Associate Vice President, Corporate Relations

Position Summary

The Associate Vice President of Corporate Relations is a self-starter and innovative relationship-builder responsible for leading a team of fundraising professionals charged with building and growing a portfolio of corporate accounts that contribute and/or raise $6M+ in unrestricted revenue. This individual will bring a growth mindset to both new relationships acquisition and growth-focused stewardship of portfolio of high-value corporate partners.

The AVP will play a pivotal role in refreshing and executing the organization’s revenue diversification plans by building multi-year fundraising strategies and developing a renewed investment in executive engagement to strategically strengthen United Way’s brand and community impact. This player/coach’s deep experience with corporate prospecting, pipeline development and sales cycle moves management will bring a critical skillset to a passionate team of resource development professionals.

Externally, this leadership position is a prominent ambassador of the organization’s mission with senior corporate leaders and external stakeholders across the six-county region. Internally, the AVP is a player-coach within Resource Development (RD) and champion of cross-department collaboration on integrated solutions that align corporate and individual priorities with community needs.

This growth-focused role combines strategy, leadership and frontline fundraising to multiply volunteer and corporate engagement, grow revenue, and deepen United Way’s long-term impact in the community.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Position Responsibilities

Corporate Fundraising Strategy Execution:
• Collaborate with the Chief Development Officer and other leaders to develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that aligns with the organization’s mission and goals and leads to a larger more diverse revenue model.
• Deepen engagement of corporate partners by expanding relationships, cultivating high-potential donors and stewarding key volunteers via frequent face-to-face meetings.
• Develop, manage and adhere to business plan and campaign timeline annually

Portfolio Management and New Business:
• Build and maintain a pipeline of prospective corporate partners, sponsors and workplace campaign leaders by conducting research that aligns with the campaign goals and organization’s mission.
• Engage, recruit and mobilize CEOs, corporate leaders, business owners and community leader to serve on committees that engage their networks, and champion fundraising campaigns and inspire corporate volunteerism within their spheres of influence.

Fundraising Team Leadership:
• Provide guidance and support to 3 direct reports, helping them meet their fundraising goals and deliver on the organization’s mission.
• Work individually and collectively with team to develop pipelines of opportunities, recruit and manage volunteers and manage the sales cycle process to success.

Donor Engagement Events:
• Oversee and participate in fundraising events, campaigns and initiatives. Coordinate and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful fundraising efforts.

Data Analysis, Reporting and Budget Management:
• Utilize data and analytics to track and evaluate the effectiveness of fundraising strategies, make data-driven decisions, communicate with volunteer leaderships and keep campaign progress visible to all stakeholders
• Prepare reports on fundraising activities and financial results for presentation to the CDO, President/CEO and Board of Directors

Beneficial Skills and Experience
Strategic Leadership : Ability to develop and execute long- and short-range strategic plans that integrate fundraising, community mobilization, and donor engagement.
• Fundraising Expertise : Demonstrated success in and strong understanding of fund development best practices, including donor cultivation, stewardship, major gifts, workplace campaigns, and planned giving.
• Communication & Influence : Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to inspire, persuade, and engage diverse audiences, including donors, corporate partners, volunteers, and community leaders.
• Team Leadership & Coaching : Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, develop, and motivate high-performing teams with a focus on accountability, collaboration, and performance excellence.
• Relationship Building : Proven ability to cultivate productive, trust-based relationships with donors, business leaders, nonprofit partners, volunteers, and internal teams.
• CRM & Data Management : Advanced proficiency with CRM systems, including the ability to lead improvements in functionality, accuracy, and adoption across the organization; skilled in using data to guide strategy and decision-making.
• Analytical Thinking : Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data, identify trends, and make informed decisions that improve outcomes.
• Project & Process Management : Ability to design and manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously, meeting deadlines while maintaining quality and strategic alignment.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration : Skilled at working across departments to ensure alignment, reduce silos, and integrate messaging, goals, and engagement strategies.
• Community Engagement : Ability to mobilize and activate key partners, volunteers, and stakeholders to advance UWGK’s mission and increase community involvement.
• Adaptability & Innovation : Demonstrated track record of introducing innovative strategies, adapting to evolving community needs, and leading change within complex environments.
• Cultural Competency : Ability to work effectively and respectfully with individuals and communities from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences.
• Technology Fluency : Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, CRM platforms, project management tools, and technology platforms that support donor engagement and performance management.