Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Work for a charity that ignites the potential in people. Every. Single. Day.

At the YMCA of Niagara, we believe everyone has the potential to shine. As a mission-driven charity, we are dedicated to creating opportunities that empower individuals to discover and amplify their strengths. Every day, we work collectively to advance the well-being of our communities by igniting this potential, helping people grow, lead, and give back. With each personal success, participants contribute directly to a more vibrant Niagara—where everyone feels welcomed, connected, and actively engaged in building this thriving community together.

With an annual operating budget exceeding $25 million and managing over $20 million in capital assets, the YMCA of Niagara is a leader in the charitable sector. We provide essential services that address the diverse needs of our community through Childcare, Health and Well-being, Employment, Newcomer, Camp, and Community programming.

As our Chief Operating Officer, you will lead all operational functions of the YMCA of Niagara and be at the forefront of our efforts. Your leadership will ensure that our programs continue to provide safe, welcoming spaces where everyone can thrive, reflecting our deep commitment to inclusivity and being open to all. Your work will directly impact the lives of those in our community, making a significant difference every day.

Role Overview

As the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the YMCA of Niagara, you will be the driving force behind our association’s operational success. This pivotal role goes beyond managing day-to-day operations; it focuses on strategically aligning our resources, people, and programs to maximize impact across Niagara. You will be at the helm of operational transformation, leading with a forward-thinking approach that fosters innovation, strengthens community connections, and ensures we remain a leader in inclusivity and support.

Your leadership will empower our teams to excel in their areas, creating a culture of continuous improvement where every decision is made with the community’s well-being in mind. You will work closely with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team to translate our mission into measurable outcomes, ensuring our operations are as dynamic and resilient as the communities we serve.

In this role, you will:Leadership

• Mentorship & Leadership: Provide mentoring and leadership to teams in Employment Services, Newcomer Services, Childcare, Health and Well-being, and Community programs, fostering a positive work culture that encourages teamwork, innovation, and inclusion.
• Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with the Executive Leadership Team, keeping them informed on operational issues and potential opportunities or threats.
• Active Participation: Attend and actively contribute to leadership meetings, Board of Directors meetings, and strategic planning sessions.
• Staff Training & Development: Oversee the development and implementation of staff training programs to ensure employees are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge, focusing on creating opportunities for everyone to tap into their full abilities.
• Mission Alignment: Ensure that all operational activities and directives align with the YMCA’s mission, values, and operating principles, including our belief in the potential of every individual and our commitment to equity and inclusivity.

Strategic Planning

• Engagement Strategy: Develop and implement strategies to enhance the YMCA of Niagara’s profile, reach, and impact within the community, ensuring that everyone feels like a valued member of their community.
• Operational Growth: Establish and oversee operational growth strategies that ensure the organization’s health and sustainability, including market and demographic research, long-term strategic initiatives, and operational plan implementation.
• Performance Evaluation: Regularly evaluate and report on the organization’s business performance, developing plans to optimize capital and financial resources to generate sustainable results.
• Risk Management: Ensure adequate risk assessment and mitigation to protect the YMCA’s assets and reputation while ensuring compliance with contracts, regulations, and other legal requirements.
• Board Liaison: Provide leadership and reporting to the Board of Directors, serving as a central figure in operational discussions and decision-making.

Operational Management

• Program Oversight: Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services, ensuring they align with the YMCA’s operational and strategic plans and provide essential support to those who need it most.
• Resource Management: Manage and optimize the allocation of resources, including budget management, staffing, and material resources, to maximize impact.
• Facility Management: Ensure that all YMCA facilities across our Centres of Community are maintained to the highest standards, creating safe and conducive environments for members and staff, reflecting our commitment to offering unconditional and respectful support.
• Program Innovation: Lead the continuous improvement of YMCA program models to meet Niagara’s changing needs and dynamics, ensuring everyone has the right to participate.

Essential Qualifications

• Education: University degree in a related field.
• Experience: A minimum of 10 years of business experience in senior leadership roles is required; experience in a not-for-profit organization, charity, or community-oriented organization is preferred.
• Skills: Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with proficiency in data analysis and various software systems.
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and build high-performing teams, committed to operational excellence across all departments.
• Proactivity: Confident self-starter who can take the initiative, assess requirements, develop plans, and leads their implementation.
• Communication: Effective communicator with strong interpersonal skills, able to build internal and external relationships and articulate business cases across diverse demographics.
• Values Commitment: Demonstrated alignment with the YMCA’s mission, vision, values.

Competencies

Problem Solving: Identifies an issue and works towards a solution.

Relationship Building & Collaboration: Cultivates positive internal and external interactions to achieve work-related goals. Able to act as an ambassador and champion for the organization with external stakeholders.

Communication: Communicates thoroughly, clearly, and timely, supporting information sharing and goal achievement across the YMCA.

Conflict Resolution: Facilitates appropriate and timely solutions to conflict.

Integrity: Always demonstrates responsible behaviour and maintains high ethical standards.

Service Orientation: Deliberately identifies and creates opportunities to enhance every individual’s YMCA experience.

Employment Details

Location: Administration Office – St. Catharines, ON

Pay: Starting at $140,000 annually, including Full YMCA Benefits

Employment Type: Full-time – 40 hours/week.
Hours may include evenings and weekends, as well as on-call.

Placement Date: January 2025

How to Apply

If you are passionate about leading operations that make a real difference in the lives of others, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and vision for the role to hr@niagara.ymca.ca by November 15, 2024.

For more information on other opportunities at the YMCA of Niagara, please visit ymcaofniagara.org

Inclusivity Statement

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace at the YMCA of Niagara. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse people, and those with diverse abilities. Please let us know if you require accommodation during the hiring process so we can arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodations.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company events
• Company pension
• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Vision care
• Wellness program

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (required)

Experience:

• Business: 10 years (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2024-11-15
Expected start date: 2025-01-02