Executive Director – Women’s Empowerment
As we like to say, “We’re not new to it, but we are true to it.”
Founded in 1929, the YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester has been at the forefront of change for women and people of color.
We are dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
Our work focuses on three signature areas:
Empowerment & Economic Advancement: We work to address the unique needs of those living in poverty and strive for outcomes that increase emotional and economic self-sufficiency. We provide women with economic empowerment programs annually with our GEMS, Women’s Residence, Childcare Programs, and more. YWCA also has an ongoing commitment – truly, a mandate of our mission – to provide leadership development opportunities to women and girls.
Health & Wellness: We provide over 7,500 women and families with health and wellness programs annually with our Aquatics Programs, Gymnastics Programs, Courthouse and Supervised Visitation Programs, Services for People with Developmental Disabilities, Health Resources and more.
Racial Justice: YWCA’s approach to racial justice goes beyond changing hearts and minds. We strive to transform communities, systems, and public policy.
For more than 90 years, our YWCA has been making a difference in the lives of women, children and families in White Plains and Westchester.
Our mission is real, genuine, and authentically pursued by the entire staff. We are positioned for IMPACT!
If this sounds interesting to you…keep reading!
Under the supervision of the Chief Operating Officer, the Executive Director will serve as a critical member of the Senior Leadership Team. They will articulate and implement the YWCA's strategic vision and leadership by overseeing a significant portfolio of programs and related grant-funded services, evaluating the effectiveness of programs to provide ongoing feedback, and helping promote and diversify revenue sources. Additionally, this role will raise the organization’s external profile through effective communications and fostering partnerships.
This is a highly visible role within the community that will drive the YWCA mission externally. The EDWE will provide stewardship to a mission-critical suite of the following programs: Women’s Residence, Economic Empowerment, and Court Programs.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership, Staff management, & Organizational Strategy
- Foster a positive and results-oriented environment within the Women’s Empowerment portfolio.
- Cultivate a collaborative team environment across the entire suite of Empowerment services and programs. Create, implement, and lead an annual goal setting process that aligns with the YWCA’s Strategic Priorities.
- Determine staffing and staff development needs that address current and future departmental needs.
- Work closely with the SLT and Board of Directors to develop long-range strategic goals focusing on the growth and impact of the Women’s Empowerment portfolio.
Program Oversight, Coordination, and Evaluation
- Lead the implementation of research-backed and industry-standard best practices across all YWCA Women’s Empowerment programs.
- Utilize data effectively to inform program improvements, resource allocation, and the development of new initiatives.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring programs prioritize women's empowerment, economic security, and successful program completion for all participants.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive program evaluation system that aligns with industry standards and proven methodologies.
Community Engagement & Management
- Represent the YWCA as a strategic leader, forging connections and driving positive change to advance women's empowerment and secure resources for the department's programs.
- Cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), government agencies (including the Department of Social Services), and other stakeholders serving women in Westchester County. This may involve attending networking events, hosting meetings, and serving on relevant committees focused on women's issues.
- Forge strategic partnerships with constituents, academic institutions, foundations, and housing authorities. This could involve collaborative program development, identifying potential funding opportunities in collaboration with the Chief Development Officer and Grants Manager, and advocating for policies that promote women's economic security and housing equity.
Essential Experience:
- Master’s Degree in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Psychology, or related field is required.
- Minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership capacity within a non-profit, with a specific focus on women's initiatives or human services.
- Experience in managing and operating human services programs: This includes, but is not limited to, experience with supportive housing programs and familiarity with relevant funding sources such as HHAP, OTDA, DSS, and other public entitlements.
- Proven experience in developing, implementing, and overseeing successful programs that address the needs of women, such as employment training, financial literacy education, and supportive housing.
- A track record of building and maintaining strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, community-based organizations, and the private sector.
Licensing and/or Certifications: NY State Licensure is required.
Key Attributes:
· Strong commitment to the mission and values of the YWCA.
· Strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing women in Westchester County, with a particular focus on economic security and housing equity.
· A demonstrated ability to secure funding through grant writing, donor cultivation, and other fundraising strategies. Experience working collaboratively with a development team is a plus.
· Demonstrated ability to lead a diverse team and foster a positive and inclusive work environment.
· Excellent communication, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.
· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant programing software.
The Last Word…
The YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester is a dynamic organization whose mission is to eliminate racism and empower women. Each week over 4,000 women, children and their families are served through our childcare, nursery school, after-school, summer camp, athletic and mission-based programs. In addition, the YWCA provides a home for 193 low-income women at our Residence.
· Job Type: Full-time (35hrs/wk.)
· Pay: $80k - $90k / year
· Benefits: We offer a competitive medical plan to all Full-Time employees
· Employment Classification: Exempt
· Schedule: Determined by Supervisor and Organizational Need
The YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
License/Certification:
Work Location: In person