Position Description

Title

President and Chief Executive Officer

Department

Administration

Salary Range

$175,000-$200,000

Reports To

UWCE Board Chair, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors

Organizational Overview

The mission of United Way of the Coastal Empire is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities.

United Way is a volunteer-driven organization that involves hundreds of community leaders, professionals, and other volunteers in every aspect of our business, including fundraising, marketing, and funding decisions, to ensure the greatest community engagement and that donors’ investments are being deployed in the most effective ways.

United Way conducts an annual fundraising campaign and invests donor contributions in programs and services that provide a safety net for the most vulnerable and pathways for upward mobility so everyone can thrive. In addition, the strategic plan outlines four bold goal areas for proactive effort: Quality, Affordable Childcare; Safe, Stable Housing; Ready and Resilient Workforce; Financial Skills for Success.

The Herschel V. Jenkins Trust Fund and other income covers much of the administrative and fundraising costs of the organization, so more of our donor contributions are used to help people in need. This year, United Way supports over 80 programs of more than 50 local nonprofit human services organizations in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty counties.

Additionally, United Way connects citizens in our community to over 400 community resources through United Way 211 and County Service Centers– from job training programs and childcare to counseling services and financial assistance. United Way also connects volunteers to organizations and causes that strengthen our communities.

Summary

The UWCE is synonymous with charitable service and strives to positively impact the issues people care most about in our community. All UWCE employees are critical to our work and expected to present the best image of our organization as they represent the United Way in our community. All employees are expected to accept their responsibilities, adhere to acceptable principles in matters of personal conduct and exhibit a high degree of personal integrity at all times.

The President & CEO is the leader of the organization, establishing a vision and plans for Resource Development and Community Impact that is achieved through the efforts of a diverse team of high-performing staff and volunteers. The President & CEO leverages the power of relationships and networks, and works across private, public and corporate sectors to improve conditions in the community. The President & CEO possesses a high level of broad business and management skills and is effective at generating resources and financial support for the organization. The President & CEO is the steward of the UWCE brand and understands the role in growing and protecting the reputation of United Way.

Position Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, human services, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience in direct management of employees and teams.
• Substantial experience working in the non-profit sector and/or United Way experience preferred.
• Extensive experience collaborating externally with other philanthropic and community-based organizations, including working with corporate leaders in the community.
• Experience managing the financial performance and budget of an organization.
• Experience working with and managing a board of directors and volunteers.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to identify and solve pertinent problems in both the organization and community.
• A demonstrated track record of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in an ability to build collaboration with the community at large.
• Proven ability to positively engage with clients, donors, volunteers, and staff at all levels.
• Experience in building revenue and increasing philanthropic support.
• Strong understanding of the social, economic, and political landscape of Chatham, Bryan, Effingham, and Liberty Counties is preferred.
• Executive level communication skills, written and verbal.
• Documented capacity to develop and play a leadership role in strategic partnerships with a broad range of working relationships with volunteers/opinion leaders/change-makers across all facets of community, philanthropic, business, and government sectors that have resulted in significant improvements in community conditions and individual well-being.
• Advanced ability to lead organizational development and success in a highly dynamic setting responsive to a complex and changing environment.

Employee Expectations & Competencies

Revenue Growth & Diversification: Possesses a high level of business acumen and a broad management skillset and is effective at generating and growing financial support for the organization. Can raise funds by engaging and linking a variety of donors (individuals, corporations, major giving, and other segments) and volunteers to inform and contribute to advancing the mission.

Visionary: Shares a deep commitment to the UWCE vision. Develops a "connected" vision for the team, the organization, and the community. Has a clear vision for the organization, confronts the complex realities of the environment, and simultaneously maintains faith in a better future, providing purpose, direction, and motivation.

Organizational Leadership: Demonstrates strategic leadership balanced with authenticity, respect for others, and trust-building within the organization, with the Board of Directors, and stakeholders. Proactively drives an organization to a higher level of performance, efficiency, and growth through inspiring action and commitment for best results.

Influence in the Marketplace: Focused on growth, building and cultivating a network of relationships. Is influential and leverages United Way’s unique position to proactively increase visibility, reputation, and competitive advantage that generates an interest and passion for investing in the community. Successfully navigates the complex dynamics of local, regional, and national environments.

