Executive Directors

Job Title: Executive Director

FLSA Status: Exempt, Full-time

Department: Community Impact / Union Uplifted

Core Hours: M-F, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Reports To: President/CEO

Salary: $80k, commensurate with experience

SUMMARY

Lead Union Uplifted, United Way of the Piedmont’s (UWP) Union County cradle-to-career initiative, aligning systems, partners, and resources around population-level outcomes for children, youth, and families to increase financial security and stability. Guided by the StriveTogether framework, advance community-wide strategies that ensure every child can thrive and succeed from early childhood through postsecondary completion and career attainment. Build and coordinate cross-sector partnerships; engage community volunteers in strategy development; lead communications, initiative-level fundraising, and budgeting in collaboration with UWP shared services; align work around shared indicators; translate data into action; and mobilize partners toward equitable outcomes across key pillars (e.g., Early Care & Learning, Workforce Readiness, Postsecondary & Career Pathways).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Collective Impact Leadership & Strategy

• Establish and sustain a shared cradle-to-career vision across multiple pillars.
• Align cross-sector partners around population-level outcomes, indicators, and strategies.
• Lead development and execution of annual and multi-year action plans tied to measurable results.
• Build and manage collaborative action networks that drive accountability.
• Identify disparities and co-design strategies to close outcome gaps.

Community Leadership, Engagement & Communications

• Build trusted relationships with community leaders, system partners, parents, youth, and residents.
• Serve as a community catalyst, adapting leadership across facilitator, strategist, and advocate roles.
• Convene and facilitate partner meetings, working groups, and cross-sector task forces.
• Serve as the primary ambassador and storyteller, building public understanding and support.
• Lead initiative-level communications in coordination with UWP staff.

Data, Outcomes & Continuous Improvement

• Guide results-based data, evaluation, and learning efforts aligned to shared outcomes.
• Translate data into actionable insights that inform strategy and improvement.
• Ensure partners have access to usable data and shared learning tools.
• Collaborate with UWP team to produce dashboards, reports, and outcome summaries.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement focused on learning and impact.

Fundraising & Resource Development

• Lead initiative-level fundraising strategy in partnership with UWP Resource Development team.
• Cultivate and steward funder and donor relationships.
• Contribute to grant development and outcome-focused narratives.
• Ensure accurate, timely funder/partner reporting supported by UWP team.
• Align funding strategies to support sustainability and growth.

Operations & Network Accountability

• Oversee day-to-day operations, project management, and partner coordination.
• Manage budget and initiative resources.
• Execute MOUs and partnership agreements in alignment with UWP policies.
• Build the systems, relationships, and capacity needed to establish and sustain a high-performing StriveTogether-aligned partnership.

Team & Volunteer Leadership

• Build and support a diverse, high-performing team of staff, facilitators, and volunteers.
• Recruit, train, and support volunteers engaged in action networks.
• Provide coaching, professional development, and clear performance expectations.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and learning-oriented team culture.

CORE & LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

Mission-Focused: Understands how the role advances UWP’s mission and vision of a united community where everyone thrives.

Effective Communicator: Communicates clearly, persuasively, and diplomatically across diverse audiences; serves as a compelling spokesperson.

Collaborative Leader: Builds alignment across systems, sectors, and stakeholders.

Results-Driven: Sets, pursues, and tracks measurable goals; embraces innovation and continuous improvement.

Brand Steward: Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct; protects and enhances the UWP brand.

Adaptability & Efficiency: Thrives in fast-paced environments; manages multiple priorities with organization and urgency.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in Education, Public Administration, Social Work, Nonprofit Management, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in collective impact, systems change, education, workforce development, community engagement, or nonprofit leadership.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-sector partnerships and advancing shared outcomes.
• Experience managing complex initiatives, multiple partners, and measurable results.
• Familiarity with the StriveTogether framework and the ability to develop the expertise, relationships, and systems needed to establish Union Uplifted as a StriveTogether partnership.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and shifting timelines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; experience using AI tools to increase productivity.
• Ability to learn and use other technologies and systems for relationship management and virtual convening
• Willing and able to work a flexible schedule, including occasional early mornings and evenings.
• Comfortable working in a hybrid environment.
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation throughout the workday.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment described are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. This position requires the ability to sit, stand, speak, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and other office equipment. The employee may be required to reach, stoop, or kneel and must have close, distance, and color vision for computer-based work. Occasional lifting, pushing, or pulling of up to 25 pounds may be required. The work environment is a typical office setting with moderate noise levels, including routine office activity and visitors. This role requires the ability to work at a computer workstation and in conference or meeting spaces.

United Way of the Piedmont is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Employer of National Service. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

Send Cover Letter and Resume to: HR@uwpiedmont.org