Associate Executive Director - Salem YMCA

Are you a strategic, mission-driven leader with a passion for operational excellence, program innovation, and community engagement? The Salem YMCA is seeking a dynamic Associate Executive Director to play a key leadership role in advancing our mission of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

About the Role:

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Associate Executive Director provides strategic oversight and operational leadership across key program areas including Theater & Creative Arts, Aquatics, Membership, and Health & Wellness. This individual will also collaborate closely with association leadership to ensure alignment with organizational goals, financial sustainability, and community relevance.

As a leader in a mission-based organization, the Associate Executive Director will drive innovation, staff development, and program quality-while also serving as a visible ambassador in the community. This is a critical, high-impact role with influence across departments and strategic initiatives.

Leadership & Strategy

• 
  

  Align closely with the Executive Director to advance the branch's vision and the Y's mission.

  
  
• 
  

  Foster a culture of inclusion, accountability, and professional development across departments.

  
  
• 
  

  Set clear performance expectations and mentor staff for continued growth and success.

  
  
• 
  

  Build and nurture strategic partnerships within the community to enhance the Y's visibility and impact.

  
  

Program & Operations Management

• 
  

  Provide day-to-day operational oversight and support for Theater/Creative Arts, Aquatics, Health & Wellness, and Membership programs.

  
  
• 
  

  Ensure programs are high-quality, responsive to community needs, and aligned with the Y's strategic priorities.

  
  
• 
  

  Lead cross-functional initiatives and special projects to support innovation and organizational growth.

  
  
• 
  

  Oversee administrative processes including program updates (MOJOs), purchasing, contract approvals, and Daxko data accuracy.

  
  

Financial Oversight

• 
  

  Contribute to and monitor departmental budgets, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.

  
  
• 
  

  Conduct regular business reviews with program directors to drive performance and financial sustainability.

  
  
• 
  

  Oversee payroll processes and ensure compliance with YMCA policies and best practices.

  
  

Staff & Volunteer Development

• 
  

  Lead, coach, and develop department leaders, supporting a high-performing, mission-driven culture.

  
  
• 
  

  Implement supervision and performance strategies that foster talent, address underperformance, and promote equitable hiring and development.

  
  
• 
  

  Champion an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.

  
  

Community & Membership Engagement

• 
  

  Serve as a visible community leader, cultivating relationships with local businesses, organizations, and stakeholders.

  
  
• 
  

  Support and enhance membership growth and engagement strategies across departments.

  
  
• 
  

  Collaborate with marketing to promote programs and create impactful communication materials using tools like Canva and PowerPoint.

  
  

At the YMCA of the North Shore, we are more than a fitness facility-we are a movement that empowers individuals and strengthens communities. As an Associate Executive Director, you will play a vital role in shaping the Salem Y's future and delivering meaningful daily impact.

• 
  

  Competitive salary and benefits package

  
  
• 
  

  Free YMCA Family membership and program discounts

  
  
• 
  

  Generous Time Off: 3weeks paid vacation, plus sick and personal time

  
  
• 
  

  12% employer-funded retirement contribution (once vested)

  
  
• 
  

  Paid professional development and training opportunities

  
  
• 
  

  Supportive, mission-focused team culture

  
  

Ready to Make an Impact?

Join us in leading programs that change lives, support families, and build a stronger community. Apply today to be part of something bigger.

• 
  

  Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Recreation, Business, or a related field is preferred.

  
  
• 
  

  Minimum of five (5) years of progressive leadership experience in a YMCA or nonprofit setting, including substantial management and supervisory responsibilities.

  
  
• 
  

  Proven track record of success in key leadership areas such as staff and volunteer development, operational and financial oversight, strategic planning and implementation, and cultivating community partnerships and donor relationships.

  
  
• 
  

  Demonstrated experience in marketing and leading a mission-driven organization, with exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.

  
  
• 
  

  A strong commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and promoting diversity in all aspects of work.

  
  

The YMCA is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religious creed, protected genetic information, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran's status.