Executive Director

The United Way of Loudon County (UWLC) is a dynamic, community-driven nonprofit organization committed to addressing local needs and creating lasting change. We bring together individuals, businesses, government agencies, and community partners to address critical issues in the areas of education, income stability, and health. Our mission is to improve lives and strengthen the fabric of our community by mobilizing resources and fostering collaboration.

This position is being recruited by the United Way of Greater Knoxville but will work for and report to the Board of Directors of UWLC. 

Position Overview:
UWLC is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to serve as the Executive Director. This dynamic individual will be responsible for providing strategic direction, overseeing day-to-day operations, and driving the organization's mission forward. The Executive Director will report to the Board of Directors and work closely with community leaders, volunteers, and partners to advance our impact and reach.

Key Responsibilities:

Board of Directors 

1. Board Development. Coach and educate the BOD on the mission of UWLC incorporating the UWW guidelines.

2. Work with the BOD on developing and implementing strategic plans for continued growth in membership and fundraising.

3. Be a liaison between United Way of Loudon County, United Way of Greater Knoxville, and United Way Worldwide.

4. Provide materials and documents for monthly board meetings and/or other meetings as required. 5. Complete and submit on time all UWW requirements for membership reports.

Campaign 

1. Provide leadership and coordination of annual campaign activities working with the BOD to accomplish goals.

2. Act as the primary contact for UWLC with local businesses, industries, and individual donors.

3. Ensure that campaign receipts are processed through United Way of Greater Knoxville’s current campaign processing procedures.

4. Provide current campaign reports at the monthly board meeting or as required/requested.

5. Work with the Tellico Village Steering Committee on their annual campaign to support UWLC.

6. Work with the BOD to develop strategies for securing new donors (individuals, businesses, and industry).

7. Make applications to the Tennessee Employees Charitable Campaign (TECC) and other state and federal campaigns as determined.

Community Engagement 

1. Act as the primary contact between UWLC and current partner agencies.

2. Provide direction and support for the annual granting process.

3. Update and provide annual grant application forms to agencies seeking funding.

4. Receives and prepares agency applications and supporting documents for the annual granting process.

5. Educate BOD and the agencies on the granting process.

6. Work with the board to review current community needs for adjustments to grants to meet those needs.

7. Work with community partners to build engagement with United Way focus areas.

8. Work with the BOD to develop initiatives and programs that develop community engagement in the work of United Way.

Professional Skills

• Must show progressive thinking, with an understanding of philanthropic trends and best practices in donor-centered fundraising.

• Discernible skills in selecting, coaching, motivating, and training volunteers.

• Demonstrated success in leading and developing major fundraising initiatives with quantifiable results that meet or exceed objectives.

• Excellent relationship cultivation skills and the ability to engage and influence employees, board members, key volunteers, donors, and other stakeholders.  Ability to relate with a diverse group of individuals or organizations.  Must demonstrate comfort in socializing professionally in both intimate settings and at larger social events.

• A comprehension and appreciation of metrics and performance indicators used to measure progress in Resource Development.  

• Attention to detail and follow through on all elements of work.

• Experience in working with volunteer boards and committees.

• Must be available to meet with donors and prospects according to their schedule, often in the early morning, evenings, and on limited occasions the weekend. Must be able to provide own transportation to such meetings at various locations around Loudon County.

• Comfort and proficiency with presentation skills both one-on-one and publicly.  

• Fluent in the English language, both oral and written, including correct punctuation, spelling, and grammatical usage.

• Ability to complete basic math as well as review and interpret reports and graphs. 

• Proficient in the latest Microsoft Office Environment (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). 

• Understanding of and commitment to the mission, vision, and goals of United Way.

• Staff members who drive a vehicle on UWLC business must provide proof of a valid driver’s license and current automobile insurance.

• Maintain information on the UWLC website and provide posts to social media accounts.

EDUCATION/REQUIREMENTS 

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, psychology, or similar field.

• Experience in resource development, fundraising, and special events.

• Background in similar organizations of commensurate size and scope.

• Skilled at effectively presenting information and ideas to executive teams, volunteers, and the board of directors.

• Passion for the mission and values of United Way.

• Ability to earn the confidence and respect of stakeholders.

• Recognized as a collaborative, motivational, supportive, and visionary leader.

• Outstanding interpersonal, coaching, and listening skills, with the ability to communicate positively within all levels of the organization and the community served.

• Demonstrated ability to remain objective, be discrete, and exercise common sense at all times. 

• Able to develop strong, trusting relationships within the department, organization and the community served.

• Thrive in a dynamic environment and able to work on various projects simultaneously, requiring strong organizational and time management skills.

• Track record of developing partnerships, building teams, and managing conflict. 

• Experience in strategic planning and execution. 

Ready to become part of our mission? Join UWLC - where your ideas and actions make a difference.

In an effort to model equitable hiring practices, UWLC strives to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. The determination of this range includes various factors not limited to skill set level, experience and training, and licensure and certifications. To support the ability to reward merit-based performance, UWLC typically does not hire individuals at or near the top of the range for their role. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $50,000 - $60,000/year.

At UWLC, we recognize the richness that diversity brings. We strive to create a work culture where all belong and collaborate with local businesses, partner agencies, and community organizations in building more inclusive communities. We embrace and encourage our employees’ differences that make our employees unique. As an equal opportunity employer, we want to empower all our teammates to succeed and grow. Please let us know if you require accommodation at any point during the recruitment process. We will be happy to assist.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, sex, religion, creed, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, pregnancy, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and gender expression, familial status, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected status or characteristics.

UWLC provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

UWLC offers of employment are contingent upon the ability to complete a background investigation successfully. Background investigation components can vary depending on specific job criteria. UWLC will consider employment-qualified applicants with arrests and conviction records in accordance with all local regulations and ordinances.

UWLC will not discharge or, in any other manner, discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with UWGK's legal duty to furnish information.