Established in 1907, the YMCA of Northern Alberta serves community members from Red Deer to Fort Chipewyan across three key service areas: community programming; health, fitness, and aquatic services; and childcare. We aim to create and support thriving communities across the province, leveraging our broad reach and the support of YMCA’s international network to create places where everyone belongs and can shine.

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

For more information about the YMCA of Northern Alberta, please visit their website.

The Opportunity

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Direct Reports (3): Vice President, Health, Fitness & Aquatics; Vice President, Community; and Vice President, Childcare

Location: Edmonton, AB (Hybrid workstyle with required travel between operational sites)

Mandate
Be the Spark that ignites operational excellence! This key position supports the work of the YMCA of Northern Alberta (YNAB), a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Chief Operating Officer (COO) at YNAB is a senior executive responsible for leading the organization's day-to-day operations, driving execution against strategic priorities, and bringing greater cohesion across Health Fitness and Aquatics, Child Care, and Community Programs. The COO ensures operations are innovative, effective, and aligned with the Association's strategic objectives. The COO will play a critical role in driving operational excellence, fostering organizational growth, and ensuring the Association remains responsive and future-ready in its impact on the community.

Key Accountabilities
Strategic Leadership

Lead strategic initiatives that support growth, innovation, and organizational effectiveness

Partner with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team (ELT) to develop and execute organizational strategy

Monitor industry and sector trends and identify opportunities for operational improvement, enhanced member experience and business expansion





Translate Association goals into actionable operational plans and performance objectives

Operational Management

Oversee daily business operations across all value streams through the leadership team

Develop and implement operational policies, processes, and controls to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Ensure resources are allocated appropriately to achieve organizational priorities

Drive continuous improvement initiatives and operational excellence programs

Financial and Business Performance

Collaborate with finance leadership on budgeting, forecasting, and resource planning

Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics

Ensure organizational performance meets financial, operational, and strategic goals

Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies to safeguard organizational performance

Leadership and People Management

Inspire, coach, and grow senior leaders

Foster a high-performance, accountable, and cooperative organizational culture

Support talent management, succession planning, and leadership development initiatives.

Champion employee engagement, inclusion, and organizational values.

Governance and Risk Management

Ensure operational compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and corporate policies

Establish and maintain effective governance and accountability frameworks

Oversee business continuity planning and risk management processes

Maintain strong internal controls and operational standards

Stakeholder Management

Build and maintain effective relationships with board members, civic partners, members, and other stakeholders

Represent the organization in external meetings, negotiations, and strategic partnerships as required

Support the CEO in communicating organizational performance and strategic priorities

First-Year Deliverables / Measures of Success
Success in the first year will be determined by the candidate’s ability to:

Build trust, credibility and genuine relationships with ELT, SLT, and teams in all four regions covered by YMCA of Northern Alberta (Edmonton, Red Deer, Grande Prairie, and Wood Buffalo)

Support the development of the YNAB’s new strategic plan, in collaboration with other senior leaders

Drive innovation initiatives,



including business development opportunities

Build relationships with YMCA peers across Canada

Improve accountability, alignment, and operational performance across all divisions.

Candidate Profile
The successful candidate will have the following:

Education:

Minimum of a bachelor's degree from a recognized post-secondary institution. While no specific discipline is required, the relevance of the candidate's academic background will be assessed alongside their professional experience and demonstrated leadership.

Experience:

10+ years of progressive senior leadership experience in operations, or related functions, including responsibility for multi-site operations, business planning, and organizational performance

Translating strategic plans into actionable, operationalized initiatives with measurable results

Managing multi-site, geographically dispersed operations, ideally within a nonprofit, charitable, or complex service-delivery organization

Presenting to and partnering with Boards of Directors and executive leadership teams

Overseeing workforce planning and retention strategy, including addressing high-turnover environments and maintaining regulated staffing ratios

Evaluating program or business line viability, including revenue, funding, and strategic go/no-go decisions

Competencies and Attributes:

High calibre of leadership, with the ability to set clear direction and hold senior leaders accountable

Strong coaching and mentoring skills, particularly in developing emerging leaders

Operationally solid, with sound judgment across complex, multi-site environments

Ability to unify teams and break down silos to drive enterprise-wide alignment

Resilient, decisive, and solutions-oriented, particularly under operational or financial pressure

Excellent communication skills and a transparent, collaborative communication style

A proactive and data-driven approach to operational strategy, anticipating emerging trends and challenges

Excellent communication skills and a transparent communication style

A mission-driven and community-centred mindset

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
The YMCA of Northern Alberta is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognizes that a diverse team benefits and is essential to service excellence. In accordance with provincial legislation, accommodation will be provided by Mullen and YMCA of Northern Alberta throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, upon request, to applicants with disabilities. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

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📌 Chief Operating Officer (Alberta)
🏢 YMCA of Northern Alberta
📍 Alberta