Vice President of Human Resources at YMCA of the USA

Ready to make an impact? Join the YMCA of Central KY as VP of HR and lead our mission-driven team!

Job Description

The Vice President for Human Resources (VP of HR) provides strategic leadership and direction for all aspects of human resources within the YMCA of Central Kentucky. As a member of the executive leadership team, the VP of HR champions a people-first culture that reflects the Y's mission and values, and ensures that all HR practices are legally compliant, strategically aligned, and promote equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging across the association.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or related field required; Master’s degree or HR certification (SHRM-SCP, SPHR) preferred.
• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive HR leadership experience, preferably in a nonprofit, member-based, or mission-driven organization.
• Demonstrated experience leading organizational change, EDIB initiatives, and HR strategy execution.
  
  

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic thinker with excellent leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Deep knowledge of HR best practices and employment law.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to influence and build trust across all levels of the organization.
• Proficient in HRIS and Microsoft Office Suite; experience with UKG Ready, ADP, Paycom, or similar systems is a plus.
  
  

Essential Functions

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Serve as a strategic business partner to the CEO and senior leadership team.
• Develop and implement comprehensive HR strategies that support the YMCA’s strategic goals and community impact.
• Lead initiatives that promote a high-performance, mission-aligned culture.
  
  

Talent Acquisition & Development

• Oversee recruitment, selection, and onboarding of a diverse, qualified workforce.
• Develop leadership and employee development programs, including performance management, coaching, and succession planning.
• Support department leaders in building effective, diverse teams aligned with the Y's values.
  
  

Compensation & Benefits

• Design and manage competitive compensation and benefits programs that attract and retain talent.
• Ensure compliance with applicable employment laws and YMCA compensation principles.
• Oversee HRIS management and data integrity.
  
  

Employee Relations & Compliance

• Foster a culture of open communication, trust, accountability, and respect.
• Manage conflict resolution, investigations, and employee relations issues.
• Ensure HR practices comply with federal, state, and local laws and YMCA policies.
  
  

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (EDIB)

• Lead efforts to embed EDIB into every facet of HR operations and the broader organization.
• Partner with community and internal stakeholders to drive cultural competency and inclusive practices.
  
  

Organizational Culture & Engagement

• Champion the YMCA’s mission, values, and cause-driven culture.
• Lead initiatives to measure and improve employee engagement and satisfaction.
• Create systems to recognize and celebrate staff achievements.
  
  

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

• Mission Advancement: Reinforces the Y’s values and mission in all actions.
• Collaboration: Builds strong relationships to advance the YMCA’s cause.
• Operational Effectiveness: Strategically aligns HR systems to meet goals.
• Personal Growth: Demonstrates self-awareness and ongoing personal development.