Job Details

EXECUTIVE VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
YMCA OF HONOLULU

Position: Chief Executive Officer
Category: Executive
Team: YMCA of Honolulu
Location: Oahu, Hawaii
Posted on: 10/1/2025

Address: 1441 Pali Hwy, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96813

About The Opportunity

The YMCA of Honolulu is seeking a dynamic, mission-driven President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the organization into its next era of growth and impact. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will provide visionary leadership while ensuring the YMCA remains a trusted, inclusive, and innovative resource for Oʻahu. This role oversees all aspects of the Association, including operations, finance, philanthropy, partnerships, and staff development, while inspiring staff, donors, and community partners to advance the Y's mission.

The ideal candidate is an accomplished leader who combines operational excellence with the ability to engage and inspire diverse communities. This individual will bring significant fundraising experience with a proven track record, have led large organizations or substantial teams, and have successfully overseen major capital projects from concept to completion. Importantly, this leader understands the YMCA not only as an organization but as a movement, with the cultural awareness and operational acumen to honor that unique identity.

The next CEO will guide implementation and execution of the YMCA's 2025-2028 Strategic Plan, which prioritizes advancing holistic health, supporting youth in reaching their full potential, and elevating the Y's visibility and brand. This includes expanding mental wellness programs, early learning initiatives, and teen leadership pathways, while strengthening evaluation systems, staff culture, and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity. As the YMCA looks to the future, insights gathered from an in-depth survey of board members, staff, community members, and branch volunteers revealed six clear priorities as the most critical drivers of the YMCA's ongoing success. These include developing and implementing a strategic plan, strengthening operating performance, enhancing fiscal management, positioning the Y as a vital partner for community change, building and leading staff, and stewarding fundraising efforts. These priorities will guide our focus and drive impact across all branches.

A major focus will be the YMCA's $60 million capital campaign and its three cornerstone initiatives: redeveloping the Nuʻuanu YMCA, expanding mental wellness programs, and enhancing childcare services. Revitalizing the historic Nuʻuanu flagship branch is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape a vibrant, multi-use campus that reflects Hawaiʻi's evolving needs. Envisioned as a model of community-centered design, the Nuʻuanu Y will integrate affordable housing, modern health and wellness facilities, early learning, and intergenerational programming. The CEO will play a pivotal role in bringing this bold vision to life by driving strategic planning, securing philanthropic investment, and forging strong public and private partnerships.

Given the scale of this work, the CEO must bring expertise in complex financing, major project development, and multifaceted business partnerships. Just as critically, they will embody integrity, authenticity, and sound judgment, earning the trust of staff, Board, and community alike. By fostering meaningful relationships across diverse communities and leading with vision and courage, the CEO will advance the mission and spirit of the YMCA of Honolulu for generations to come. Given the scale of this work, the CEO must bring expertise in complex financing, major project development, and multifaceted business partnerships. Just as critically, they will embody integrity, authenticity, and sound judgment—earning the trust of staff, Board, and community alike. By fostering meaningful relationships across diverse communities and leading with vision and courage, the CEO will advance the mission and spirit of the YMCA of Honolulu for generations to come.

Our Mission

To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. At the Y, kids can realize their potential, teens can prepare for higher education or career opportunities, and families can connect and have fun together. The Y empowers people of all kinds to be healthier in spirit, mind and body.

About the YMCA of Honolulu

Year Founded: 1869
Number of Staff: 800+
Operating Revenue: $30M+
Website:
Nine YMCA Branches
One Program Center
59 Elementary School Afterschool Programs
13 Middle School Outreach and Counseling Programs
15 High School Outreach and Counseling Programs, including off-island sites

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Skills/Knowledge:

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to write and deliver compelling, persuasive, and original speeches, articles, and presentations on complex or sensitive topics to a wide range of audiences, including Board members, community leaders, and the public.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and analyze complex documents, data, and reports, and respond thoughtfully and effectively to inquiries, feedback, or concerns.
• Financial and operational acumen, with the ability to apply mathematical concepts to real-world planning, including budget development, forecasting, and program evaluation.
• Strategic and adaptive thinker, capable of navigating complex, ambiguous, or evolving challenges with sound judgment, creativity, and a results-oriented approach.
• Strong understanding of community dynamics and the ability to engage diverse stakeholders, build partnerships, and leverage community resources to advance the YMCA's mission and strategic priorities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and other relevant technologies necessary for executive communication, planning, and decision-making.
• Committed to equity and inclusion, with demonstrated experience engaging and supporting individuals across diverse backgrounds, including differences in language, culture, race, age, physical ability, sexual orientation, and other lived experiences.