Accountability/Results Orientation: Accountable for the team's outcomes, budget performance across all UWCE impact initiatives, and the efficient and effective utilization of UWCE resources, encompassing human, financial, and capital assets. Demonstrates a clear commitment to being data-informed in developing and executing strategies, with clear metrics and outcomes identified. Articulates and communicates work goals and objectives, as well as expected work results. Establishes work quality standards for assigned teams to help ensure organizational goals and objectives. Takes responsibility for the outcomes achieved. Protects the United Way brand, promoting its relevance and status to the greatest extent possible. Behaves ethically and honestly in all activities done on behalf of United Way Worldwide and the movement. Demonstrates a commitment to UWCE’s values, including diversity and inclusiveness.

Decision-Making/Risk-Taking: Weighs the pros and cons of available options. Seeks input from team leaders on the potential impact of decisions on their ability to effectively achieve desired outcomes/results. Identifies and communicates organizational tactics, challenges, and opportunities. Encourages risk-taking while providing guidance, support and training as necessary.

Relationship Management: Embodies and promotes UWCE's values and guiding principles to accomplish organizational goals and objectives. Promotes a "win-win" philosophy in engaging with others. Works effectively with United Way staff, volunteers, and other stakeholders to achieve strategic direction. Manages and sustains key relationships to benefit United Way. Formulates and communicates in an ethical and politically sensitive manner.

Communications: Expresses ideas and concepts clearly and concisely. Actively listens to others to understand their perspectives. Seeks input and feedback on individual, team, and departmental performance and environment. Supports open communication.

Innovation/Creativity: Promotes a climate that values and rewards innovation and creativity. Acknowledges and champions the efforts of others to "think outside the box.” Maintains knowledge of current and emerging trends that affect United Way. Demonstrates ability to analyze information and translate it into specific, effective actions/solutions/messages.

Talent Builder: Empowers people to perform. Motivates and develops staff. Encourages staff to take on challenging assignments and developmental opportunities. Aware of the learning and career goals of each direct report. Effective coaching (e.g., aiding staff to develop their own insights and actions) and takes advantage of coachable moments (e.g., times when people experience success, disappointment, or are trying a skill for the first time). Helps people learn the right lessons from experience. Provides employees guidance, tools, and empowerment needed to do the job. Supports a healthy balance between work and personal life. Gives credit and recognizes achievements.

Emotional Intelligence: Self-aware. Shows empathy for the concerns, motivations, challenges, and lived experience of others. Curious about how others feel and think. Compassionate. Approaches others supportively and honestly with feedback. Remains composed under pressure. Low ego—has the strength of character without needing to draw attention to or protect oneself. Authentic. Slow to blame and quick to accept personal responsibility. Ability to resolve conflicts productively. Keeps promises and follows through. Leads from a position of equality. Leads with respect and inclusivity. Creates, promotes, and pronounces psychological safety free of discrimination, judgment, and retribution.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Resource Development: The President & CEO is charged to drive key results in fundraising; to identify, cultivate and solicit prospective donors and key leaders of prospective new corporate partners; to leverage personal and professional contacts and relationships into fundraising opportunities; and to promote a culture of fundraising.

Community Impact: The President & CEO is responsible for the overall impact of UWCE on the community, with particular emphasis on increasing its capacity to drive the impact agenda. The President & CEO works closely with the Board of Directors and community leaders to craft and adapt the strategy to achieve this increased impact, including raising the funds to support it.

Strategic Management: The President & CEO serves as the principal resource to the Board of Directors and its key committees and gives strong direction in policy formulation and interpretation. The President & CEO ensures coordination and alignment of all United Way activities to strategic direction in the areas of community impact, resource development, and staff alignment.

Organization Management: The President & CEO is accountable for building and leading high-performing teams, ensuring all teams are aligned and collaborating to achieve organizational results. The President & CEO maintains accountability for the operational and fiscal integrity of the organization within policies set by the Board of Directors; and, assesses organizational capacity to implement strategies and identify gaps in systems and staffing; directly supervises Senior Leadership positions and establishes individual goals; works with the Chief Financial Officer to manage organizational spending, monitor budget compliance, and mitigate financial risks; and ensures that United Way of the Coastal Empire’s goals of inclusiveness and diversity among staff and volunteers are me.

Physical Demands

Much of the work of this position is completed while sitting at a desk, using a computer and phone. Requires talking, hearing, and visual acuity sufficient to perform these major functions.

Occasionally includes reaching above shoulder heights, below the waist, or lifting up to 25 pounds for office equipment, supplies, and materials.

Status Exempt

(Salaried)