Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – United Way of Central Louisiana

Our Mission: United Way seeks to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good. True to our founding spirit, whenever there is a need in our communities, United Way is there. We bring a comprehensive approach to every challenge, actively listening and responding to local needs. Our reach across tens of thousands of communities means we can share innovations and scale impact to improve lives around the world.

Our Values: We value diversity and strive to advance equity, inclusion, and access for all. In order to fulfill our mission, we’re working to ensure our leadership and staff reflect the communities we serve around the world, that we are intentional about co-creating solutions to community challenges, and that we apply an inclusive lens to everything we do, so that every person in every community has access to the opportunities they need to thrive.

Our Four Areas of Community Impact:

Youth Opportunity: Preparing children and youth to succeed

Health Community: Promoting health, safety, and wellness

Financial Security: Empowering individuals and families toward self-sufficiency

Community Resiliency: Responding to essential services, including food, clothing, shelter, and disaster relief

Our Service Area: Rapides, Vernon, Grant, Catahoula, Concordia, Winn, Lasalle, Avoyelles parish

Job Description:

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of United Way of Central Louisiana (UWCL) is responsible for the organization's overall strategic direction, operational management, and financial sustainability. In collaboration with the Board of Directors, the CEO is responsible for advancing the organization’s mission, ensuring long-term sustainability, and building strong relationships with stakeholders, staff, donors, community partners, and government agencies. This is a full-time exempt position, reporting to the Board of Directors, and located in Alexandria, Louisiana.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

The major responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

Community Impact

• The President/CEO is responsible for the overall impact of United Way of Central Louisiana on the community, with emphasis on increasing its capacity to drive the impact agenda.
• The President works closely with the Board to craft and adapt the strategy to achieve this increased impact, including raising the funds to support it.
• The President/CEO will establish and build relationships with top leaders in the community, including those representing the highest level in business, government, and nonprofit sectors.

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Develop, communicate, and execute the organization’s mission, vision, and strategic plan in partnership with the Board of Directors.
• Provide leadership, direction, and general oversight of the organization.
• Evaluate industry trends in the nonprofit sector and adjust strategies as needed.

Board Relations & Governance

• Serve as the primary liaison between the Board of Directors and staff.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration with the Board.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and updates for Board meetings.
• Provide timely and accurate information to support Board decision-making.
• Assist the Board in governance, policy development, and Board member recruitment.

Fundraising & Resource Development

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including grants, corporate partnerships, and special events.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with donors, funders, and stakeholders.
• Oversee grant writing and reporting.
• Ensure diversified revenue streams to support programmatic and operational needs.

Financial Management

• Oversee all financial planning, budgeting, and reporting in partnership with the Treasurer and Finance team (OPEX).
• Ensure sound fiscal management, including compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor financial performance and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Partner with the finance staff and external accountants to prepare financial reports for the Board.

Operational Management

• Lead Operations Manager and Staff in fostering a positive organizational culture that supports diversity, equity, inclusion, and collaboration.
• Lead Operations Manager and Staff in the implementation of policies and procedures that enhance operational efficiency.

External Relations & Advocacy

• Represent the organization in the community, media, and public forums.
• Build strategic partnerships and collaborations with other organizations, government agencies, and community leaders.
• Advocate for the organization’s mission and issues relevant to its programs and services.

Human Resources

• Ensure compliance with employment laws and best practices.
• Directly oversee the Bookkeeper and Operations Manager.

Other Duties As Assigned

• The President/CEO shall perform other duties as prescribed by the United Way Board of Directors.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited college or university is required; an advanced degree preferred (e.g., MPA, MBA, or relevant field).
• A minimum of seven years of progressive and proven leadership experience in nonprofit management or related sectors is preferred.
• Strong understanding of nonprofit governance and fundraising.
• The candidate should have significant nonprofit or comparable leadership experience, with the ability to work effectively with volunteers, boards, and government entities.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.
• Financial acumen and experience managing complex budgets.
• Ability to build and sustain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• The ability to foster a healthy organizational culture, to encourage teamwork and collaboration; strong interpersonal skills that include the ability to inspire and motivate; effective at conflict management.
• Passion for the mission and values of the organization.
• Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with strategic planning and organizational growth.
• Knowledge of relevant regulatory and compliance issues.

• Ability to navigate complex political and social environments.

How to Apply: To be considered for this position, applicants must submit a complete application package, including a cover letter, resume, and statement of salary preference. Only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted. Thank you for your interest. Please continue to review our vacancy listing for other career opportunities. The position will remain open until it is filled.

Compensation & Benefits

United Way of Central Louisiana offers a competitive annual salary range of $85,000 to $110,000, with the final offer determined by education, training, experience, and proven performance. In addition, the comprehensive benefits package includes health insurance, a retirement plan, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. There is also an opportunity for a performance-based bonus upon board approval.

Projected Timeline for Recruitment (Flexible and Subject to Change)

• Application period: Oct 2025 – Dec. 2025

(Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. For priority consideration, submit your materials promptly.)

• Prescreening Interviews: October – November 2025
• Panel Interviews: November-December 2025
• Start Date: January-February 2026

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: United Way of Central Louisiana is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, disability, veteran status, level of education, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.