Chief Executive Officer

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO)

YWCA Spokane

 

WHO WE ARE –

YWCA Spokane’s mission is to eliminate racism and empower women. Our vision is to promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

 

Our mission is the cornerstone of the organization and the lens through which every decision is made. YWCA Spokane’s CEO is a vigilant and tireless advocate for the mission, with a demonstrated history of advancing equity and justice while serving as a collaborative, communicative, and empowering leader. For more than 120 years, YWCA Spokane has invested in our community, supported survivors, and advocated for the most vulnerable among us. As one of 200 YWCA nationwide, we are proud members of YWCA USA, one of the oldest and largest organizations leading our mission in the nation.

 

YWCA Spokane’s programs include housing and shelter, legal support, mental health therapy, preschool, violence prevention education, teen counsel, therapy for youth exposed to domestic violence, and career and life skills.

 

Please visit ywcaspokane.org/about/our-impact/ to learn more.

 

BENEFITS OF BEING A YWCA SPOKANE TEAM MEMBER –

 

Compensation for this role: Pay Range: $108,666.67—$156,487.00 annually, dependent on experience. Work Status: Full-time, salary, exempt. Schedule: 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year.

 

The YWCA Spokane offers a competitive benefits* package including;

 

• Medical, dental and vision insurance

• 11 Paid Holidays

• Paid Time Off (accessible at time of hire)

• Ongoing training and development

• Flexible Spending & Dependent Care Account Options

• Employer Paid Life Insurance

• Employee Assistance Program

• Employer funded retirement plan & 401K options

• 50% off YMCA Membership

 

*Benefit eligibility dependent upon employment status.

 

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR –

YWCA Spokane is looking to hire a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead our organization with vision, integrity, and a deep commitment to eliminating racism and empowering women. As the key ambassador of our mission, the CEO will provide strategic leadership, foster a culture of equity and inclusion, and drive sustainable growth. This transformative leader will collaborate closely with the board of Directors, staff, and community partners to advance our mission, support survivors, and strengthen services for women, children, and families across Spokane.

 

Key responsibilities include:

 

• Champion the YWCA’s mission through strategic advocacy, education, and community engagement, demonstrating unwavering commitment and passion for eliminating racism and empowering women.

• Provide strategic leadership to drive organizational growth and financial sustainability through effective long- and short-term planning.

• Cultivate an inclusive, mission-aligned workplace culture with strong communication and change management strategies.

• Build intentional, collaborative relationships with historically marginalized communities, partner organizations, donors, stakeholders and employees, serving as a resource and collaborative partner with a focus on local, state, federal and non-profit organizations.

 

In partnership with the Board, the CEO develops and implements strategic plans that align resources, programs, and partnerships to meet the needs of women, children, and diverse communities in Spokane. The CEO also oversees operations, financial management, and fundraising, while serving as a visible and trusted public advocate for the YWCA’s mission locally and beyond.

 

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING –

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of the position include but are not limited to the following:

 

Board Engagement and Strategic Leadership

 

• Leading strategic planning processes in alignment with YWCA’s mission and values. Recommending short- and long-term objectives and key metrics for Board approval to optimize YWCA’s continuing ability to address the evolving needs of women, children, and diverse communities.

• Proposing sustainable financial strategies to the Board, including contingency plans and diverse funding sources, to best serve the mission.

• Developing and recommending policies, programs, and initiatives for Board approval that optimize the agency’s operations. Implementing decisions with transparency and accountability.

• Recommending to the Board and implementing comprehensive compensation and benefits philosophies and HR policies. Developing and leading implementation of professional and leadership development and succession planning strategies and practices to attract, retain, and develop talent and foster a respectful, inclusive and equitable workplace culture.

• Collaborating with the Board Chair and Executive Committee to plan and facilitate impactful meetings that encourage active participation, engagement and alignment with strategic goals.

• Supporting Board recruitment, orientation, and development to ensure members are informed, engaged and aligned with YWCA’s mission and positioned to provide board leadership for the organization.

• As an ex-officio member, partnering with assigned board members to facilitate effective Board governance and committee work. Designating appropriate staff support to assure collaboration and alignment.

• Maintaining consistent, transparent communication with the Board, providing timely updates on organizational progress, finances, and relevant local, regional, and national issues to ensure the Board has timely and relevant information to make decisions.

• Overseeing the development and updates of annual budgets and operational plans for Board review and approval, ensuring fiscal integrity and mission alignment. Maintaining transparency in financial matters, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.

• Ensuring compliance with YWCA USA affiliation requirements and keep leadership informed of national obligations and updates.

 

Organizational Leadership

 

• Serving as the primary ambassador for the YWCA’s mission, fostering a culture of respect, equity, and empowerment both internally and externally.

• Advocating for the YWCA’s mission and strategic priorities, leveraging partnerships and demonstrating policy leadership to advance the YWCA’s strategies and programs.

• Guiding the execution of the strategic plan through clear communication, effective delegation, decision-making, and alignment of staff and resources.

• Overseeing and managing the organization’s financial performance to align with the strategic plan and budget to ensure financial targets are met. Implementing controls to safeguard assets and ensure fiscal accountability at all levels.

• Collaborating with the Means Committee to develop long-range financial forecasting and plans for sustainable growth.

• Overseeing facilities and infrastructure, ensuring physical resources are effectively used and maintained to support strategic goals.

• Championing a culture of philanthropy, building strong donor relationships, supporting fundraising initiatives, and leading major giving campaigns.

 

Strategic Management

 

• Building and maintaining a workplace culture that embodies the YWCA’s mission, and supports collaboration, efficiency, and empowerment to provide optimal client service and care for each other.

