Job Description

Job Overview We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the United Way of Western Kentucky into its next phase of growth and innovation. The CEO of the United Way of Western Kentucky serves as the visionary leader responsible for guiding the organization's mission, strategic direction, and overall impact in the community. The CEO provides leadership in resource development, community engagement, and operational excellence, ensuring that United Way is a trusted community partner and an effective steward of donor dollars. This role demands a dynamic and strategic leader with the ability to strengthen relationships across all sectors of the United Way's seven county service area, drive transformational change, and inspire the team, board, and stakeholders to support meaningful, measurable results in the areas of education, income, and health.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Vision, Strategy, and Leadership -

• Lead the development and implementation of a strategic plan aligned with the mission and community needs. Ensure that United Way remains focused on measurable outcomes and community impact. Serve as the face of the organization, inspiring confidence and engagement among donors, partners, volunteers, and the public.

Fundraising and Resource Development -

• Provide oversight and leadership for fundraising efforts, ensuring goals are met across workplace campaigns, major gifts, grants, planned giving, and special events. Foster and maintain relationships with top donors, business leaders, and philanthropic partners. This position requires frequent representation of the organization through public speaking engagements.

Board and Governance Relations -

• Work in close partnership with the Board of Directors to support good governance practices, ensure financial oversight, and provide timely, transparent updates. Engage the board in strategic planning, fundraising, and mission advancement.

Community Engagement and Partnerships -

• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including nonprofit partners, government agencies, education and healthcare institutions, and civic organizations. Serve as a collaborative leader in collective impact efforts addressing root causes of community challenges.

Organizational Management -

• Oversee all operational functions including finance, staffing, and administration. Ensure sound fiscal management and alignment of resources with organizational priorities. Cultivate a high-performing team and nurture a positive, mission-driven culture.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Bachelor's degree required, advanced degree in nonprofit management, public administration, business, or related field preferred.

Skills and Experience:

• Proven history of successful fundraising including the ability to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, and financial oversight.
• Strong communicator and media engagement skills, with the ability to articulate the United Way's mission and impact persuasively with integrity and influence.
• Knowledge of nonprofit governance and experience working with volunteer boards.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate big-picture vision into actionable plans.
• Proven track record of fostering partnerships and mobilizing community resources.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to interact effectively with diverse individuals.
• Proven leadership in a senior management role within the nonprofit or public/private sector.
• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience required.

COMPETENCIES REQUIREMENTS:

• Non-Profit Aptitude : Seasoned people manager with the capability and flexibility to successfully work in the non-profit culture.
• Technical Skills : In-depth knowledge and experience in the development and execution of fund raising and training strategies and plans. Knowledge of marketing, branding, communication and digital engagement strategies.
• Behavioral Skills : Excellent communication, analytical, conceptual, planning, problem-solving and decision- making skills.
• Collaborative : Must have the ability to work with and through peers and colleagues to get results in a win/win manner.
• Dedication and Drive : A focus on the United Way's mission requires dedication and passion for the mission to fulfill the wide range of management and external commitments.
• Interpersonal Skills : A high degree of interpersonal skills required to smoothly interface and represent United Way with numerous constituencies.
• Strategic : Ability to translate United Way's purpose and mission into strategies and plans that fulfill the Organizations objectives and develop strategies and plans that will achieve short term goals that lead to the long-term success.
• Ethical : Personal values and behavior must be beyond reproach.
• Results Oriented : Well-organized, self-disciplined, and able to focus on getting the desired results.
• Decision Making : Ability to make decisions that positively contribute to the success of the agency, donors, benefactors, and employees.
• Judgment : Ability to assimilate a wide array of information and focus on the key issues.

Equipment Used: Personal computer and software packages (Windows, Word, Excel, Adobe Creative Suite, Photoshop, Canva, etc.), calculator, copier, printer, audiovisual equipment.

Working Conditions: Work is carried out in a controlled, agreeable environment as generally represented by normal office conditions.

Contacts: Requires frequent contact by telephone, written communication and in person with individuals inside and outside the organization requiring reasonable tact, discretion, self-expression and a working knowledge of the organization and the organization's brand management policies.

Physical Requirements: Physical exertion includes bending, pushing, standing and walking. Must be able upon occasion to lift or move approximately 25 pounds (i.e. overhead projector, event setup, etc.). Good vision and good hearing acuity (with glasses and hearing aids if necessary). Skill in use of computer screens and manual dexterity and skill in use of keyboard.

Mental and Aptitude Requirements: Job requires ability to hear and talk, analytical, conceptual, planning, problem- solving and decision-making skills.

Volunteer Relationships: Works closely with all United Way of Western Kentucky constituencies/stakeholders.

Other: Must be able to accommodate a flexible work schedule . Must have reliable transportation . Must have a valid driver's license.

Join us as we strive to achieve excellence through innovative leadership!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $77,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

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