Description
EXECUTIVE VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
BOOTHBAY REGION YMCA
Position: Chief Executive Officer
Address: 261 Townsend Avenue
Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
The Boothbay Region YMCA is an equal opportunity employer. We work to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity.
The Opportunity
The Chief Executive Officer position at the Boothbay Region YMCA presents a compelling leadership opportunity for a visionary and mission-driven executive. This YMCA seeks a dynamic, community-oriented chief executive to lead an organization that has served as the heart of the Boothbay Region community for seventy years. As a vital community resource, the Boothbay Region YMCA has had a significant impact in a small, vibrant coastal region that has generously supported the YMCA since its inception. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact in the Boothbay Region by fostering partnerships, driving innovation, and leading a team committed to strengthening the community through inclusive and transformative programming.
The Boothbay Region YMCA’s Distinctive Strengths
Exceptional Leadership Stability
Since its founding in 1955, the Boothbay Region YMCA has benefited from sustained, visionary leadership. Remarkably, only two CEOs have guided the organization over the past 43 years, providing continuity, institutional knowledge, and long-term organizational health.
Strong and Strategic Financial Position
Backed by a $7.4 million endowment and a recently completed $16 million capital campaign, the Y has invested deeply in facilities, infrastructure, and program excellence. This financial strength positions the organization for continued growth and innovation.
Deep Commitment to Youth Development
The Boothbay Region YMCA offers a comprehensive continuum of youth services—including licensed childcare, early childhood education at Harbor Montessori School, afterschool programs, and robust summer programming at the scenic 65-acre Camp Knickerbocker campus, ensuring that children and families have access to high-quality, year-round support.
A Central and Welcoming Community Anchor
The Boothbay Region YMCA serves as a true gathering place for all who call the region home: year-round residents, seasonal residents, vacationers, and retirees. Its inclusive, year-round programs and services make it a unique and essential pillar of community life.
Our Mission
To strengthen individuals, families, and the community, guided by Christian principles including the universal values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility, through programs that will build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
Our Impact Statement
The Boothbay Region YMCA is a catalyst for transformative good in our community by connecting people to their potential and purpose.
Our Cause
To strengthen the foundations of our community.
Position Description
- Oversee all YMCA staff, operations, and programs in ways that maximize staff expertise and create a positive, supportive workplace culture that promotes professional growth and high performance. Bring together the insight and energy of Trustees, staff, and stakeholders to anticipate and address community needs.
- Empower and guide direct reports to implement initiatives, assignments, and programs that align with the approved strategic plan and annual budget. Partner with Trustees and staff to shape and implement the YMCA’s strategic plan and ensure measurable progress toward all organizational goals and objectives.
- Lead the organization’s philanthropic strategy by expanding community partnerships, mobilizing volunteers, and cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors, lead donors, and community stakeholders.
- Provide strong leadership to the Board of Trustees as its Chief Executive Officer by implementing board policies, plans, and directives, and by delivering timely, transparent reports on all matters affecting the YMCA’s welfare. Work in close partnership with Trustees so they fully understand and embrace their roles and responsibilities.
- Maintain strong communication and collaboration with area schools, nonprofits, businesses, and local, state, and federal government agencies. Clearly interpret and represent the YMCA’s mission, vision, values, and goals to the broader community.
- Build and sustain productive relationships across the community and within the state, regional, national, and international YMCA networks. Ensure the business office and camping services partnership with the Central Lincoln County YMCA remains strong.
- Provide leadership in securing essential resources for operations, capital improvements, community initiatives, and long-term financial strength. Direct the long-range development of all YMCA resources.
- Ensure responsible fiscal management, accurate reporting, and effective financial controls by overseeing operations within the board-approved annual budget that balances member and community services with long-term organizational sustainability.
Key Performance Objectives
Build and Lead Staff
Ensure a comprehensive talent development system is in place and implemented with cultural competence. Recruit, hire, motivate, develop, and retain high-performing staff while holding teams accountable for results. Foster a workplace defined by camaraderie, connection, shared mission, and a commitment to professional growth. Build a learning organization that equips staff to reach their highest potential. Key Competencies: Developing Self and Others, Inclusion, Emotional Maturity, Change Leadership
Position the Y as a Vital Partner for Community Change
Serve as a highly visible ambassador for the YMCA’s mission, purpose, and vision. Build and strengthen relationships with diverse stakeholders while upholding the highest standards and values of the organization. Ensure that the YMCA is recognized as a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening community by helping people realize their potential, purpose, and connections to one another. Key Competencies: Communication and Influence, Engaging Community, Collaboration
Develop and Implement a Strategic Plan
Collaborate closely with volunteers, community leaders, and staff to design and implement a strategic plan that responds to community needs. Ensure the plan includes clear organizational strategies, implementation timelines, deliverables, and measurable goals. Key Competencies: Change Leadership, Communication and Influence, Critical Thinking and Decision Making, Program and Project Management
Fiscal Management
Apply advanced financial analysis to forecast trends and ensure long-term stability. Consistently lead the organization toward balanced or surplus operations by growing earned revenue and contributions while managing costs. Equip and support staff leaders to achieve strong financial outcomes in their departments. Create and implement effective stewardship strategies. Key Competencies: Fiscal Management, Critical Thinking and Decision Making, Developing Self and Others, Philanthropy
Improve Operating Performance
Engage the board and key staff to develop an annual tactical plan that drives safe, relevant, and sustainable operations. Anticipate and address challenges quickly and manage day-to-day activities with a focus on continuous improvement and long-term impact. Key Competencies: Developing Self and Others, Critical Thinking and Decision Making, Innovation
Boothbay Region YMCA Facts
The Boothbay Region YMCA operates two campuses in the towns of Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor, serving as a vital community hub for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The organization stewards a substantial portfolio of facilities, programs, and natural assets that support year-round recreation, childcare, education, wellness, and community engagement.
