Executive Director, United Way of Ashtabula County

About Us

The United Way of Ashtabula County is seeking an Executive Director to oversee the administration, programs, fundraising, and community outreach of the organization. United Way of Ashtabula County is a 501(c) 3 organization whose mission is to build a vibrant community by focusing on education, income, and health. The Executive Director is responsible for providing visionary leadership, building community partnerships, managing daily operations, driving fundraising initiatives, and resource development. In partnership with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director ensures the organization advances its mission and maintains financial sustainability, brand integrity, and community trust.

Where We Are

Nestled along the scenic southern shore of Lake Erie, Ashtabula County, Ohio, offers a rare blend of purpose-driven work and an enriching quality of life. Known for its natural beauty, waterfront views, and welcoming communities, the region provides an inviting backdrop for both professional growth and personal fulfillment.

With a cost of living that supports comfort and flexibility, and convenient access to nearby metropolitan areas like Cleveland and Erie, Ashtabula County strikes an ideal balance between small-town charm and regional connectivity.

At the United Way of Ashtabula County, you’ll find more than a leadership role—you’ll find an opportunity to make a lasting impact in a community that values connection, collaboration, and meaningful change.

The successful Executive Director will focus on the following areas of impact and responsibility:

Fundraising and Community Outreach

• Charged to drive key results in resource development; to identify, cultivate, and solicit prospective donors and key leaders, prospective new corporate partners; to leverage personal and professional contacts and relations into fundraising opportunities; and to promote a culture of fundraising, both at the staff and board level.
• Ensures the organization’s community outreach prioritizes education, health, and financial stability.
• Lead community impact efforts based on community needs within the capacity of the organization while supporting all organizational activities and partner charities.
• Perform grant writing efforts to support ongoing initiatives.
• Coordinates and oversees public awareness and publicity of the work and activities of the organization within the community, acting as the primary media spokesperson.
• Ensures United Way maintains an active social media presence across multiple platforms and that the website is relevant and timely.

Community Partner Collaboration

• Meet with Community Partners at least annually to stay abreast of programs, services, opportunities, and challenges while ensuring they comply with the Memorandum of Agreement and Grant agreement.
• Keep Community Partners informed of United Way, the campaign, and expectations for a successful partnership.

Grants Management

• Manage the Community Investment grant process, create and distribute applications, recruit and guide Community Investment Committee panels, and act as liaison with the Board of Trustees in the award process.

Collaboration with the Board of Trustees

• Partner with the Board of Trustees to ensure the organization is achieving its mission objectives in all areas, including but not limited to financial, fundraising, program priorities, budget, operational, and long-term goals.
• Meet regularly with the Board of Trustees and committees and provide updates on work activities. Prepare all paperwork for board meetings, including but not limited to agenda, financial reports, previous minutes, and action items.
• Accountable for income and expenditures in accordance with the budget and funding requirements. Prepare the annual budget based on anticipated funds and determine program priorities; submit the budget draft to the Board of Trustees for approval.
• Work closely with the Board of Trustees and other assigned committees to ensure the successful implementation of the UWAC strategic plan. Implement priorities and long-term goals, develop strategies and action plans while providing progress to the board in an ongoing manner.

Management and Administration

• Provide day-to-day management of the UWAC in accordance with board policy.
• Maintain a relationship with the accounting firm to manage UWAC finances and provide direction on financial policies, accounts receivable, and payables.
• With board approval, hire, direct, evaluate, and terminate as necessary any paid staff in accordance with UWAC’s personnel policy.
• Ensure that United Way technology is fully operational and works collaboratively with vendors, ensuring no interruption of services.

United Way Core Competencies for All Staff

• Mission-Focused: Catalyze others’ commitment to the mission to create real social change that leads to better lives and healthier communities. This drives their performance and professional motivations.
• Relationship-Oriented: Understands that people come before process and is astute in cultivating and managing relationships toward a common goal.
• Collaborator: understands the roles and contributions of all sectors of the community and can mobilize resources (financial and human) through meaningful engagement.
• Results-Driven: Dedicated to shared and measurable goals for the common good; creating, resourcing, scaling, and leveraging strategies and innovations for broad investment and impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent leadership experience
• Ability to set ambitious fundraising goals and lead volunteer teams to achieve or exceed targets through individual giving, strategic planning, corporate partnerships, grant acquisitions, and innovative campaigns.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic plans that align with mission, adapt to changing community needs, drive long-term growth, and impact.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, strong public speaker, proficient in computer aptitude, especially related to spreadsheets, email, and social media platforms.
• Experience in stabilizing and growing the business by building revenue, relationships, and increasing philanthropic support.
• Active professional growth, including leadership positions in related organizations.

Compensation & Benefits
United Way of Ashtabula County offers a competitive annual salary range of $50,00-$55,000, with the final offer determined by education, training, experience, and proven performance. In addition, the comprehensive benefits package includes a flexible work schedule, paid time off, and retirement contributions.

Work Schedule

This is an on-site position. This position operates primarily during standard business hours that consist of an 8-hour shift; however, flexibility is essential. The role requires availability for occasional evenings, early mornings, and weekend events, meetings, and activities that support the organization’s mission and community engagement efforts.

Application Process
To be considered for this position, applicants must submit a complete application package—including a cover letter, resume, and statement of salary preference. Only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted. Thank you for your interest. Please continue to review our vacancy listings for other career opportunities. The position will remain open until filled.

Projected Timeline for Recruitment (Flexible and Subject to Change)

Application period: May-June, 2026

Prescreening Interviews: June 2026 (On a rolling basis)

Panel Interviews: June-July, 2026 (On a rolling basis)

Start Date: The UWAC will seek to fill this role as soon as possible, with a start date mutually agreed upon to support a thoughtful and successful transition.

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