President & CEO - United Way of the Bluegrass

Who we are:

United Way of the Bluegrass (UWBG) has been a leader and motivator of change for real solutions in Central Kentucky for 96 years. UWBG helps to advance the common good of the community by creating opportunities for a better life for all.

To achieve this, UWBG focuses on four key pillars of success:

1. Basic needs
2. Student success
3. School readiness
4. Financial stability

UWBG works to make a lasting difference by ensuring that situations, basic needs, injustices, inequities, lack of resources, and other obstacles and barriers are addressed in ways that move families forward, not hold them back. Through the diverse ways it funds programs and agencies that make quality, early childhood education opportunities available to thousands of children across our region, UWBG helps to make sure the next generation is equipped with the skills to succeed in school and in life. UWBG is also committed to investment in economic empowerment so that low-to-middle income families have the resources and support to meet needs, weather emergencies, and make investments toward a brighter future.

UWBG employs 35 staff members, 6 of whom make up the senior management team, and a 20-member board of directors. The current operating budget is $3.5M.

Where we are:

Lexington, Kentucky, is known as the “Horse Capital of the World,” home to world-renowned horse farms and the historic Keeneland Racecourse. Nestled in the heart of the Bluegrass Region, it features rolling hills, scenic landscapes, and a vibrant urban core, where innovation, businesses, and communities thrive. The city blends southern charm with a lively cultural scene, including art galleries, music venues, and the University of Kentucky. With a strong sense of community and rich historical roots, Lexington offers a lifestyle that is both inspiring and grounded, an ideal setting for bold leadership and visionary change.

The successful President & CEO will focus on the following areas of impact and responsibility:

Community Impact

The President & CEO is responsible for the overall impact of UWBG on the community, with particular emphasis on increasing its capacity to drive the impact agenda. The President & CEO will be working closely with the Staff and the Board of Directors to craft and adapt the strategy to achieve this increased impact, including raising the funds to support it. They will establish and build relationships with top leaders in the community, including those representing the highest levels in business, government, and non-profit sectors.

Resource Development

The President & CEO is charged to drive key results in fundraising; to identify, cultivate, and solicit prospective donors and key leaders of prospective new corporate partners; to leverage personal and professional contacts and relationships into fundraising opportunities; and to promote a culture of fundraising in the organization, both at the staff and board level. Additionally, the President & CEO should develop strategies to diversify mission-driven revenue through grants, contracts, etc.

Strategic Management

The President & CEO serves as the principal resource to the Board of Directors and its key committees and gives strong direction in policy formulation and interpretation. They partner with the Board of Directors and the UWBG Senior Leadership team to craft organizational goals and develop strategies to ensure that they are achieved. They ensure coordination and alignment of all UWBG’s activities to strategic direction in the areas of community impact, resource development, and staff alignment.

Organization Management

The President & CEO is accountable for building and leading high-performing teams, ensuring all teams are aligned and collaborating to achieve organizational results. They maintain accountability for the operational and fiscal integrity of the organization within policies set by the Board of Directors. The President & CEO assesses organizational capacity to implement strategies and identify gaps in systems and staffing; directly supervises Senior Leadership positions and establishes individual goals; works with the VP of Finance to manage organizational spending, monitor budget compliance, and mitigate financial risks; and ensures that UWBG goals of inclusiveness and diversity among staff and volunteers are met.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President & CEO is the leader of the organization, establishing a vision for community impact and/or collective impact that is achieved through the efforts of a diverse team of high-performing leaders, staff, and volunteers alike. The President & CEO is the Chief Mobilizer and Chief Ambassador; they leverage the power of relationships and networks, and work across private, public, and corporate sectors to improve conditions in the community. The President & CEO possesses a high level of broad business and management skills and is effective at generating resources and financial support for the organization. The President & CEO is dedicated to shared and measurable goals for the common good–creating, resourcing, scaling, and leveraging strategies for broad investment and impact. The President & CEO is the steward of the brand and understands their role in growing and protecting the reputation of UWBG. They are responsible for building trust in UWBG and its relevance in the community. They value the network and strive to leverage UWBG’s breadth of community presence, relationships, and strategy.

The Ideal Candidate Profile:

1. We seek a leader who can raise community awareness and clearly communicate an innovative vision for United Way of the Bluegrass.
2. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who builds authentic donor and stakeholder relationships with professionalism and has a proven fundraising record.
3. The candidate should have significant nonprofit or comparable leadership experience, with the ability to work effectively with volunteers, boards, and government entities.
4. The leader must command stakeholder confidence, promote diversity, and build community collaborations.
5. The President & CEO will provide innovative, collaborative leadership to grow resources, address community priorities, and ensure operational and fiscal integrity.
6. The candidate must be intellectually curious, innovative, business-savvy, and politically astute.
7. The leader should embody integrity, accountability, good judgment, flexibility, strong communication skills, and a high energy level with a sense of humor.
8. The role requires significant executive leadership experience, strong management skills, and expertise in finance, HR, contracts, and strategic planning.
9. The candidate must excel in planning, communication, and relationship-building with community stakeholders, business executives, foundation officials, donors, high-level government officials, and the media.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• A bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited college or university is required; an advanced degree or equivalent experience is preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in the nonprofit sector.
• Proven fundraising experience securing significant philanthropic, corporate, and institutional financial support.
• Experience with strategic planning and implementation
• Demonstrated successful experience in fiscal management and budget oversight, and compliance functions.
• Proficiency in data analytics and impact measurement in the nonprofit sector.
• Public advocacy experience at local, state, and federal levels
• Successful grant writing and management experience
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Open and participative management style
• Ability to work successfully with diverse groups and across multiple generations
• Demonstrable integrity and accountability in leadership roles

• The candidate must work on-site with flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, and occasional weekends as needed.

Compensation & Benefits
United Way of Blue Grass offers a competitive annual salary range of $160,000 to $190,000, with the final offer determined by education, training, experience, and proven performance. In addition, the comprehensive benefits package includes health insurance, a retirement plan, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. There is also an opportunity for a performance-based bonus. Relocation assistance is available to support a smooth transition.

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 listing for other career opportunities. The position will remain open until it is filled.

Projected Timeline for Recruitment (Flexible and Subject to Change)

Application period: August-September

Prescreening Interviews: August-September

Panel Interviews: October-November

Start Date: December 1, 2025

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