Main Campus – Boothbay Harbor
Situated on 12 acres along Townsend Avenue (Route 27), the Boothbay Harbor campus includes four primary buildings totaling more than 65,000 square feet of indoor space. Continuous investment through regular capital campaigns and strategic renovations has transformed the campus into a modern, accessible, and high-performing community resource. The most recent project was completed in Fall 2025.
Main Facility
A fully modernized, multi-use center that includes:
A full-sized gymnasium
Three multi-purpose community rooms
A teaching kitchen
A renovated lobby and three welcoming lounge spaces
An open-concept wellness floor with new equipment and two locker rooms
Three versatile wellness studios
Two racquetball/squash courts
High-efficiency boiler plant (2017)
Modern HVAC systems with centralized building automation
Boothbay Region TV & Media Center
Bosarge Family Aquatic Center (2011), featuring: Three dedicated locker rooms
A 25-yard, six-lane competition pool (home of the Dolphin Swim Team)
A warm-water therapy pool and sauna
Neptune Benson Defender filtration with UV disinfection
Marylouise Tandy Cowan Field House
Connected to the Main Facility and renovated in 2023, the Field House offers:
An elevated 1/8-mile indoor track
Two full-sized indoor tennis courts (convertible to eight pickleball courts)
The largest PPA solar array in the State of Maine (installed 2021), saving thousands annually in electricity costs
Harbor Montessori School
Constructed in 1999 and renovated in 2025, this licensed childcare center includes:
Six dedicated classrooms serving children from six weeks to six years
Direct integration with Main Campus childcare operations
Annex
A facility dedicated to the Boothbay Region YMCA’s nationally recognized Y Arts Program, originally built in 1980 and renovated after being acquired in 1995.
Emergency Preparedness
The Boothbay Region YMCA is actively working toward designation as the region’s emergency shelter.
Camp Knickerbocker – Boothbay
Located three miles from the Main Campus, Camp Knickerbocker spans more than 65 acres along Little Knickerbocker Lake. The scenic property includes wooded conservation areas, waterfront access, and a mix of historic and modern structures that support year-round youth programming.
The Boothbay Region YMCA also owns Jackson Island, a 12-acre natural island between Little and Big Knickerbocker Lakes.
Programming
Camp Knickerbocker supports multiple formats for elementary-aged children:
Fit Kids Afterschool Program (41 weeks/year)
School holiday programs (20 days/year)
Summer camp (10 weeks)
Key Facilities
Waterfront Pavilion (2017) – A major capital project that launched the current Greater Impact Campaign
Jackson House (c. 1800) – Historic lodging and rental facility with capacity for 16+
The Baldwin Center (2002) – High- and low-ropes course with lake access
Calhoun Cottage – Year-round staff residence for up to 12 seasonal employees
McEvoy Lodge – The camp’s largest building; slated for a major renovation in Fall 2026 to enhance efficiency, safety, accessibility, and program capacity
Environmental Stewardship
The Boothbay Region YMCA is one of the largest landholders on Knickerbocker Lake. Much of the property lies within the Watershed Overlay District, requiring careful stewardship to protect the community’s drinking water sources (Knickerbocker Lake and Adams Pond). The Boothbay Region YMCA is collaborating with the Boothbay Region Water District to develop new trails and improve emergency access across the property.
