The Director promotes a proactive culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement across all YMCA departments and locations.
Job Description
The Director of Risk and Compliance, reporting directly to the General Counsel, provides strategic and operational leadership for all areas of compliance, safety and risk management across the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South. This position ensures that the organization meets or exceeds all federal, state and local regulations - including DHS licensing standards for Youth Development and Early Learning, USDA Nutrition Services program requirements, state and federal grant compliance and aquatic safety standards.
The role also leads child abuse prevention efforts, oversees internal investigations and incident response, and supports leaders in maintaining strong compliance systems that protect children, families, members and staff.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree preferred, or equivalent or certification in Risk Management, Compliance, or other related area.
- Five years of progressive experience in compliance, risk management, or regulatory oversight.
- Strong working knowledge or the ability to quickly learn DHS licensing, USDA food program regulations, state and federal grant compliance, and aquatic safety standards.
- Demonstrated experience conducting investigations and managing audits.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to influence and educate others.
- Proven ability to collaborate effectively across multiple departments and manage sensitive information with discretion.
Essential Functions
- Organizational Risk & Compliance Leadership: Develop, implement and manage a comprehensive risk and compliance program across all YMCA operations, programs and facilities.
- Ensure compliance with DHS licensing, USDA Nutrition Services, state and federal grant requirements, aquatic safety regulations, and other legal or regulatory obligations.
- Conduct regular internal audits, risk assessments, and compliance reviews to identify vulnerabilities and recommend corrective actions.
- Collaborate with senior leadership and operations to strengthen safety protocols, reporting systems, and organizational readiness.
- Oversee the YMCA’s policies and procedures related to risk management, compliance, and ethical conduct.
- Program & Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance and provide support to USDA Nutrition Services compliance, including documentation, site monitoring, reporting, procurement standards, and assists with audit responses.
- Ensure DHS licensing requirements are consistently met for all Youth Development and Early Learning programs, including staffing ratios, documentation, and facility standards.
- Provides compliance oversight of state and federal grant compliance, including cost allowability, reporting, recordkeeping, and subrecipient monitoring.
- Serves as a resource for aquatic safety and compliance, ensuring all pools and water programs meet safety and regulatory standards.
- Partner with program and finance teams across the organization and serve as a member of the senior leadership team.
- Child Safety, Investigations & Training: Lead the YMCA’s child abuse prevention and protection efforts, ensuring training, reporting, and policies are effectively implemented.
- Conduct or oversee investigations into complaints, incidents, or potential violations, working closely with the General Counsel, Human Resources, and department leaders.
- Track incidents and findings, ensuring accountability and timely resolution.
- Develop and deliver compliance, safety, and risk-management training for staff, volunteers, and leaders when needed.
- Develop and maintain processes for incident and accident reporting and tracking across the organization.
- Foster an organizational culture of awareness, responsibility, and continuous improvement related to risk and safety.
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
Mission Advancement: Reinforces the Y’s values within the organization and the community. Effectively communicates the benefits and impact of the Y’s efforts for all stakeholders.
Collaboration: Builds and nurtures strategic relationships to enhance support for the Y. Serves as a community leader building collaboration based on trust and credibility to advance the Y’s mission and goals. Communicates for influence to attain buy-in and support of goals. Provides tools and resources for the development of others.
Operational Effectiveness: Integrates multiple thinking processes to make decisions. Involves staff at all levels in the development of programs and activities. Ensures execution of plans. Institutes sound accounting procedures and financial controls. Assigns clear accountability and ensures continuous improvement.
Personal Growth: Fosters a learning environment embracing diverse abilities and approaches. Creates a sense of urgency and positive tension to support change. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.
Behavioral Characteristics: Welcoming, Nurturing, Determined, Hopeful, and Genuine.
Required Certifications
PREFERRED CRITERIA FOR CANDIDATES:
YMCA Organizational Leader Certification. Candidates without the certification will have three (3) years to complete certification requirements from date of hire.
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