President & Chief Executive Officer (President & CEO) - United Way of Lake & Sumter Counties

Reports to: Board of Directors
Location Requirement: Must establish residency in Lake or Sumter County within six months of hire
Status: Full-time, Exempt, Bonus Eligible

About United Way of Lake & Sumter Counties

United Way of Lake & Sumter Counties (UWLS) is a 4-star rated nonprofit dedicated to creating long-lasting change in the areas of Community Resiliency, Health, Financial Security, and Youth Opportunity. Nearly half of households in Lake County and over one-third in Sumter County live below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold, underscoring the urgent need for innovative leadership, strong partnerships, and sustainable fundraising to improve quality of life for our neighbors.

Lake County is celebrated for its rolling hills, more than 1,000 lakes, and vibrant communities that blend small-town charm with access to Orlando’s metropolitan opportunities. Residents and visitors alike enjoy boating, hiking, cycling, and exploring historic downtowns filled with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The county’s natural beauty and growing economy make it a dynamic place to live and work, while also presenting unique challenges for families striving to achieve stability.

Sumter County offers a glimpse of “the real Florida,” with wide-open spaces, abundant trails, and opportunities to camp, kayak, and fish. It is home to The Villages—one of the fastest-growing communities in the nation—alongside rural towns steeped in agricultural heritage. Residents enjoy a strong sense of community, local festivals, wineries, and cultural events, all while balancing the pressures of growth and affordability. Its proximity to Orlando and Tampa provides access to urban amenities while maintaining a relaxed, nature-centered lifestyle.

Together, Lake and Sumter Counties offer a diverse and thriving environment where UWLS plays a critical role in ensuring that all residents—whether in bustling urban centers, rural communities, or retirement villages—have access to resources that promote financial stability, health, education, and resilience. The President & CEO will lead UWLS in harnessing the strengths of these counties while addressing the disparities that challenge nearly 40% of households.

Position Summary

The President & CEO is the chief mobilizer, ambassador, and strategist for UWLS. This leader will inspire trust, build authentic relationships, and drive measurable community impact. Working closely with the Board of Directors, donors, partners, and staff, the President & CEO will expand UWLS’s reach and resources to address pressing local needs.

The ideal candidate is a visionary fundraiser, relationship-builder, and board partner who can balance strategic leadership with operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

Community Impact & Relationship Building

• Serve as the visible face of UWLS, cultivating trust and credibility with donors, volunteers, government leaders, businesses, nonprofits, and residents.
• Build and sustain cross-sector partnerships to advance initiatives in food security, disaster recovery, health equity, youth opportunity, and financial stability.
• Champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all community engagement efforts.

Fundraising & Resource Development

• Lead fundraising strategy, setting ambitious goals and diversifying revenue streams through campaigns, corporate partnerships, grants, and innovative giving models.
• Personally cultivate and solicit major donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Promote a culture of philanthropy across staff and board, ensuring fundraising is a shared responsibility.

Board Engagement & Strategic Leadership

• Partner with the Board of Directors to set vision, strategy, and measurable goals.
• Serve as the principal resource to the Board, ensuring strong governance practices and alignment with UWLS’s mission.
• Provide transparent reporting and ROI analysis of programs, events, and fundraising initiatives.
• Perform other strategic and organizational duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.

Organizational Management

• Build and lead a high-performing, mission-driven team; recruit, develop, and retain top talent.
• Ensure fiscal integrity, budget compliance, and risk mitigation in partnership with the CFO/finance team.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and inclusive workplace culture.

Candidate Profile

• Proven fundraiser with a track record of securing significant philanthropic and corporate support.
• Relationship-oriented leader skilled at building authentic connections across diverse communities.
• Board-savvy executive experienced in governance, strategy, and partnership with volunteer leadership.
• Strong communicator with public speaking, media, and advocacy skills.
• Demonstrated success in nonprofit or mission-driven leadership roles, ideally with experience in health, education, financial stability, or disaster recovery.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• Minimum 7–10 years of senior leadership experience.

Compensation & Benefits

United Way of Lake & Sumter Counties offers a competitive annual salary range of $120,000 to $130,000, determined by factors including the applicant’s knowledge, skills, experience, position, equity, and market. In addition, the comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

There is also an opportunity for a performance-based bonus contingent on organizational and individual performance.

Application Process & Recruitment Timeline

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and statement of salary preference. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Projected Timeline (Flexible and Subject to Change):

• December 8 – January 9: Job Posted (Open Application Period)
• January 8 – January 9: Rolling Prescreening Interviews
• January 12 – January 16: First Round Panel Interviews
• January 19 – January 23: Second Round Panel Interviews
• January 26 – January 30: Final Candidate Selected
• February 2 – February 6: Offer Finalization
• March – Start Date and Onboarding

Equal Opportunity Employer

United Way of Lake & Sumter Counties is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, disability, veteran status, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, and other legally protected characteristics, in accordance with applicable laws. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and community members.