The YMCA Southwestern New Brunswick is working hard to address the critical issue’s facing the region; the health crisis, population decline, youth outmigration and child poverty. At the Y, we are striving to build a diverse and inclusive community where each person is valued for the unique perspectives and contributions they bring.
The Y offers a diverse set of programs at 21 locations in the city and surrounding municipalities. We are a community of 475 employees and 500 volunteers. If you don’t have a Y story yet – now is your opportunity to get involved. We invite you to come see what the power of belonging can do for you, your career and your community.
We are seeking a candidate for the Executive Office to play a pivotal role at the heart of our Association — supporting our CEO, driving strong governance, and helping ensure our work continues to make a meaningful difference across the communities we support. The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick is a regional Association therefore travel between sites is expected.
POSITION OVERVIEW
As Executive Assistant & Governance Specialist you will assist our President and CEO on a daily basis providing administrative support to ensure efficient operations within the office and at Board of Directors and supporting committee meetings. This is a critical role within the YMCA. You will support our President and CEO, the two Board of Directors and other members of the leadership team through a variety of tasks related to organizational success. Responsibilities include taking minutes; managing calendars; making travel arrangements, meeting and event arrangements; preparing reports: completing research and collecting data. You will ensure that all administrative/governance duties are completed accurately and delivered with high quality and in a timely manner.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
Executive Office Leadership
- Partner closely with the CEO to manage priorities, schedules, and key initiatives
- Prepare briefings, materials, and insights to support informed decision-making
- Coordinate executive and leadership meetings, ensuring alignment and follow-through
- Act as a central point of connection between the CEO and senior leadership team
Governance & Board Relations
- Serve as the primary liaison to the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick Board of Directors and Foundation
- Lead the planning and execution of Board, Foundation and Committee meetings — from agendas to materials to minutes to follow-up
- Ensure strong governance practices are aligned with Association standards, processes and procedures
- Maintain governance systems, documentation, and digital platforms
- Provide guidance on governance best practices and continuous improvement
Coordination & Organizational Alignment
- Provide high-level administrative support to Senior Leaders, focusing on cross-functional initiatives and organizational priorities
- Manage and maintain calendars, schedule and coordinate meetings, appointments and travel arrangements for the President and CEO, senior leadership and Board of Directors
- Help ensure clear communication and alignment across all levels of leadership
- Provide strategic initiative support to all departments as needed to reflect the strategic development within the YMCA.
- Track key actions, timelines, and emerging risks
- Step in where needed to provide high-level coordination during busy or critical periods
Community & External Engagement
- Represent the YMCA in community settings as appropriate
- Support the CEO’s external commitments and relationships
- Contribute to strengthening partnerships that extend the Association’s impact
Other Administrative
- Oversee and manage uniforms for the Association
- Manage incoming general e-mails and other correspondence
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- At least 5 years in executive-level support, governance, or board relations
- Degree, diploma in Office Administration or related program
- Experience working with senior leaders and/or Boards of Directors
- Background in public administration, business, governance, or a related field
- Experience in nonprofit or multi-stakeholder environments
- Intermediate to Advanced Microsoft Office Suite, spreadsheets, database maintenance
Skills That Set You Apart
- Exceptional organizational and time management abilities
- Strong written communication — you can turn complexity into clarity
- High emotional intelligence and relationship-building capability
- Discretion and sound judgment when handling confidential matters
- Ability to balance competing priorities with professionalism
- Strong analytical thinking and attention to detail
Bonus (Nice to Have)
- Governance certification (ICD.D, CGP, CAE etc.)
- Experience with policy development or compliance frameworks
- Familiarity with the YMCA or similar community-serving organizations
COMPETENCIES
- Commitment to Organization Vision and Values: Demonstrates and promotes a personal understanding of and appreciation for the mission, vision, strategic outcomes and values of the YMCA.
- Communication: Communicates in a thorough, clear and timely manner and supports information sharing and goal achievement across the YMCA.
- Initiative: Does the right thing at the right time without being asked.
- Integrity: Demonstrates responsible behaviour at all times and maintains high ethical standards.
- Planning and Organizing: Establishes a clearly defined and effective course of action for self and others to accomplish short- and long-term work goals.
- Problem Solving: Identifies an issue and works towards a solution.
- Self-Management: Works independently with minimal supervision.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- As Executive Assistant & Governance Specialist you are a YMCA of Southwestern NB staff person.
- As a YMCA staff person you are responsible for your own travel to and from work.
- The YMCA has a Joint Health and Safety Committee which meets on a monthly basis to discuss health and safety within the workplace. Questions or concerns about your workplace must be brought forward to committee members.
- As Executive Assistant & Governance Specialist you will be required to work in an environment which is often busy and at times fast paced.
- You will be required to supervise multiple activities on a regular basis.
- This position will require you to sit for long periods of times.
- You will be responsible to follow and abide by YMCA Standards. Ensuring a clean and well maintained centre is required by all staff persons as well as safety.
WHAT WE OFFER?
- Professional Development: Ongoing training and skill-building opportunities.
- Perks: YMCA individual membership and Family membership taxable benefit.
- Supportive Environment: Work with a team that values growth and career progression.
- Paid Vacation and Wellness Days.
- Benefits: Eligibility to enroll in the YMCA’s benefits and pension plan.
- Complimentary uniform
INTERESTED IN JOINING US?
Interested candidates are invited to apply with us online at Careers | YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick. We ask all applicants to submit their cover letter and resume. The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick appreciates the interest of all applicants; however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY COMMITMENT
We value the unique perspectives and contributions of each individual and are committed to building an inclusive, diverse workforce.
DUTY TO ACCOMODATE
The YMCA is committed to creating inclusive and accessible environments for all. If you require an accommodation at any stage of the application or employment process, we encourage you to let us know so we can ensure equitable opportunities for all.