Programs & Services Programs
The Boothbay Region YMCA offers extensive selection of programs here. Some of the local highlights include the following:
Camp Knickerbocker - https://boothbayregionymca.org/camp-knickerbocker/index.html
Y Arts – performing arts, visual arts, music theater, & dance
Aquatics – swim lessons, water aerobics, Dolphin Swim Team, lifeguard classes, and Second Grade Swim – water safety
Youth and Adult Sports
Healthy Living Classes
Racquet and Paddle Sports – pickleball, tennis, racquetball, and squash
Summer Camps
Harbor Montessori School - https://boothbayregionymca.org/child-enrichment.html
Membership
Total Number of Members – 3355
Total Number of Membership Units – 1684
% Youth – 2%
% Adults – 35%
% Household – 19%
Senior – 44%
Corporate Membership – 8 Corporate Memberships
Annual Fund Campaign
2025 Goal: $360,000
2024 Total: $364,686
Camp Knickerbocker Fund Campaign
2025 Goal: $72,000
2024 Total: $68,162
Capital Campaign
A Greater Impact Campaign, concluded in 2024. Goal of $14 million; raised $16.1 million
Constructed the Camp Knickerbocker Bathhouse, renovations to the main campus facility, the Marylouise Tandy Fieldhouse, the Harbor Montessori School, the McEvoy Lodge at Camp Knickerbocker (to be completed 2026), and the Jackson House property along with additions to the Endowment.
Staff
Current Staff
FT - 25
PT – 48 (110 in the summer)
CEO Direct Reports
COO (Chief Operating Officer)
CFO (Chief Financial Officer)
Director of Facilities
Director of Development
Board of Trustees
Number of Trustees - 21
Committees & Task Forces – 6
Financial Snapshot
Current Annual Budget: $4.5m
Current Debt: $330K
Current Endowment: $7.4M
Current budget projection: balanced for fiscal year 2026
Additional Important Information
Area Amenities and Community Benefits
The Boothbay Region offers a rich blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and community-focused amenities that make it a vibrant and welcoming place to live, work, and visit. Nestled along the midcoast, Boothbay is known for its majestic lighthouses, rocky coastlines, and land preserves that feature scenic hiking trails and gardens. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy boating, kayaking, fishing, and sailing, while nature lovers can explore spots like Ocean Point, Grimes Cove Beach, Hendrick’s Head Beach, and Oven’s Mouth Preserve.
The region is ideal for families and boasts a strong cultural and artistic presence, with local galleries, antique shops, and craft fairs, as well as Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Opera House at Boothbay Harbor, Department of Marine Resources, and seasonal festivals and events that celebrate its maritime heritage.
The Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library offers free events such as author talks and art exhibitions. For those seeking affordable recreation, the Boothbay Region Land Trust provides miles of free hiking trails through forests and along dramatic coastlines, while Barrett Park offers tide pooling and beachcombing opportunities.
Salary Range
$140,000-$175,000 annually, with the potential for housing on the Camp Knickerbocker campus.
Benefits
The Boothbay Region YMCA provides a series of benefits to its CEO and employees, including retirement, PTO, health insurance, life insurance, short/long-term disability. The extent of these benefits can be found with the Employee Handbook.
Residency Expectation
The CEO is expected to be highly engaged and visible in our community. Living in the YMCA’s service area is required. The organization owns a home, The Jackson House, which may be negotiated as a part of the benefit package for the new CEO.
Other sites for information
www.ymca.org
https://boothbayregionymca.org/
https://www.boothbayharbor.com/
https://visitmaine.com/places-to-go/maines-midcoast-islands/boothbay-boothbay-harbor-southport/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boothbay_Harbor,_Maine
Criteria for Candidates
- Accredited 4-year college degree or equivalent experience.
- Demonstrated experience in a senior management role with a YMCA or related experience at a comparable organization with direct supervision of multiple levels of staff and employees.
- Must be able to develop and strengthen community relationships.
- Have the ability to develop innovative programs, review, and enhance programs being offered or considered for both economic and effectiveness in broadening our engagement in the communities in which we serve.
- Strategic planning and Fundraising experience, including annual and capital campaigns and the securing of grants.
- Experience in financial management and budget development with a proven record of accomplishment in progressive budgetary leadership and advanced fiscal management practices.
- Must demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills and personal values consistent with the YMCA mission.
Target Dates for the Search Process
Resumes accepted through: January 16, 2026
Preliminary interviews scheduled: March 5-6th, 2026
Final interviews: April 8-9th, 2026
New CEO on board (anticipated): June/July 2026
To Apply:
Candidates will apply via the following website: https://tinyurl.com/Boothbay-Region-YMCA-CEO
Application, References, Background Check, and Organizational Leader Certification
Candidates must submit the following in their online application, uploading a PDF of their cover letter and resume. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
Candidates who advance to final interviews will need to submit six references (four professional and two personal). References checked only with prior notification. The successful candidate accepting the offer must pass a background check and must have a current Y-USA’s Organizational Leader Certification or obtain certification within the first three years from start date as the CEO.
Questions regarding this position should be directed to:
David Martorano
YMCA of the USA
David.martorano@ymca.net
(312) 419-2839
Rebecca Stanfield
YMCA Alliance of Northern New England
rebecca@nneymcas.org
(603) 678-0694
