Director of Belonging

Advance the Y’s mission by championing belonging, resilience, and wellbeing across our community

Job Description

The Director of Belonging will advance the Y’s mission by championing belonging, resilience, and wellbeing across our community. Reporting to the Executive Director of Community Impact, this role will :

Lead initiatives that foster connection and reduce stigma around mental health.

Partner with local organizations to expand access to mental, social, and emotional wellness resources.

Collaborate across Y programs to weave belonging and wellbeing into every stage of life—from early childhood through active older adulthood.

Design and measure programs that help every individual feel cared for, respected, and empowered to thrive.

This leader will serve as a visible ambassador for the YMCA, ensuring that our community sees the Y as a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for all.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, public health, or related field (Master’s preferred).

Experience in community health, mental wellness, or nonprofit leadership.

Strong understanding of mental health issues, equity, and resilience-building strategies.

Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with a commitment to inclusion.

Proficiency in data collection, program evaluation, and impact reporting.

Availability for evening and weekend programming as needed.

Essential Functions

Key Responsibilities

Program Development

Partner with Director of Healthy Living to strengthen the Y’s Evidence-Based Health Initiatives by embedding social and emotional wellness practices.

Design and launch new programs from the ground up that address gaps in mental, social, and emotional wellness across our community—bringing creative vision to needs that may not yet have solutions.

Build a portfolio of offerings that may include workshops, support groups, coaching services, peer communities, and innovative formats we havent yet imagined—guided by community input and emerging best practices.

Develop targeted initiatives for seniors, veterans, youth, families, and underserved populations, adapting approaches to meet people where they are.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

Develop ongoing partnerships with schools, health providers, and local organizations to co-create meaningful programs.

Represent the Y at community events, forums, and coalitions, listening for emerging needs and sharing our impact.

Staff & Volunteer Development

Recruit, mentor, and inspire program staff, volunteers, and interns.

Provide training in trauma-informed care, inclusive practices, suicide prevention, and de-escalation.

Empower YMCA staff to integrate belonging and wellbeing practices into their daily work.

Evaluation & Reporting

Collect and analyze data to measure program impact on connection, resilience, and health outcomes.

Share stories of transformation with leadership, funders, and stakeholders.

Collaborate with Development staff to identify grants and resources that sustain and expand this work.

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

Relationship-centered leadership.

Cultural humility and inclusive practices.

Creative problem-solving and innovation.

Ability to motivate and develop staff and volunteers.

Emotional maturity, empathy, and resilience.

Required Certifications

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, public health, or related field (Master’s preferred).

Experience in community health, mental wellness, or nonprofit leadership.

Strong understanding of mental health issues, equity, and resilience-building strategies.

Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with a commitment to inclusion.

Proficiency in data collection, program evaluation, and impact reporting.

Availability for evening and weekend programming as needed.