The Forest City YMCA has a commitment to creating a culture of safety.

The Opportunity

The Forest City YMCA Board of Directors is looking for an energetic and ambitious leader and solid operator with a collaborative spirit who can build strong relationships in the communities served by the Y and demonstrate a commitment to the mission, vision, and values of the organization. We are looking for our next leader to have a dynamic presence in our community and continue to nurturethe significant partnerships with Waldorf College, Winnebago Industries, City and School District. Our YMCA is financially stable with a $1.9M endowment and no debt – rising stars are welcome!

Our Mission

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

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

Position Description

The Forest City YMCA Board of Directors is looking for our next CEO to be the face of the community and to steward relationships with our key partners in the community. We are a small community with high membership penetration so future growth will require innovation and vision. The new CEO will be required to be active in the community.

Forest City YMCA Facts

The current facility opened in 1987 and was gifted by John K. Hanson, founder of Winnebago Industries. The facility houses both the YMCA (approximately 45,000 sq. ft) and Waldorf University’s Fieldhouse. The service area of the YMCA includes Winnebago and Hancock Counties in north-central Iowa with a combined population of 20,000. Forest City has a population of 4,200.

Current Key Strategic Initiatives

• Development of program areas dedicated to STEM and Introduction to Skilled Trades
• Guidelines and Facility Enhancements needed to allow for 24-hour access
• Grants and Fundraising for specific facility/programming initiatives

Membership

• 2,200 members
• 1,416 membership units
• 46% College
• 22% Family
• 17% Adult
• 5% Youth
• 9% Senior

Facility Information

• Regulation pool and gymnasium
• Multipurpose/Aerobics room
• Fitness area
• The Clubhouse – a virtual golf, cycling and gaming center
• Skilled Trade Center
• Three Childcare Sites (two off-site)
• Two Racquetball Courts
• STEM Lab

Programs

• Group exercise and adult fitness
• Before and afterschool childcare and Early childhood education at two additional sites
• Youth sports
• STEM and Skilled Trades

Annual Campaign

• $50,000 raised in 2022
• $60,000 goal for 2023
• Campaign impact – $15,000-$20,000 in financial assistance awarded annually.

Staff

Current Staff

• 22 FT
• 50 PT

CEO Direct Reports

• Director of Business
• Director of Childcare
• Director of Programs
• Youth Program Director

Board of Directors

• 8 Board Members
• 50% Female
• 50% Male

Financial

• Current Annual Budget Size of $1.7 million
• No operating or capital debt
• $1.9 million in endowment funds

Population & Demographics

• Median age is 42
• Median household income is $53,914
• 87% White
• 3% Black
• 3% Two or more races
• 5% Hispanic/Latino

Additional Important Information

Area Amenities and Community Benefits

Forest City sits inside two counties – Winnebago and Hancock Counties. The City is proud to have a good mix of businesses, quality education, many outdoor recreation opportunities and a generally high quality of life. It is home to Winnebago Industries (manufacturer of motor-homes – employing 1600) and Waldorf University. The City is located between two major metropolitan areas – Minneapolis is 140 miles to the north and Des Moines is 138 miles to the south.

Other Sites for Information:

Chamber of Commerce: www.forestcityia.com

City of Forest City: www.cityofforestcity.com

Forest City Community Schools: www.forestcity.k12.ia.us

Waldorf University: www.waldorf.edu

Heartland Alliance of YMCAs: www.Heartlandymcas.org

YMCA of the USA: www.ymca.org

Minimum Criteria for Candidates:

Preferred Criteria for Candidates:

Key Skills and Abilities

• 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. Innovative strategies will be required to grow membership and program operations.
• Lead With Sound Fiscal Management Practices: Continue to lead our organization through recovery by focusing on membership and childcare program growth. Use high-level financial analysis to forecast financial trends and ensure growth. Quickly address financial issues that may arise. Lead the organization to develop the budget and drive operations to surplus annually by growing earned revenue and contributions and controlling costs. Empower and guide staff to lead their departments to achieve financial milestones.
• Position the Y as a Vital Partner for Community Involvement: 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, 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.
• 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.
• Build and Lead Staff: Ensure a culturally competent and effective talent development system is in place. Hire, motivate, nurture, retain, and hold staff accountable for key objectives. Work towards recruiting, retaining, developing and promoting staff that represent the diversity of the communities served. Encourage the team by creating a spirit of camaraderie, inclusion, and sense of mission and purpose. Create a learning organization to help staff achieve their highest potential.

Salary Range: $65,000-$75,000. Relocation assistance may be provided.

Residency: Preferred residency is in Forest City or within a 30-mile radius of the YMCA.

Benefits: Retirement contribution is 12% employer contribution. Health insurance (single or family) is fully paid by employer and includes dental and vision. Other benefits as noted in the personnel handbook including 200 hours of PTO annually and 200 hours of sick leave annually.

Target Dates for the Search Process

Resumes accepted through: April 9, 2023

Applicant review period: April 10 – April 27, 2023

Preliminary interviews scheduled: May 10 and 11, 2023

Final interviews: May 22 and 23, 2023

CEO selection made: May 25, 2023

New CEO on board (anticipated): June 19, 2023

To Apply

Candidates will apply via the following website: https://tinyurl.com/forest-city-ymca-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.

Questions Regarding This Position:

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:

Wade Riedinger

Heartland Alliance – Executive Director

YMCAs of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa

515-971-5259

riedinger@crmetroymca.org