Senior Director of Engagement

POSITION DETAILS
Job Title: Senior Director of Engagement
Status: Full Time Exempt 
Department: Administration
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Senior Director of Engagement plays a vital role in advancing the YMCA’s mission of strengthening community by connecting people to their potential, purpose, and one another. This position is responsible for leading organizational engagement strategies across staff, volunteers, members, guests, community partners, and corporate organizations, ensuring a welcoming, supportive, and mission-driven experience for those served by the YMCA.

Through relationship-building, collaboration, and service, the Senior Director of Engagement supports engagement, connection, and belonging across departments and community partnerships. Guided by the YMCA’s core values Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility, this role helps create a culture that is Welcoming, Genuine, Hopeful, Nurturing, and Determined for all who engage with the YMCA.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement an organization-wide engagement strategy aligned with the YMCA’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Strengthen staff engagement by partnering with Directors to support communication, culture, and leadership alignment.
• Lead volunteer engagement efforts, including recruitment strategy, onboarding alignment, recognition, and stewardship.
• Build and steward relationships with community leaders, corporate partners, civic organizations, and collaborative networks.
• Partner with the Chief Executive Officer to support fundraising and development initiatives, including donor cultivation, corporate sponsorship engagement, and relationship stewardship.
• Provide strategic leadership for YMCA events to ensure they are mission-driven, relationship centered, and aligned with engagement and fundraising goals.
• Strengthen the member and guest experience by collaborating with department leaders to ensure consistency in welcoming practices and service standards.
• Represent the YMCA in community settings and partnership initiatives to enhance visibility and impact.
• Establish engagement metrics and evaluate outcomes across staff, volunteer, member, and community engagement efforts.
• Collaborate with leadership to align communication strategies and engagement efforts across departments.
• Support board and advisory committee engagement initiatives as assigned.
• Model YMCA core values and consistently demonstrate the Y-Voice: Welcoming, Hopeful, Determined, Genuine, and Nurturing.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the YMCA’s mission and goals.

YMCA COMPETENCY AREAS:

• Communication & Influence: Builds trust and alignment across staff, volunteers, members, and 
  community partners through clear and effective communication.
• Engaging Community: Creates meaningful opportunities for connection and belonging across internal 
  teams and external stakeholders.
• Emotional Maturity: Demonstrates professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment when navigating 
  complex or high-impact situations.
• Critical Thinking & Decision Making: Uses data, feedback, and strategic insight to guide engagement 
  efforts and organizational alignment.
• Developing Self & Others: Supports the growth of leaders and volunteers through coaching, 
  collaboration, and mentorship.
• Program/Project Management: Plans, implements, and evaluates engagement initiatives and events 
  to achieve YMCA goals.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit leadership, organizational development, communications, business, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in engagement, nonprofit management, fundraising support, community relations, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience working across departments and leading through influence rather than direct authority.
• Strong relationship-building, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Experience collaborating with community organizations, corporate partners, and volunteers.
• Ability to manage multiple initiatives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Understands that the YMCA is a public accommodation committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

REQUIRED TRAINING AND CERTIFICATIONS:
(or willingness to complete within designated timeframe upon hire)

• YMCA-approved Bloodborne Pathogens Training
• Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting Certification
• Emergency Procedures Training
• CPR and First Aid Certification

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, relationship-centered leadership environment.
• Frequent interaction with staff, volunteers, members, donors, and community partners.
• Regular use of computer, phone, and digital communication platforms.
• Ability to attend meetings, events, and community engagements, including occasional evenings or weekends.
• Ability to move throughout YMCA facilities and community locations as needed.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

IMPACT STATEMENT:
This role directly contributes to the Norm Waitt Sr. YMCA’s mission by creating a welcoming and supportive front-line experience for members and guests. Through excellent service, meaningful connections, and accurate processing, the Member Services Associate strengthens both our Siouxland community and the broader impact of the YMCA across the country