CEO

EXECUTIVE VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Auburn-Lewiston YMCA

Position: Chief Executive Officer (Chief Executive Officer)

Address: 62 Turner Street, Auburn, Maine 04210

The Opportunity

Imagine leading an organization with a rich 157-year history, deeply embedded in the fabric of Androscoggin and Oxford Counties, where families, children, and individuals of all ages come together to learn, grow, and thrive. The YMCA of Auburn Lewiston is looking for a dynamic, strategic, and community-driven leader to step into the role of Chief Executive Officer and continue the legacy of transformational impact.

This is more than just a leadership role. It is a calling for someone who is passionate about creating innovative programs, fostering meaningful relationships, and spearheading initiatives that will shape the future of the YMCA and the broader community. As CEO, you will expand the reach and visibility of the YMCA across the region, ensuring every individual has access to life-changing programs. You will strengthen and cultivate partnerships with key stakeholders, from local businesses to government leaders, schools, and community organizations. You will lead capital development efforts, including a campaign to enhance the Outdoor Learning and Education Center, creating spaces that inspire exploration, creativity, and personal growth. You will drive financial sustainability and innovation, ensuring the long-term success and resilience of the YMCA through diverse funding streams and strategic initiatives. Most importantly, you will be a catalyst for change, leading a dedicated team of professionals and volunteers committed to advancing the mission of the YMCA in new and meaningful ways.

The YMCA of Auburn Lewiston is not just a place. It is a cause-driven movement, deeply rooted in service, empowerment, and impact. If you are a leader with vision, passion, and a heart for community engagement, this is your chance to make a lasting difference in the lives of thousands while advancing a mission that has stood the test of time. Join us in shaping the future of one of Maine’s most vital community institutions, where leadership, innovation, and mission-driven work intersect to create a lasting legacy of positive change.

Our Mission

The YMCA of Auburn Lewiston is a character-building organization dedicated to strengthening Christian principles of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility through programs that build healthy mind, spirit, and body, regardless of ability to pay.

Our Desired Impact

The YMCA of Auburn-Lewiston is an inclusive, collaborative partner that strengthens the foundations of our communities by fostering safe spaces, healthy programs, and services for all.

Position Description

The YMCA of Auburn-Lewiston seeks an innovative, strategic, and community-minded individual to serve as its next CEO. The CEO will build trust and extend the breadth and depth of the Y’s reach across Androscoggin and Oxford Counties. The CEO will lead collaborative efforts to grow and maintain productive working relationships in the community, enhance our reputation, and further our mission and cause.

Criteria for candidates:

1. Accredited 4-year college degree or equivalent experience.

2. Must demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills and personal values consistent with the YMCA mission.

3. Minimum five 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.

4. Must be able to develop and strengthen community relationships.

5. Have the ability to develop innovative programs, review and enhance programs being offered or considered for both economy and the effectiveness in broadening our engagement in the communities in which we serve.

6. Strategic planning and Fundraising experience including annual campaigns and the securing of grants.

7. Fiscally sound business management approach.

8. A proven record of accomplishment of progressive budgetary leadership and advanced fiscal management practices.

9. YMCA Organizational Leader Certification or ability to achieve within 3 years.

Key Performance Objectives

Fiscal Management: Use high-level financial analysis to forecast financial trends, growth and stability, while consistently leading 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

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

Develop and Implement a Strategic Plan: Work effectively with volunteers, community leaders, and key staff, to implement our 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

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

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

YMCA of Auburn-Lewiston Facts

Nestled in the heart of Auburn, Maine, the YMCA of Auburn-Lewiston has been a cornerstone of community engagement and wellness for over 157 years. Founded in Auburn, Maine, on February 17, 1868, our Y serves residents of Androscoggin and Oxford Counties with a robust mix of programs designed to foster health, personal development, and social responsibility.

