Chief Financial Officer

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ABOUT MCGAW YMCA
The mission of the McGaw YMCA is to cultivate the whole person, strengthen community, and provide equitable access to transformational experiences that uplift the mind, body, and spirit. McGaw Y’s vision is to be a place of belonging for all people at every stage of life. The Y is committed to becoming an anti-racist, multicultural organization that intentionally leads and boldly models how equity and inclusion can impact and strengthen the foundations of a community.

The YMCA is an organization like no other. Founded in 1885, the McGaw YMCA is a leading, cause-driven nonprofit organization at the heart of Evanston, Illinois. The McGaw Y is committed to strengthening community by connecting people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and generations to their potential, purpose and each other. Working locally, the Y focuses on empowering young people, improving health and well-being, and inspiring action in and across Evanston and surrounding communities.

The YMCA is more than just a place to work out. Whether searching for childcare, school-age programs, camp, housing, food, family fun, social experiences, sports or health and fitness options, the Y has something for every person at every stage of life. The YMCA is committed to connecting people to the opportunities, relationships, and resources necessary
to learn, grow and thrive.

The Y is dedicated to helping everyone achieve their potential, improving health and well-being, and giving back. To ensure equitable access for all, the McGaw Y offers affordable membership and program options and financial assistance and scholarships to ensure that nobody is turned away due to their financial situation. More than 2,000 children and families benefit from our annual campaign, which provides over $1 million in financial support for people who wish to access YMCA programs and membership.

The McGaw YMCA serves the greater Evanston area with one membership branch, equipped with state-of-the art fitness facilities, pools, a men’s residence housing program, and MetaMedia maker space; a NAEYC-accredited childcare and preschool center; Head Start and school-age program sites; one overnight camp in Michigan; and multiple program sites throughout Evanston.

QUICK FACTS

  • 300 year-round staff; 200 seasonal staff
  • 12,500+ Members
  • 200+ Volunteers
  • $17.1M annual budget

MISSION: The McGaw YMCA cultivates the whole person, strengthens community, and provides equitable access to transformational experiences that uplift the mind, body, and spirit.

VISION: The McGaw Y will be a place of belonging for all people at every stage of life.

CORE VALUES

  • Caring
  • Honesty
  • Respect
  • Responsibility

THE POSITION
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at McGaw YMCA serves on the CEO’s senior leadership team and provides strategic financial leadership to ensure the organization’s financial sustainability and operational excellence. This role oversees and manages all financial matters, investments, compliance, and risk management while positioning the Y as a community convener and collaborator. The CFO ensures the implementation of systems, processes, and reporting tools to support financial planning and decision-making. Additionally, this position provides training and guidance to staff on financial systems and acts as the primary project manager for major finance-related IT system integrations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Key responsibilities for the position include:

  • Conducts financial planning and analysis, including variance analysis, forecasting, and budget oversight.
  • Leads the annual budgeting process, developing system models, financial plans, and providing training and support to departmental users.
  • Monitors financial operations, prepares analysis and reports, and provides guidance to executive and operating staff.
  • Reviews, updates, and develops internal control systems; oversees internal audits to ensure compliance with policies and standards.
  • Ensures compliance with accounting regulations, including Government Auditing Standards and Single Federal Audit requirements.
  • Oversees financial reporting requirements, including tax returns (IRS Form 990), audits, and reports for government agencies and funding organizations.
  • Serves as the primary system administrator for financial software, including Blackbaud Financial Edge and Questica PowerPlan.
  • Lead the Board Finance Committee and partner with the CEO, senior leadership team, and program areas to align efforts.
  • Manages investment strategies in coordination with the Investment Committee and Board of Directors.
  • Supervises accounting month-end financial close and financial statement preparation in accordance with GAAP.
  • Works closely with the Board Finance Committee and other finance-related committees, engaging them in strategic financial planning and decision-making.
  • Oversees and manages risk management and insurance activities for the organization.
  • Develops key performance indicators and measurement systems to track strategic plan objectives.
  • Ensures proper internal controls to safeguard assets, periodically reviewing and updating as needed.
  • Oversees financial data management & reporting on grants and gifts, including federal grants.
  • Manage annual capital budget, as well as, a $22.5 million capital campaign budget to renovate McGaw Y’s residence facility.
  • Maintains strong relationships with auditors, bankers, investment counselors, attorneys, and other financial professionals.
  • Effectively communicates the organization’s financial position, mission, and strategic direction to a wide range of stakeholders.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or related field; MBA, CPA, or CMA preferred.
  • Ten or more years of substantive experience in accounting, financial planning, and fiscal management.
  • Previous experience with voluntary/nonprofit organizations preferred.
  • Knowledge and experience in budget development, financial reporting, cash management, business taxes, banking, and debt financing.
  • Strong expertise in financial software, system implementation, and project management.
  • Knowledge of grant reporting and compliance requirements. Federal grant reporting/management experience preferred.
  • Experience managing capital project budgets preferred.
  • Experience managing investment portfolios and asset allocation strategies.
  • Experience working with many different constituencies or stakeholders ranging from the Board of Directors and policy volunteers to budget managers.
  • Proven ability to lead and manage a finance team effectively.
  • Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to convey financial concepts clearly.
  • Previous experience in nonprofit financial management preferred.
  • Commitment to diversity, inclusion, access, and equity.
  • Demonstrated ability to make strategic decisions to advance the organization’s financial health and mission

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The McGaw YMCA is offering competitive compensation for this position, with a starting salary range of $127,883-$159,000. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending account; life and disability benefits; employee assistance program; a YMCA family membership and discount on Y programs (including childcare) and classes; paid time off, and a 403(B) Savings Account with the YMCA Retirement Fund.

APPLICATION
To be considered for this opportunity, please send a letter of interest and resume to: [email protected] by Tuesday, April 15, 2025.

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