Director, Network Relations

POSITION SUMMARY (Hybrid, 3 days in office - Alexandria, VA)

The Director, Network Relations serves as project manager and a liaison to United Way advisory councils that advance critical agendas on behalf of United Way Worldwide and the global United Way Network. The Director is responsible for ensuring the successful implementation and administration of council and task force initiatives, as well as facilitating effective communication and collaboration among council members and key stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have excellent project management skills, strong leadership abilities, outstanding relationship skills, and a deep understanding of advisory council and task force dynamics. Current familiarity with United Way is strongly preferred.

A primary responsibility of the Director is to manage the ongoing administration of the United Way Network Advisory Council, an elected body of local United Way CEOs who advise United Way Worldwide on key initiatives and UWW’s role in serving the needs of the Network. The Director ensures excellent and timely operations of all functions of the Council, including meetings, committees, project teams, communications, stakeholder engagement, and documentation and reporting. Additionally, the Director coordinates alignment between Council work and UWW strategies and operational priorities.

The Director plays similar roles to support the Culture Transformation Task Force and other Network groups as assigned. This individual serves as a key communicator and connector across various stakeholder groups, including diverse Network representatives and UWW departments. The Director demonstrates exceptional judgment, political savvy, and relationship management to ensure that the councils and task forces deliver the highest value to United Way. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF POSITION

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty listed below at a satisfactory level: 

• Council Coordination – Coordinate and schedule meetings, ensuring all necessary preparations are made. Develop and communicate meeting agendas in collaboration with council leadership. Maintain regular communication with members and stakeholders. Manage special activities such as member elections. 
• Project Planning and Execution – Collaborate with council leaders to establish clear goals, timelines, and deliverables for council initiatives. Develop and maintain detailed project plans. Monitor and track project progress, identifying potential issues and risks, and implementing appropriate mitigation strategies. 
• Stakeholder Engagement – Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, maintaining positive relationships and addressing concerns. Collaborate with relevant UWW departments and teams. Facilitate communication and collaboration, fostering a constructive and inclusive environment. Organize and facilitate stakeholder engagement activities. 
• Documentation and Reporting ­­– Develop and maintain a repository of council-related documents. Prepare regular progress reports and updates for council leadership and key stakeholders. Ensure accurate and timely documentation of council activities, decisions, and recommendations. 

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Minimum requirements include: 

• Bachelor’s degree or commensurate experience. 
• At least seven years of relevant experience in project management, with certifications preferred. 
• Significant experience in managing and supporting advisory councils or equivalent bodies. 
• Substantial understanding of nonprofit federations, with a strong preference for prior experience with United Way.
• Exceptional skills in organizing, written and verbal communication, and relationship skills. 
• Strong orientation to detail and exemplary, timely execution. 
• Excellence in documentation and reporting, and in managing project-tracking systems. 
• Abilities to design, gather, and analyze data, and to report on findings appropriately for different audiences. 
• Outstanding relationship and stakeholder-engagement skills and savvy.
• Skill in advising and influencing leaders at different levels and in different roles.  
• Cross-cultural acumen in engaging diverse stakeholders across a global network. 
• An orientation to continuous improvement and efficiency. 

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position.  It should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all required duties, responsibilities and skills. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable disabled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job.

SALARY STATEMENT

The budgeted lifespan salary range for this position is currently $ 120,000 to $135,000 per year. Salaries are determined by several factors including applicant’s knowledge, skills, experience, position, equity, and market.

COMPETENCIES

An individual must be able to demonstrate the following competencies at a satisfactory level  and be able to work onsite in Alexandria, VA:

Accountability/Results Orientation - Is accountable for the work results and performance to budget of an assigned department, as well as the effective and efficient utilization of UWW resources (human, financial, and capital.)  Articulates and communicates work goals and objectives, as well as expected work results. Establishes work quality standards for assigned teams in order to help ensure the attainment of departmental goals and objectives. Accepts responsibility for the outcomes achieved. Protects the United Way brand, promoting its relevance and status to the extent possible. Behaves ethically and honestly in all activities done on behalf of UWW and the movement. Demonstrates a commitment to UWW’s values, including diversity and inclusiveness.

