Executive Director – United Way of Hamblen County

About the United Way of Hamblen County
For over 60 years, the United Way of Hamblen County has served as a cornerstone of community care, bringing people and resources together to improve lives across Hamblen County. Established in 1961, the organization has built a trusted reputation as a convener, connector, and catalyst for positive change. Guided by the belief that lasting progress happens when communities work collectively, United Way of Hamblen County unites donors, volunteers, civic leaders, and nonprofit partners to address the community’s most pressing needs.

At the heart of United Way’s impact is its network of partner agencies, more than 20 local nonprofits that deliver essential programs in the areas of health, education, and financial stability. From providing early childhood resources and mentoring opportunities, to supporting food security, housing stability, and access to healthcare, these agencies represent the diversity of Hamblen County’s needs and the resilience of its people. United Way of Hamblen County not only funds this vital work but also amplifies it, ensuring that every dollar raised locally is reinvested into the programs making the greatest difference for neighbors in need.

The organization’s strength lies in its ability to convene diverse partners, businesses, schools, churches, civic groups, and nonprofits, around a shared vision for a stronger, more resilient community. Whether coordinating annual fundraising campaigns, mobilizing volunteers, or serving as a trusted voice for collaboration, United Way fosters unity across sectors. Its workplace campaigns, local events, and community initiatives embody a spirit of generosity that has defined Hamblen County for generations.

Today, United Way of Hamblen County stands at an exciting juncture. With deep community roots, a legacy of trusted service, and a renewed commitment to visibility and impact, the organization is poised to expand its reach and relevance. By strengthening its partnerships, modernizing its systems, and telling its story with renewed energy, United Way is preparing to enter its next chapter of impact, continuing to be the community’s unifying force for good.

The Opportunity
The next Executive Director of United Way of Hamblen County will step into a pivotal leadership role at a moment of renewal and possibility. Building on more than six decades of trusted service and the strong foundation established by the outgoing Executive Director, this leader will guide the organization into its next chapter, strengthening community relationships, elevating visibility, and ensuring that United Way continues to serve as the backbone for collective impact in Hamblen County. This is a highly relational and strategic opportunity for someone who is energized by convening diverse partners and inspiring generosity to create meaningful, lasting change.

The incoming Executive Director will be called to increase community awareness of United Way’s mission and amplify the organization’s impact. Success in the role will mean being a visible and authentic presence in the community, engaging directly with donors, businesses, churches, schools, civic leaders, and partner agencies. The right candidate will be an approachable and trusted ambassador, able to share the story of United Way with clarity and enthusiasm, while honoring the voices and experiences of the people it serves. Above all, this leader will bring humility, integrity, and a collaborative spirit to their work.

This is also a moment to build upon and expand the organization’s financial foundation. The new Executive Director will play a central role in cultivating relationships with individual and corporate donors, inspiring renewed confidence in United Way’s campaigns, and exploring opportunities for diversified revenue. At the same time, they will steward the organization’s internal systems and team, ensuring sound financial management, consistent operations, and a supportive organizational culture. Balancing big-picture vision with steady execution will be key to moving the organization forward with energy and focus.

The opportunity is both challenging and deeply rewarding. The new Executive Director will inherit an organization with loyal supporters, strong community roots, and a unique ability to impact multiple issue areas at once. With authenticity and strategic leadership, this individual will have the chance to energize a dedicated staff and board, strengthen partnerships with more than 20 local nonprofit agencies, and position United Way of Hamblen County as a unifying force for the future. For the right leader, this is an opportunity to leave a lasting mark on the lives of thousands of neighbors and to shape the next era of collective impact in Hamblen County.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising & Donor Engagement

• Serve as a visible and credible fundraising ambassador in the community.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, and workplace campaigns.
• Strengthen and diversify the organization’s revenue model with a focus on donor retention and long-term sustainability.
• Inspire a culture of philanthropy among board members, staff, and community stakeholders.

