prior notification. Successful candidate accepting the offer must pass a background check and must have a current Y-USA Organizational Leader Certification or obtain certification within the first three years from start date as the CEO. The YMCA's personnel policies may require further screening. Candidates must apply via the following website: https://tinyurl.com/mahaska-co-ymca-ceo

QUESTIONS

About the Search Process? Grace Matos, YMCA of the USA CEO Search, [email protected] , 312-419-6810 About the YMCA? Wade Riedinger, Heartland Alliance of YMCAs, [email protected] , 515-971-5259