Chief Executive Officer (CEO) - United Way of Greater Baytown Area and Chambers County

About Us

United Way of Greater Baytown Area and Chambers County offers a unique opportunity to lead in a vibrant, growing region where community connection and economic vitality go hand in hand. Serving approximately 86,000 residents in Baytown and another 58,000 across Chambers County, this dynamic area sits just east of Houston and along the scenic shores of Trinity Bay.

The region blends the advantages of proximity to one of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas with the warmth, accessibility, and pride of a close-knit community. It is a place where relationships matter, collaboration is valued, and leadership can make a visible, lasting impact. As CEO, you will not only guide a trusted organization—United Way of Greater Baytown Area and Chambers County—but also help shape the future of a community that is deeply invested in caring for its neighbors and creating opportunities for all, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking both meaningful work and an outstanding place to call home.

About this Great Opportunity

The CEO serves as the chief executive and community leader of United Way of Greater Baytown Area & Chambers County (UW). Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO advances UW’s mission to improve lives and strengthen the community by mobilizing resources, fostering collaboration, and driving measurable impact across the Greater Baytown Area and Chambers County.

The CEO provides visionary leadership, champions the United Way brand, and ensures alignment with United Way Worldwide and regional network priorities while addressing the unique needs of the local community. This leader engages donors and volunteers, oversees staff, and builds strong cross‑sector partnerships to deliver sustainable, long‑term community outcomes.

Key Responsibilities and Performance Expectations

1. Strategic Leadership and Community Impact

• Lead the development, execution, and evaluation of UW’s strategic plan aligned with local community priorities and United Way focus areas.
• Partner with the Board to facilitate regular strategic planning and progress reviews.
• Use community data, partner insights, and lived experience to recommend strategic objectives and investments.
• Maintain strong alignment with United Way Worldwide standards, initiatives, and best practices.

Performance Indicators:

• Demonstrates measurable progress toward strategic goals and community impact priorities.
• Maintains alignment with United Way Worldwide standards and best practices.
  

2. Board Partnership and Governance

• Serve as the primary staff partner to the Board of Directors and its committees.
• Support Board recruitment, orientation, training, and policy development.
• Advise the Board on fiduciary, ethical, and governance responsibilities consistent with United Way Worldwide expectations.
• Ensure transparent, timely communication regarding organizational performance, risks, and opportunities.

Performance Indicators:

• Builds a strong, engaged Board that fulfills governance and fiduciary responsibilities.
• Ensures timely, transparent communication on organizational performance and risks.
  

3. Community Leadership, Engagement, and Advocacy

• Serve as the chief spokesperson and ambassador for UW.
• Strengthen UW’s role as a convener and collaborator across the Greater Baytown Area and Chambers County.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with business leaders, elected officials, school districts, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and other key stakeholders.
• Advocate for policies and practices that advance community well-being and equity.

Performance Indicators:

• Strengthens United Way’s visibility and reputation as a trusted community leader.
• Cultivates strategic partnerships that advance equity and well-being.
  

4. Resource Development and Philanthropy

• Lead a comprehensive fundraising and resource development strategy to support UW’s mission and sustainability.
• Strengthen workplace campaigns, corporate engagement, and individual giving.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, corporate partners, and foundation funders.
• Promote a culture of philanthropy among staff, Board, and volunteers.

Performance Indicators:

• Demonstrates measurable improvement in year over year fundraising results.
  

5. Volunteerism and Leadership Development

• Champion volunteer engagement as a core strategy for community impact and leadership development.
• Recruit, engage, and retain diverse volunteers who reflect the communities served by UW.
• Strengthen volunteer leadership pathways, including Board and committee service.

Performance Indicators:

• Demonstrates measurable improvement in volunteer engagement.
  

6. Organizational Leadership and Operations

• Lead and support a high-performing, mission-driven staff team.
• Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and United Way Worldwide requirements.
• Oversee financial management, budgeting, audits, and risk management.
• Build organizational capacity, systems, and infrastructure to support long-term sustainability.

Performance Indicators:

• Demonstrated by a clean audit, operational efficiencies, and effectiveness.
• Demonstrates measurable improvement in employee staff satisfaction survey.
  

7. Culture, Equity, and Innovation

• Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and results-driven organizational culture aligned with United Way values.
• Advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in internal practices and community impact strategies.
• Encourage innovation, learning, and continuous improvement.
• Address conflict promptly and constructively.

Performance Indicators:

• Builds staff capacity and proficiencies through learning opportunities.
  

8. Data, Accountability, and Results

• Ensure data quality, evaluation, and reporting to demonstrate UW’s community impact.
• Use data and insights to inform strategic decisions and resource allocation.

Performance Indicators:

• Demonstrated by meeting or exceeding KPIs and grant funding reports that align with the Board’s strategy.

The CEO is expected to perform all duties in accordance with United Way of Greater Baytown Area & Chambers County policies and procedures, and will be given other duties not listed in the overview of the main job responsibilities.

Experience and Expertise We Value

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience, with preferred experience in a senior executive role.
• Must live within the jurisdiction of United Way of Greater Baytown Area & Chambers County.
• Demonstrated success leading nonprofit, community-based, or mission-driven organizations with complex stakeholder environments.
• Experience within the United Way network or a comparable community impact organization strongly preferred.
• Deep understanding of the United Way mission, values, and community impact framework.
• Familiarity with United Way Worldwide standards, accountability measures, and brand expectations.
• Experience leading or supporting workplace campaigns, corporate partnerships, and donor stewardship.
• Ability to work effectively within a federated United Way system while advancing local priorities.
• Proven fundraising success across multiple revenue streams.
• Strong financial management and budgeting experience.
• CFRE credential preferred or willingness to pursue.

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 the essential functions.

• Moves about inside the office to attend meetings, access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Frequently operates a computer and other office machinery to compile and retrieve information, to draft and write, and to handle general and confidential paperwork.
• Occasionally positions self to reach files, binders, etc. above the head and/or near the floor.
• Occasionally must lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Constantly uses vision abilities, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Frequently exchange information in person and/or in writing via telephone and computer.

What We Offer
United Way of Greater Baytown Area and Chambers County offer a competitive annual salary range of $103, 272.00 to $154,918.00, with the final offer determined by education, training, experience, and proven performance. In addition, the comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, holidays, vacation, and sick time; Free parking; cell phone stipend; and professional development opportunities. Relocation is optional and will be based on the selected candidate’s needs; a relocation allowance may be considered.

Application Process
To be considered for this position, applicants must submit a complete application package, including a cover letter, résumé, and a statement of salary preference. We appreciate your interest in this opportunity; however, only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted. Applicants are encouraged to review our current vacancy listings for additional career opportunities. This position will remain open until it is filled.

Projected Timeline for Recruitment (Flexible and Subject to Change)

Application period: March-April

Prescreening Interviews: March (rolling basis)

Panel Interviews: April

Start Date: April 13, 2026 (Tentative)

(Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. The organization reserves the right to advance candidates and conclude the interview phase early should an ideal candidate be identified prior to the stated deadline.)

United Way of Greater Baytown Area and Chambers County is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and community members.