Strategic & Community Leadership

• Champion a bold, community-centered vision for United Way’s role in Hamblen County.
• Build trust-based relationships with nonprofit agencies, business leaders, donors, churches, schools, and civic partners.
• Increase public awareness of United Way’s mission, impact, and value proposition across diverse audiences.
• Lead the development of a clear strategic roadmap that honors the past while inspiring future growth and relevance.

Organizational & Financial Management

• Ensure the sound fiscal management of the organization in alignment with board-approved policies and budgets.
• Oversee internal operations, grant stewardship, and systems modernization to ensure efficiency and transparency.
• Recruit, retain, and support a small, mission-driven staff team with clarity, consistency, and care.
• Provide timely updates and strategic guidance to the Board of Directors and collaborate on governance best practices.

Communication & Public Presence

• Act as the primary spokesperson for the organization, sharing impact stories and amplifying the voices of partner agencies.
• Communicate proactively, openly, and consistently with internal and external audiences.
• Represent United Way in public forums, media interviews, and community events with professionalism and authenticity.

Ideal Candidate Profile Experience & Qualifications:

• Proven success in nonprofit, philanthropic, or civic leadership roles, ideally with executive-level responsibility.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising and donor cultivation, with comfort being the face of fundraising efforts.
• Strategic and operational leadership experience, including financial oversight and team management.
• Familiarity with the Hamblen County community or deep commitment to learning its dynamics, values, and needs.

Leadership Style & Attributes:

• Humble, authentic, and relationship-centered; able to build trust across diverse communities.
• Collaborative and inclusive leader who values shared success over personal recognition.
• Skilled communicator with strong public speaking, storytelling, and listening abilities.
• Committed to integrity, transparency, and alignment between words and actions.
• Energetic, resilient, and grounded; able to balance vision with steady execution.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 5–7 years of leadership experience in community-serving roles — such as nonprofit management, civic engagement, board leadership, or corporate-community partnerships
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, donor engagement, or revenue generation
• Experience managing staff, budgets, and internal operations with accountability and transparency
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Strong relationship-building skills with diverse community partners
• Demonstrated integrity, humility, and ability to lead with authenticity
• Ability to represent the organization publicly and passionately
• Commitment to learning and honoring the unique values and needs of Hamblen County

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior executive leadership experience (Executive Director, CEO, or equivalent)
• Familiarity with the Hamblen County region or existing relationships within the community
• Experience working with a nonprofit board of directors
• Knowledge of United Way’s model, community impact strategies, or collective giving frameworks
• Financial acumen, including grant oversight and diversified funding models
• Bilingual or cross-cultural communication skills

Key Opportunities and Challenges

In the first 12–18 months, the Executive Director will have the opportunity to:

• Inspire greater community engagement by elevating United Way’s visibility and demonstrating the organization’s unique impact in Hamblen County.
• Strengthen and deepen relationships with donors, agencies, businesses, and civic partners to expand collaboration and shared investment in community solutions.
• Champion innovation and modernization by enhancing internal systems and processes that support operational excellence and long-term growth.
• Energize and align staff and board around a shared vision for United Way’s next chapter.
• Shape a bold strategic direction that leverages United Way’s history and positions the organization for greater impact and scale in the years ahead.

LOCATION
This is a full-time, exempt role based in Morristown, Tennessee, with regular in-person engagement across the Hamblen County community. Relocation assistance will be considered for exceptional candidates interested in making Hamblen County home.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The compensation range for this role is $100,000 to $125,000. Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience. The benefits package includes paid time off, healthcare support, and professional development opportunities.

TO APPLY
United Way of Hamblen County has retained the services of ThinkingAhead Executive Search’s Nonprofit Division to serve as our recruitment partner. If you are qualified and interested, please apply here

Questions can be directed to:

Kay Linder
Partner, Nonprofit Division
ThinkingAhead Executive Search
klinder@thinkingahead.com

Heather Campbell
Partner, Nonprofit Division
ThinkingAhead Executive Search
hcampbell@thinkingahead.com

Application Process Interested candidates should submit the following materials:

• A tailored cover letter describing interest and fit
• A current resume

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. United Way of Hamblen County is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds.