Title

Executive Director

Reports To

United Ways of Georgia Board of Directors (Executive Committee)

Summary

The Executive Director of the United Ways of Georgia (UWGa) will report to and work collaboratively with the Board of Directors to set and advance the strategic direction of the statewide network. The Executive Director’s primary focus is on building the capacity of local United Ways across Georgia by securing new funding and establishing relationships with statewide funders, foundations, and partners not yet engaged with United Way.

This role will lead efforts to strengthen collaboration among Georgia’s United Ways, develop statewide fundraising initiatives, and build partnerships with policy makers, advocates, and organizations aligned with the United Way mission. The Executive Director will serve as a key connector and convener, ensuring a unified statewide presence that enhances the visibility, resources, and impact of local United Ways.

Success will be measured by the ability to expand funding opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and increase collective capacity to improve lives and communities across Georgia.

Position Requirements & Qualifications

Qualified candidates with strong leadership, fundraising, and public policy experience are encouraged to apply.

• Minimum of five years of management experience in a senior leadership role.
• Proven success in fund development, relationship-building, and revenue diversification to sustain and grow organizational capacity.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and organizational development, with the ability to set direction, align stakeholders, and drive measurable results.
• Experience working with and supporting a Board of Directors, fostering effective governance and strategic partnership.
• Background in public policy or advocacy within Georgia and familiarity with the state’s corporate, philanthropic, and nonprofit sectors; prior experience with United Way (local, state, or national) preferred.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and public speaking skills, with the ability to communicate data and policy in a way that inspires action and demonstrates community impact.
• Strong interpersonal and convening skills, with a record of fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders and leading organizations toward a shared vision.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.

Employee Expectations 

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

Essential Job Responsibilities

Strategic Direction for UWGA

• Serve as a self-starter and strategic leader, responsible for setting and advancing the strategic direction of UWGa in partnership with the Board of Directors.
• Develop and execute a strategic plan that aligns with the state association’s mission and priorities.
• Develop and implement long-term objectives and strategies that advance the collective impact of all local United Ways in the state.
• Provide visionary leadership and strategic insight to the Board, ensuring decisions are informed by data, stakeholder input, and emerging statewide trends.
• Ensure the Board has the information and context needed to effectively carry out its governance responsibilities.
• Build and strengthen statewide partnerships with funders, corporations, policymakers, and peer organizations to advance shared strategic priorities and maximize collective impact.
• Identify and pursue new opportunities for collaboration and resource alignment that enhances UWGa’s reach and influence.
• Support network collaboration, resource sharing, and innovation among local United Ways.
• Support ALICE Chair as it relates to the United for ALICE initiative. Assist in leveraging ALICE data to build partnerships, inform strategies, and raise awareness of the economic challenges facing working Georgians, driving insight and action related to funding, programs, and policy.
• Represent UWGa in statewide meetings, councils, and other convenings to maintain strong connections, share best practices, and ensure alignment with key partners.

Development & Revenue Diversification

• Lead efforts to identify and secure new funding sources and strategic donor partnerships, expanding the financial resources available to UWGa and local United Ways across Georgia.
• Secure operating revenue for the state association through dues, grants, and sponsorships.
• Work in partnership with local United Ways to align development strategies, ensuring new resources support both statewide initiatives and community-based priorities.
• Facilitate collaborative initiatives, grant opportunities and shared contracts that benefit the network.
• Position UWGa and the Georgia United Way network as a partner of choice for public and private funders seeking measurable community impact.
• Cultivate relationships with funders, corporate partners, and members of the Board to enhance financial support for UWGa and leverage opportunities for local United Ways.
• Research, identify, and pursue grant opportunities that align with UWGa’s strategic priorities, sharing relevant funding opportunities with local United Ways to maximize statewide impact.
• Ensure UWGA meets all expectations and deliverables for external funders, demonstrating accountability, impact, and transparency.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop marketing and communications strategies that highlight UWGa’s mission, initiatives, and successes.
• Serve as a storyteller and advocate for the association, translating programs, data, and outcomes into compelling narratives that engage donors and partners.

Statewide Advocacy & Education

• Leverage statewide partnerships with local United Ways, community organizations, and coalitions to advance policies that support communities served by United Way.
• Monitor and communicate relevant state and federal policy issues impacting the non-profit and human services sector.
• Educate legislators and decision-makers on the needs of ALICE populations, the importance of statewide 211 services, and other issues impacting local communities.
• Coordinate meetings and briefings with influential policymakers and stakeholders to ensure United Ways across Georgia can communicate community needs and advocate for effective solutions.
• Manage and evaluate contracts and relationships with external firms or consultants engaged to support advocacy, policy research, and communications efforts.
• Operate effectively within political and policy environments, including state and federal governments, and the broader United Way movement, leveraging knowledge to guide advocacy strategies.
• Partner with the Board of Directors and local United Ways to develop and implement advocacy priorities that align with UWGa’s mission and strategic goals.
• Monitor, assess, and report on the impact of advocacy initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and maximized benefit to communities.

Governance & Management

• Establish a strong organizational culture that supports the Board of Directors and provides guidance and resources to all United Ways across Georgia. 
• Support local United Ways with training, technical assistance, and peer learning opportunities. 
• Serve as an information hub providing data, resources, and communication among member United Ways. 
• Develop and maintain a strong relationship with United Way Worldwide, sharing relevant resources with local United Ways and advocating for their needs and priorities. 
• Ensure the organization operates within financial parameters, providing oversight for budgets, investments, and financial reporting. 
• Maintain compliance with legal requirements and United Way Worldwide membership standards. 
• Develop and maintain systems for thorough documentation and operational transparency. 
• Coordinate Board, Committee, and stakeholder meetings (in-person or virtual), providing staff and technology support as needed. 
• Keep the Board informed of organizational developments, strategic priorities, and issues requiring their attention. 
• Support Board engagement in strategic discussions and ensure administration aligns with current policies and procedures. 
• Prepare meeting materials, reports, and strategic updates. 
• Perform necessary administrative work to support the daily operations of UWGa.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• 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. 
•  Depending on home location, estimated 10-25% statewide travel required to support local United Ways, partner organizations, and advocacy efforts.

Status

Exempt (Salaried) 

Location

Remote but candidate must be located in Georgia.

Compensation Package

$70,000 - $100,000 based on experience Benefits package negotiable.