President & Chief Executive Officer

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Title:  President & Chief Executive Officer

Organization:  YWCA Columbus

Reports to:  Board of Directors

Direct Reports:  Supervises the leadership team comprised of the human resources, program development, administration, communications, development, finance, children’s programs, and housing programs  

Employee Count:  300+

Location: Columbus, OH 

Website:  https://www.ywcacolumbus.org/

THE ORGANIZATION

YWCA Columbus defies the status quo that puts women, people of color, and the marginalized on unequal footing. By fostering dialogue, providing practical resources, and educating our community, we promote empowerment and inclusion. We initiate systematic social change that will create a Columbus of peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

OUR MISSION

Eliminate racism, empower women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Responsible for overall direction and implementation of the vision, strategic goals and objectives of the organization. With the chair, enables board to fulfill its governance function. Manage and direct the staff of the YWCA to fulfill the mission and achieve agreed upon results working within the carver governance model.  Represent the YWCA before stakeholders, funders, donors and others to advocate for its mission and programs. Give direction and leadership toward the achievement of the organization’s mission, strategy and annual goals and objectives.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: (“MUST HAVES”):

• A minimum of five years of senior executive leadership, preferably in an organization committed to homelessness, social justice, community engagement, or social services
• Commitment to and passion for the YWCA-Columbus two-fold mission – Eliminating Racism and Empowering Women; demonstrated experience or leadership in homelessness, racial justice, and other components of the YWCA-Columbus’ mission
• Politically savvy, with superior presentation, public speaking, interpersonal, relationship management, persuasiveness, negotiation, diplomacy, influencing, and listening skills 
• Ability to manage complex business models with experience and comfort leading and driving business model change amid macroeconomic/external forces and pressure (e.g., health and wellness business model, ECE, pandemic response, racial justice advocacy, etc.) Willing to move the organization forward with innovative ideas; focused on growth/future success of the YWCA-Columbus

OTHER DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Executive presence that conveys depth and substance as the leader and representative of the YWCA-Columbus. Possesses a deep relationship network within the community or the capability to build one
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with demonstrated experience in change communication
• A strong inclination toward motivating and supporting the leadership team, transparency with Board, conflict resolution, and communication with employees and the community
• Servant-leader qualities of serving the community and developing employees' bench–strength within YWCA-Columbus
• High ethical standards and integrity, aligning with YWCA-Columbus values
• Demonstrated racial equity and social justice leadership
• Deep relationship network within the community or capability to build one

ATTRIBUTES

• Ability to communicate with confidence and project enthusiasm and competence
• Comfortable leading through uncertainty Strong coach and developer of talent
• Strong interpersonal skills and EQ (clear in what you bring to the conversation through listening and understanding)
• Strength-based leadership style that motivates and inspires teams
• Sound judgment and bias for action, Works collaboratively across the org to make decisions. Gathers/considers ideas from frontline staff/all employees
• Strong self-awareness, confidence, and humility. Values authenticity and transparency and does not shy away from difficult conversations or conflict

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• The ideal candidate will be passionate about non-profit leadership and a coalition builder who is emotionally intelligent, well-rounded, energetic, and confident. She must be an inclusive leader and team player who works well with staff, donors, sponsors, partners, constituents, and board members to achieve the strategic goals and objectives. With ethical standards and integrity aligning with YWCA- Columbus’ values

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

An experienced leader that has a passion for leading an organization by utilizing their skills and expertise in program delivery, financial management, HR management, community and public relations, fundraising and strategic planning.  This role is a liaison from the board to the staff and vice versa. 

The President & CEO must:

• Project an image of excellence, stability, trust, accountability to core constituencies 
• Attract, develop and retain the right talent
• Identify, develop and maintain relationships with major community stakeholders
• Develop leaders who are aligned with the Y’s vision and values 
• Model behaviors that will be required of all staff
• Ensure transparent communication with Board and other constituents 
• Ensure the Y has a strategic development plan
• Drive the vision and strategic plan of the organization
• Create a culture of invitation throughout the organization
• Set clear standards of excellence for all Y services and programming

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred highly desirable

COMPENSATION:
 

YWCA Columbus offers a competitive base salary as well as excellent benefits and perks including but not limited to:

• Medical
• Dental
• Long/Short-Term Disability & Life Insurance
• Vision
• Employee Assistance
• YWCA USA Retirement Fund
• Scholarship
• Free Gym Membership
• Childcare Convenience
• Paid Time Off