• Building and leading a high-performing executive and leadership team, providing clear expectations, strategic guidance, leadership development, and support to all leaders.

• Mentoring and supporting staff development, enabling cross-functional collaboration and effective communication.

• Providing oversight of operational planning, program execution, grant compliance, and administrative functions.

• Leading change management efforts with clarity, transparency, and purpose.

• Guiding staff through periods of crisis or transition, seek stability and continued service delivery.

 

Community Relations

 

• Serving as a visible, substantive, leadership presence in Spokane, championing anti-racism, gender equity, and empowerment initiatives that reinforce the YWCA’s mission.

• Representing YWCA as a trusted, articulate voice within the human services sector and the broader community.

• Advocating for public policies that support YWCA’s mission at all levels of government.

• Building authentic, trust-based relationships with historically marginalized communities and serve as a resource and advocate.

• Strengthening partnerships with local nonprofits and community-based organizations to advance shared objectives.

• Engaging with national YWCA leadership and chapters to foster collaboration and enhance collective impact.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT –

This role operates in a professional office environment and requires occasional physical activity. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.

 

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE POSITION –

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

Education/Experience:

 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Behavioral Sciences, Business Administration, Finance, Communications, or a related field. OR Minimum of 8 years of demonstrated success in executive leadership and organizational management, preferably in a non-profit setting.

• Proven experience in senior leadership roles, demonstrating robust abilities in supervising staff, building effective teams, and collaborating with community partners and volunteers.

• Experience in a non-profit environment is desirable, particularly with in-depth knowledge of YWCA’s mission, philosophies, and community programs. Expertise in financial management, including skills to develop, implement, and oversee budgets with attention to accuracy, accountability, and strategic planning. Experience in managing budgets with significant grant funding is preferred.

• Successful history of leading or supporting major fundraising efforts, including cultivating and maintaining relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporations, and securing grants.

• Comprehensive leadership experience in program management, fiscal oversight, grant and contract administration, public relations, human resources, and community leadership.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with staff at all levels, Board members, children, families, and diverse community members.

• Strong motivational skills and staff leadership abilities, characterized by trustworthiness, integrity, a strong work ethic, and commitment to YWCA’s mission and respect for employees and those YWCA serves.

• Knowledge of and proficient in Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite and other software tools necessary for preparing reports, correspondence, and presentations.

• Demonstrated commitment to supporting women, children, and family services through professional or volunteer experience in human services or related fields.

• Deep alignment with YWCA Spokane’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women, with a history of actions or initiatives supporting these goals.

 

Additional Requirements:

 

• A valid driver’s license and active vehicle insurance is required.

• Reliable transportation is essential for fulfilling responsibilities of this role.

• Must meet requirements of YWCA Spokane Driver policy for transportation between the agency and varying locations.

 

Core Competencies:

 

• Cultural Humility - Demonstrates a commitment to self-reflection, ongoing learning and respectful engagement with diverse cultural perspectives, emphasizing an awareness of the impact of power dynamics and a willingness to learn from and address them.

• Commitment to Equity and Inclusion - Strives to create fair and just conditions for all, while recognizing systemic inequities. Fosters a sense of belonging that promotes diversity, works to address barriers, and ensures that everyone has access to the same opportunities and resources regardless of their background or identity.

• Trauma-Informed Practice - Create environments and approaches that acknowledge the prevalence and impact of trauma, prioritize safety, and foster healing and resilience. Understand, recognize, and respond to the effects of trauma while actively working to avoid re-traumatization.

• Fostering an Empowering Environment - Encourage an atmosphere where individuals feel valued, supported, capable, and resourceful.

• Professional Conduct -Consistently act in a manner that is honest, fair, and respectful while taking responsibility for one’s actions and decisions. Maintain integrity and build trust while adhering to the agency's code of ethics and professional guidelines.

• Adaptability and Resilience - Demonstrate openness and flexibility to work with changing circumstances and unexpected challenges. Adapt to the situation at hand by contributing solutionoriented ideas while advocating for the support needed to reset and achieve set goals.

• Effective Communication - Communicate clearly, accurately, and in ways that are understood by the intended audience. Actively listen and respond in a constructive, open-minded, and empathetic manner that ensures mutual understanding and respect.

• Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking - Help identify potential solutions to challenges proactively. Contribute ideas, perspectives, and strategies that contribute toward informed decisions that align with the agency’s mission and values while helping to achieve set goals.

• Human-Centered Approach - Prioritize providing compassionate, respectful service that aims to create solutions that are not only functional and effective but also meaningful and engaging for clients, staff, and our community.

• Effective Interpersonal Skills - Be supportive, kind, empathetic, and patient with colleagues, administrators, clients, and community partners. Contribute toward a climate of mutual respect and appreciation.

• Independent Work Efficiency - Able to work independently in an efficient and productive manner.

• Reliability and Continuous Improvement - Demonstrates reliability and a commitment to continuous improvement.

• Demonstrates Understanding and Acceptance of Mission, Values, Goals, and Objectives - Clearly understands and actively supports the mission, values, goals, and objectives of YWCA and its programs.

 

YWCA Spokane values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBT individuals, and people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, veterans, and survivors of domestic violence to apply.

 

JOIN US – If you are a visionary leader with a passion for social justice and a commitment to empowering women and eliminating racism, we invite you to apply for the CEO position at YWCA Spokane. Together, we can make a difference.

 

HOW TO APPLY –

 

Please apply by submitting your RESUME and COVER LETTER to committeechair@ywcaspokane.org. Applications will be accepted until June 27, 2025. We can’t wait to learn more about you!

 

YWCA Spokane is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.