VP of Innovation and Program Excellence

WHY THE VIRGINIA ALLIANCE

The Virginia Alliance of YMCAs brings together 26 independent Ys across more than 100 Virginia communities to amplify impact and build stronger, healthier communities. 

As a member-focused statewide partner, we provide leadership on strategic initiatives, advocacy, and collaborative growth—enabling local Ys to do what they do best while leveraging the Alliance’s capacity for broader influence and sustainability.

By joining the Alliance team, you become part of a movement committed to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility across the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

OUR BENEFITS

Joining the Alliance means more than a job. It’s a mission-driven career supported by a benefits package designed to help you thrive personally, professionally, and as part of our statewide Y community. Benefits include: 

• Medical, Vision, Dental with HSA and FSA options
• 12% Retirement contribution
• Free Family Y membership and program discounts
• Generous paid time off
• Pet Insurance, Legal Resources, and more

POSITION SUMMARY

The Vice President of Innovation and Program Excellence leads the implementation, expansion and benchmarking of statewide program initiatives, ensuring alignment with Alliance priorities and supporting YMCAs in delivering high-quality, mission driven programs across Virginia.

Please Note Residency Expectation: Live in the Commonwealth of Virginia and have the ability to travel to locations throughout for meetings or support member YMCAs. 

KEY DELIVERABLES

• Lead Statewide Program Initiatives and Innovation
• Manage all statewide initiatives and program priorities for the Alliance
• Professionally represent the Alliance at all appropriate state-level meetings 
• Represent the Alliance in partnerships and collaborations with like-minded organizations to advance statewide initiatives and programs
• Manage initiative grants and programs, including budgets and reporting 
• Create funding proposals for state agencies and private foundations 
• Build and enhance collaborations with external partners and affinity groups 
• Explore new opportunities and collaborations to advance innovation across Ys
• Coordinate statewide initiatives for third-party reimbursement through external partnerships and payers to sustain program delivery

Key competencies: Program/Project Management; Community Engagement; Strategic Collaboration; Innovation

Support Local YMCAs in Program Excellence

• Serve as a technical advisor and resource for YMCA program implementation and emerging opportunities
• Work directly with local YMCAs to advance statewide initiatives and ensure timely, accurate, and high-quality implementation of assigned grants and programs.
• Provide support and guidance that strengthens program quality, compliance, and reporting across Ys.

Key competencies: Developing Others; Communication & Influence; Critical Thinking

Advance Alliance Strategic Efforts

• Advocate for and educate state and federal lawmakers on the benefits of YMCA initiatives.
• Integrate and support the work of theAlliance through coordinated statewide strategic efforts. 
• Work with YMCA of the USA staff to enhance initiatives progress and identify opportunities for alignment
• Identify and participate in partnerships that advance the State Alliance’s priority issues and impact goals
• Manage all initiative grants and oversee implementation efforts in an accurate, timely and efficient manner. 

Key competencies: Advocacy; Change Leadership; Relationship Building

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
• Preference for YMCA program implementation and management
• Experience and proficiencies in education, child care, health care or related field(s)
• Proven ability to lead through change and adapt to new situations, obstacles, and opportunities
• Strong interpersonal, verbal/written communication, and presentation skills
• Ability to adapt communication to diverse audiences
• Skill in implementing strategies that inspire and build commitment to to shared goals
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Ability to gain consensus among stakeholders in challenging environments and situations
• Strong relationship-building skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and tasks with strong technical and project-management skills
• Ability to perform under pressure and meet deadlines
• Group facilitation experience that promotes teamwork and cooperation amongYMCAs
• Ability to travel extensively throughoutVirginia and to national meetings
• Commitment to the YMCA’s character values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility

BACKGROUND CHECKS:

An offer of employment is contingent upon receipt of satisfactory results to meet minimum requirements of the position. They may include criminal background and reference checks, E-Verify, drug test, driver’s license record, and/or a Child Protective Services Check (CPS). Additional driver’s license check, CPS, criminal background check, alcohol, and/or drug testing may be required to be processed in the future in order to meet and/or maintain the requirements of this position.