Director, Leadership Giving

Why Choose United Way Central Florida?

Imagine going home each day with the satisfaction of knowing you’ve made a lasting difference. At United Way Central Florida (UWCF), our team shares a powerful passion for creating positive change in our community. We work in a dynamic, collaborative environment where relationships matter, and every connection has the potential to inspire generosity and transform lives.

Together, we are united by purpose and energized by the meaningful relationships we build every day. Our culture is one of collaboration, encouragement, and shared success -- where your contributions are valued, your voice is heard, and your impact is visible across the organization and throughout the community.

If you are a relationship-driven fundraiser who thrives on connecting people to purpose and making a meaningful impact, we invite you to consider joining our team.

Position Overview

The Director, Leadership Giving is a highly relational, results-driven fundraising leader responsible for growing and stewarding a portfolio of individual donors contributing up to $2,500 annually. This role leads UWCF’s Leadership Giving strategy across the entry and mid-level donor pipeline, with a strong emphasis on Young Leaders Society (YLS) and Women United affinity groups.

This position offers true ownership of a donor portfolio, with the opportunity to shape strategy, deepen relationships, and drive measurable fundraising results. The Director serves as a visible ambassador for UWCF -- partnering closely with volunteer leaders, steering committees, and community partners to expand reach, strengthen engagement, and inspire philanthropic investment across Polk County. Additionally, this role plays a key part in cultivating emerging leaders by representing UWCF within the EMERGE Lakeland network -- helping to build meaningful connections and strengthen the future pipeline of Leadership Giving donors.

This is a frontline fundraising role for someone who enjoys building authentic relationships, confidently making the ask, and staying engaged through every step of the donor journey -- from first connection to lasting commitment.

Key Responsibilities

• Build, manage, and actively grow a portfolio of individual donors giving up to $2,500 annually, with clear goals for retention, upgrade, and acquisition.
• Serve as a frontline fundraiser, conducting donor meetings, calls, and in-person solicitations to secure gifts and increase giving levels.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of Leadership Giving affinity groups, including Young Leaders Society (YLS) and Women United, ensuring strong volunteer engagement, growth, and impact.
• Serve as the UWCF partner agency representative for EMERGE Lakeland, building relationships with emerging leaders and strengthening the pipeline for future Leadership Giving engagement.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive annual engagement and fundraising plan, including affinity group strategies, donor touchpoints, and campaign initiatives.
• Lead the planning and execution of affinity group events and donor experiences that enhance engagement and connection to UWCF’s mission.
• Recruit, engage, and support volunteer leaders to advance fundraising goals and strengthen community involvement.
• Collaborate with the Corporate Philanthropy team to identify new prospects and cross-functional giving opportunities.
• Leverage community events, networking opportunities, and digital engagement to cultivate and steward donor relationships aligned with UWCF’s strategic priorities.
• Track, analyze, and report on donor engagement and fundraising performance using CRM tools (ANDAR), ensuring accuracy and strategic insight.
• Represent UWCF at community events, on committees, and through partnerships, strengthening visibility and relationships across the region.
• Contribute to UWCF’s broader fundraising strategy through collaboration, innovation, and leadership presence.

What We’re Looking For

Skills & Qualifications

• Proven ability to personally solicit and close gifts through relationship-based fundraising.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage, inspire, and connect authentically with diverse audiences.
• Highly organized, goal-oriented, and accountable, with the ability to manage a portfolio and meet fundraising targets.
• Demonstrated persistence and resilience, with a thoughtful and consistent approach to follow-up and donor engagement.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and credibility with donors, volunteers, and community leaders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and CRM systems such as ANDAR.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, relationship-driven environment.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, and occasional weekends for events and donor engagement.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, nonprofit management, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3–5+ years of progressive experience in fundraising, donor relations, or sales, with demonstrated success in meeting revenue goals.
• Strong connection to and willingness to build deep relationships within Polk County, FL.
• Experience working with volunteer boards, committees, or affinity groups highly preferred.
• A natural connector -- someone energized by meeting people, building relationships, and advancing a mission through philanthropy.

Work Schedule & Travel Expectations

This role requires an active presence in the community. Work hours will vary based on donor availability, events, and meetings, including early mornings, evenings, and occasional weekends. Regular local travel throughout Polk County is expected.

Compensation and Benefits

This position offers a starting salary range of $60,000 – $65,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications, along with a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurances, paid time off, holidays, and professional development opportunities.

Disaster Response

Every United Way Central Florida employee is considered a disaster response worker and may be expected to support emergency response efforts when community Emergency Support Functions (ESF) are activated, after ensuring personal and family safety.

Inclusion at UWCF

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and welcome all qualified applicants. UWCF is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you are a passionate, relationship-driven fundraiser who is ready to inspire generosity, build meaningful connections, and see the direct impact of your work in the community, we encourage you to apply.

Submit your resume to hr@uwcf.org and take the next step in advancing your career while making a lasting difference.