Our facilities include three state-of-the-art fitness centers catering to various health and wellness needs, two early childhood education centers providing top-tier care for young children, and two school-age care programs supporting working families. The crown jewel of our association is the Outdoor Learning and Education Center, a 95-acre day camp and year-round facility dedicated to youth development and outdoor adventure. For more details on our locations and programs, visit YMCA of Auburn-Lewiston

Current Key Strategic Initiatives

Operational Excellence: Strengthening financial management, ensuring efficient facility operations, and optimizing resource allocation.

Communications & Community Engagement: Enhancing outreach efforts to better engage members, donors, and the broader community.

Facilities Improvement: Implementing upgrades and expansions to ensure safe and modern facilities.

Programming Innovation: Expanding youth sports, wellness programs, and educational services to meet the evolving needs of the community.

Membership

• Total Number of Members: 4,275
• Total Number of Membership Units: 2,855
  • 162 Youth
  • 698 Adult
  • 447 Family/Household
  • 484 Senior
  • 1,064 Corporate, Veteran, and Community

Branch/Facility Information

Auburn Facility – Auburn YMCA: A fully owned 50,000 square-foot wellness and fitness center featuring a gymnasium, fitness studios, an indoor track, and strength-training areas.

Lewiston Facility – Health Club and Spa: A 13,000 square-foot wellness and fitness center featuring fitness studios, strength-training areas, and aquatics center with program pool, sauna, and hot-tub. Also has PT/OT tenant that pays rent.

Hospital Partnership: A leased fitness facility offering wellness programs, fitness studios, and strength-training areas in partnership with Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston.

Early Childhood Education Centers: Two locations: 62 Turner Street (62 children) and Temple Shalom (39 children) offering high-quality early learning programs.

School-Age Care: Two after-school care programs serving 143 students, including a partnership with Lewiston Housing Authority.

Outdoor Learning and Education Center: A 95-acre day camp and year-round facility in downtown Auburn, currently in the silent phase of a $3.85M capital campaign with over $1M secured.

Rumford Project: A 12,000 square-foot building renovation funded by Congressional Direct Spending, aimed at expanding early childhood education and school-age care in Oxford County.

Partner Locations: Partnerships with the YMCA of Central Maine (swim team), Andy Valley Gymnastics, and Greater Rumford Community Center.

Programs

• Youth Sports: Basketball, swimming, field hockey, gymnastics, skiing, snowboarding, and more.
• Early Childhood Education: Licensed childcare for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
• School-Age Care: Before and after-school programming for working families in both licenses and unlicensed settings.
• Summer Day Camp: Outdoor adventure and educational activities at the 95-acre camp.
• Wellness & Personal Training: Group exercise classes, personal training, and nutrition support.
• Family & Community Programs: Family nights, holiday events, and volunteer initiatives.
• Aquatics & Swim Lessons: Water safety, swim instruction, and lifeguard certification.
• Chronic Disease Prevention & Management: Diabetes prevention, LIVESTRONG cancer survivor program, and senior fitness.

Annual Campaign

• Prior Year’s Total: $115,000
• Current Year’s Goal: $110,000
• Current Year’s Amount raised as of January 31, 2025: $26,084.61

Previous Year’s Campaign Impact

• Total number of people receiving financial assistance in 2024 (scholarship): 323
• Total amount awarded in financial assistance in 2024 (scholarship): $104,409.21

Capital Campaign(s)

• Outdoor Learning and Education Center: $3.85M Capital Campaign to enhance outdoor youth programming, currently in the silent phase with over $1M secured.
• Rumford Project: A $1M renovation project to transform a 12,000 sq. ft. building into an early childhood education and school-age center, fully funded through Congressional Direct Spending.
• Facility Upgrades & Safety Improvements: A phased plan to modernize fitness centers and childcare spaces with improved accessibility and infrastructure.

Staff

Current Staff

• FT - 48
• PT - 74

CEO Direct Reports

• Chief Operating Officer
• Chief Human Resources and Risk Officer
• Chief Advancement Officer
• Finance Manager
• Facilities Director

Key Vacancies:

None

Board of Directors

• Number of Directors: 16
• Committees
  • Executive Committee
  • Operational Excellence Committee
  • Finance and Investment Committee
  • Communications and Marketing Committee
  • Program Committee (Camp, Youth Sports, ECE & School Age, and Membership)
  • Facilities Committee

Financial Snapshot

• Current Annual Budget Size: 3.7M
• Current Debt: $930,673 (SBA and Business Loans)
• Current Endowment: $2,446,365 (Board-restricted for capital expenses)
• 3-year pattern of annual surplus/deficit
  • Current Year: Estimated to be positive
  • Previous year (2023 and 2024): Negative due to infrastructure upgrades
  • Previous year (2022): Break-even, with reinvestment in program development

Population & Demographics

The YMCA of Auburn-Lewiston serves Androscoggin and Oxford Counties, two diverse regions with a combined population of approximately 150,000 residents.

• Auburn-Lewiston Metro Area: Approximately 60,000 residents
• Age Distribution: Significant portions of the population are families, working professionals, and retirees.
• Economic Sectors: Manufacturing, healthcare, education, and small businesses are the dominant industries in the region.
• Median Household Income: Approximately $58,000

Additional Important Information

Area Amenities and Community Benefits

Living and working in Androscoggin and Oxford Counties, Maine, offers an exceptional quality of life, including:

• Affordable Cost of Living: The area provides a variety of housing options, lower property taxes, and a reasonable cost of goods and services.
• Outdoor Recreation & Natural Beauty:
  • Androscoggin River for paddling, fishing, and scenic walks
  • White Mountain National Forest nearby for hiking and camping
  • Ski resorts such as Sunday River and Lost Valley
• Strong Educational Institutions :
  • Bates College in Lewiston
  • Central Maine Community College
  • University of Southern Maine extension programs
• High-Quality Healthcare:
  • Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) and St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center provide full-service healthcare
• Business & Nonprofit Growth:
  • A thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem supported by local business chambers and economic development initiatives
• Cultural & Arts Scene:
  • The Franco Center, public art exhibits, and annual festivals contribute to a vibrant arts and entertainment community
• Convenient Location:
  • An hour’s drive from Portland, Maine, for expanded entertainment, dining, and travel options
  • Proximity to coastal towns and beaches for weekend getaways

Starting Salary Range: $125,000.00 - $152,500.00 annually

Benefits:

• Retirement Plan: Y Retirement Plan/403(b) with an 8% total contribution (7% employer, 1% employee)
• Health Insurance: Full coverage for the employee at no cost
• Additional Benefits: STD, AD&D, Life Insurance, 6 weeks PTO

Residency Expectation: The CEO is expected to be highly engaged and visible in our community. Living in or adjacent to the YMCA’s service area is required.

Other sites for information:

YMCA of Auburn-Lewiston

YMCA of the USA

Androscoggin Chamber of Commerce

Visit Maine

Target Dates for the search process

Resumes accepted through: 4/7/2025

Preliminary interviews scheduled: 05/14 – 05/15/2025

Final interviews: 6/3 -6/4/2025

New CEO on board (anticipated): 7/2025

To Apply

Candidates will apply via the following website: https://tinyurl.com/Auburn-Lewiston-Y-CEO

Application, References, Background Check, and Organizational Leader Certification:

Candidates must submit the following in their online application, uploading a PDF of your cover letter and resume. Applications 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’s Organizational Leader Certification or obtain certification within the first three years from start date as the CEO.

Questions regarding this position should be directed to:

Grace Matos

Director, Executive Leadership/CEO Search

YMCA of the USA

312.419.6810

grace.matos@ymca.net

Meg Helming

Chief Operating Officer

YMCA Alliance of Northern New England

Cell: 207.232.9896

Meg.Helming@nneymcas.org