Decision-Making/Risk-Taking - Weighs the pros and cons of available options and makes departmental decisions. Seeks input from team leaders on the potential impact of decisions on their ability to effectively achieve desired outcomes/results. Identifies and communicates departmental/organizational tactics, challenges and opportunities. Encourages risk-taking.

Teamwork Collaboration - Builds a cohesive and diverse department. Supports and motivates others to contribute to the department. Determines the composition of teams required to accomplish departmental goals and objectives. Provides direction and clarity around goal priorities to empower work departments to be effective in collaborating to meet established departmental goals and objectives. Initiates and directs group change initiatives and serves as a change agent.

Relationship Management - Embodies and promotes UWW's values and guiding principles. Promotes a "win-win" philosophy in dealing with others. Serves as a role model in dealing with others to accomplish organization goals and objectives. Works effectively with United Way staff, volunteers and other stakeholders to achieve strategic direction. Able to manage and sustain key relationships to benefit the United Way movement and/or UWW. Formulates and communicates in an ethical and politically sensitive manner.

Communications - Expresses ideas and concepts in a clear and concise manner. Is persuasive and influences others. Actively listens to others to understand their perspectives. Seeks input and feedback on individual, team and departmental performance and environment. Supports openness.

Innovation/Creativity - Shares a deep commitment to the UW vision. Develops a "connected" vision for the Group. Has a plan to meet Group vision and contribute to overall success. Promotes a climate that values and rewards innovation and creativity. Acknowledges and champions the efforts of others to "think outside the box.” Maintains knowledge of current and emerging trends that affect United Ways, UWW and/or the non-profit sector. Demonstrates ability to analyze information and translate it into specific, effective action/solutions.

Talent Builder - Empowers people to perform. Motivates and develops staff. Encourages staff to take on challenging assignments and developmental opportunities. Aware of learning and career goals of each direct report. Effective coach (e.g., aiding staff to develop their own insights and actions) and takes advantage of coachable moments (e.g., times when people experience success, disappointment, or are trying a skill for the first time). Helps people learn the right lessons from experience. Gives employees guidance and tools needed to do the job and steps out of their way. Supports healthy balance between work and personal life. Gives credit and recognizes achievements. Gives opportunity for people to present and work.

Emotional Intelligence - Self-aware. Shows empathy for the concerns, motivations, challenges, and lived experience of others. Curious about how others feel. Compassionate. Confronts others supportively. Remains composed under pressure. Low ego—has strength of character without needing to draw attention to or protect one’s self. Authentic. Slow to blame and quick to accept personal responsibility. Ability to resolve conflicts productively. Keeps promises and follows through. Keeps confidences. Leads from a position of equality. Leads with respect and inclusivity. Creates, promotes, and pronounces psychological safety free of discrimination, judgement, and retribution.

ABOUT UNITED WAY WORLDWIDE

United Way Worldwide seeks diverse, qualified professionals who want to make a difference in the world. If you are passionate about your work and desire to help others achieve enhanced education, income, and health, United Way Worldwide is the place for you.

United Way Worldwide is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, disability, veteran status, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, and other legally protected characteristics, in accordance with applicable laws. The EEO is the Law poster is available here: http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please e-mail pstbt@uww.unitedway.org and provide the nature of your request and your contact information.

We are a charter member of Employers of National Service and encourage AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni to apply.

United Way Worldwide is located in Old Town Alexandria, VA. We offer competitive salary and excellent benefits including: health, dental, life, short-term and long-term disability, employee assistance program, 403(b) plan, tuition assistance, paid time off, family sick leave, medical appointment leave, parental/adoption leave, dress for your day, free parking, onsite gym, monthly volunteering opportunities, and more.

UNITED WAY WORLDWIDE’S DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLE

We take the broadest possible view of diversity. 

We value the visible and invisible qualities that make you who you are.

We welcome that every person brings a unique perspective and experience to advance our mission and progress our fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community.

We believe that each United Way community member, donor, volunteer, advocate, and employee must have equal access to solving community problems.

We strive to include diversity, equity, and inclusion practices at the center of our daily work.

We commit to using these practices for our business and our communities.

Join us in embracing diversity, equity and inclusion for every person in every community.

LIVE UNITED.