Director of Education Initiatives

We Love What Makes You Unique

Your perspective fuels our mission-driven work at United Way of Greater New Haven. Consistent with our organizational values, we are committed to building a team that is inclusive across race, gender, age, religion, identity, and lived experience and believe that diverse perspectives are fundamental to the work we do.

Who We Are Looking For

Are you passionate about building equitable systems that support children and families from birth through college? United Way of Greater New Haven (UWGNH) is seeking a Director of Education Initiatives to lead our work across the early childhood and school-age youth continuum. This strategic role provides leadership for whole-child initiatives, builds strong collaboratives with community partners, and ensures measurable impact through grantmaking, engagement, and program oversight. The ideal candidate is a relationship-builder, systems thinker, and equity champion who thrives in dynamic, community-centered environments.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Lead Early Childhood & Youth Initiatives: Shape and implement a variety of birth-to-college strategies; partner with schools, providers, nonprofits, and funders to strengthen outcomes; elevate family and youth voices; oversee Secure Start Initiative.

Build & Strengthen Collaboratives and Partnerships: Convene coalitions and working groups; cultivate relationships with organizations, leaders, and caregivers; represent UWGNH at events and forums; collaborate on outreach strategies to increase visibility.

Grantmaking, Reporting, & Resource Development: Manage RFPs and contracts; conduct site visits and gather impact stories; support fundraising efforts; ensure timely and effective grant reporting.

Organizational Leadership & Cross-Team Collaboration: Contribute to UWGNH’s Education and Community Impact teams; share insights and best practices; foster a culture of equity and collaboration; support special projects as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred or equivalent experience
• Minimum 7 years of experience in nonprofit, education, youth development, or early childhood initiatives
• Demonstrated success leading complex community collaborations and partnerships
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Skilled in relationship-building across diverse communities
• Proficiency with Microsoft products including Word, Excel, and other Office 365 applications
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required.

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:  

• Experience with grantmaking, program evaluation, and impact storytelling
• Comfort navigating cloud-based systems and collaborative platforms
• Strategic thinking and ability to align initiatives with broader community goals
• Demonstrated comfort in learning new software/online tools as needed
• Ability to work with diverse staff and volunteers
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and dedication to the mission of UWGNH

JOB RELATIONSHIPS WITH:

• Vice President of Education
• Secure Start Consultant
• Early childhood providers, school leaders, nonprofit partners, city officials, and funders
• UWGNH Education and Community Impact teams
• Marketing & Engagement, Resource Development, and Finance teams
• Families, youth, and community leaders

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

WORKING CONDITIONS:  

• Normal office environment with little exposure to dust, noise, or temperature.
• Hybrid position, expected to work 2 days/week in our New Haven office
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.
• Extended viewing of computer monitor. 
• Minimal local travel to events within the region.  
• Regular evening and some weekend responsibilities. 

SALARY RANGE: $70,000-$80,000 annual salary plus competitive benefits package

In accordance with organizational policies, this position requires a criminal background check as a condition of employment.

About United Way

United Way of Greater New Haven brings people and organizations together to create solutions to Greater New Haven’s most pressing challenges in the areas of Education, Health, and Financial Stability grounded in racial and social justice. We tackle issues that cannot be solved by any one group working alone. We operate according to these organizational values.

United Way is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Don’t check off every box in the requirements listed above? Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. United Way of Greater New Haven is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging – so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still consider submitting an application. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings!

To Apply: Please submit your cover letter and resume at United Way of Greater New Haven Inc - Job Opportunities