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Lead People. Shape Culture. Advance Mission
 

Location: Newport News, VirginiaReports To: President & CEO

The YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to serve as our next Senior Vice President / Chief People and Culture Officer (CPCO).

This is more than a human resources leadership role. It is an opportunity to help shape the future of a mission-driven organization that impacts thousands of children, families, and communities across our region every day.

Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the CPCO serves as the Association's senior people and culture executive and strategic advisor to the CEO, Senior Leadership Team, and Board of Directors. The CPCO is responsible for aligning people strategy, organizational culture, talent development, and succession planning with the YMCA's strategic priorities and long-term objectives.

If you are passionate about developing people, building strong teams, creating healthy workplace cultures, and helping leaders thrive, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact through one of the region's leading nonprofit organizations.

Why This Role Matters

At the YMCA, we believe our people are our greatest asset. The CPCO plays a critical role in ensuring we attract, develop, engage, and retain exceptional staff while fostering a culture that reflects our values and mission.

The CPCO will help lead a dynamic, multi-location YMCA association serving communities throughout the Virginia Peninsula.

This leader will help create an environment where:

  • Staff feel valued, supported, and connected to the mission.
  • Leaders are equipped to grow and succeed.
  • Strong culture and strong performance go hand in hand.
  • The YMCA is positioned for long-term sustainability and community impact.
Position Highlights

The CPCO will:

  • Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO, Senior Leadership Team, and Board of Directors on people, culture, workforce strategy, leadership effectiveness, succession planning, and organizational development.
  • Lead enterprise-wide people and culture strategy aligned with the YMCA's mission, values, strategic priorities, and long-term objectives.
  • Champion the YMCA's People First culture and foster servant leadership, accountability, collaboration, inclusion, and engagement across the Association.
  • Lead talent acquisition, workforce planning, executive recruitment, retention, and succession planning efforts.
  • Oversee leadership development strategies that prepare current and emerging leaders for future organizational needs.
  • Provide executive leadership and oversight for Human Resources and Leadership Development.
  • Partner with the Board on personnel policy, executive compensation compliance, governance, and workforce-related matters.
Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated salary range for this position is $120,000 - $140,000 annually, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and demonstrated leadership success.

In addition to a competitive salary, the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, financial security, and professional growth of our team members, including:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • YMCA-funded retirement contribution of 12% for eligible employees
  • Additional retirement savings opportunities
  • Generous paid time off and holidays
  • YMCA membership benefits
  • Professional development and leadership development opportunities
  • Employee assistance and wellness resources
  • The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on thousands of children, families, and communities throughout the Virginia Peninsula region

We believe investing in our people is one of the most important investments we can make. Our goal is to create an environment where talented professionals can build rewarding careers while advancing a mission that matters.

Ideal Candidate

We are seeking a collaborative and strategic leader who:

  • Has significant senior executive HR and people leadership experience.
  • Understands how culture drives organizational success.
  • Excels at coaching, developing, and empowering leaders.
  • Builds trust and strong relationships across all levels of an organization.
  • Thinks strategically while remaining grounded in service to people.
  • Is energized by the opportunity to strengthen communities through strong teams and effective leadership.

Preferred qualifications include:

  • Bachelor’s degree in business, Human Resources, or a related field.
  • Professional HR certification (PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP).
  • Experience partnering effectively with CEOs, executive leadership teams, and boards of directors.
About the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas

For generations, the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas has served as a place where young people grow, families connect, health is strengthened, and communities come together.

Every day, our staff and volunteers help fulfill our mission of strengthening the foundations of community through Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. The CPCO will help ensure we continue building a culture where our people can do their best work and make their greatest impact.

Search Timeline
MilestoneDate
Applications Accepted ThroughNovember 20, 2026
Initial Candidate ScreensNovember 30 - December 4, 2026
First Round InterviewsDecember 7 - December 18, 2026
Final InterviewsJanuary 4 - January 8, 2027
Offer Extended to Final CandidateJanuary 15, 2027
Anticipated Start DateMarch 1, 2027
Join Us

If you believe great organizations begin with great people, if building strong cultures excites you, and if helping leaders and teams reach their full potential is work that energizes you, we encourage you to apply.

This is an opportunity to shape the future of a mission-driven organization while helping create an environment where staff thrive, leaders grow, and communities are strengthened every day.

Applications must be received by November 20, 2026.

Send your resume, cover letter, and four professional references to
ChiefPeopleOfficerApp@ymcavp.org.

 

Help us build a stronger YMCA, develop exceptional leaders, and strengthen communities across the Virginia Peninsulas.

Strategic Plan         Personnel Policy         Job Description

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • Four (4) Professional References

Email all application materials to: ChiefPeopleOfficerApp@ymcavp.org

Subject Line: Chief People and Culture Officer Application