Senior Director Partnership & Investments

Reports To: VP, Community & Collective Impact

FLSA Status: Exempt - Full-Time

Core Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

SUMMARY

Senior leadership team role developing and managing United Way of the Piedmont’s (UWP) strategic capacity-building initiatives, including advocacy, AmeriCorps programs, community investment, and community education and training. Build and maintain partnerships with community stakeholders, local government, funders, nonprofits, and other external partners to advance the work of UWP. Collaborate with senior leadership team for organization-wide decision-making, including budget development and oversight in partnership with the Board of Directors.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Advocacy

• Represent the organization in advocacy meetings and initiatives, including the United Way Association of South Carolina Public Policy Day.
• Develop and implement an advocacy agenda aligned with organizational goals.
• Coordinate the work of the Advocacy Committee and engage stakeholders effectively.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with elected officials at the local and state levels.
• Deliver presentations and testimony in support of advocacy efforts.
• Monitor and analyze policy developments relevant to the organization’s mission.

AmeriCorps Programs (State/National & VISTA)

• Serve as Director for AmeriCorps grants and supervise the AmeriCorps Program Coordinator.
• Attend and contribute to AmeriCorps meetings and planning sessions.
• Ensure program milestones, deadlines, and grant compliance requirements are met.
• Develop and drive strategic direction for AmeriCorps initiatives.
• Build and sustain partnerships to expand program reach.
• Develop and manage AmeriCorps program budgets, including SAM.gov registration.

Community Investment

• Lead the Community Investment process on a three-year cycle with partner and community input.
• Coordinate annual progress reporting and maintain Results-Based Accountability dashboards.
• Communicate regularly with funded partners to ensure alignment and progress.
• Drive continuous improvement of the Community Impact Agenda on a 5–10 year cycle.
• Manage the annual Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP), including compliance oversight.

Community Education & Training

• Plan and facilitate trainings such as Board Basics, Advocacy 101, Poverty Simulations, and ALICE presentations.
• Organize panels, presentations, and workplace engagements as needed.
• Facilitate nonprofit capacity-building opportunities, including collaborative sessions with Joint Funders.
• Manage budgets for all training and educational programs.

Statewide 211 and ALICE Partnerships

• Manage partnerships with statewide 211 and ALICE programs.
• Collaborate with program leadership to align services with community needs.
• Monitor and evaluate program impact and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Serve as primary liaison to stakeholders, fostering collaboration and innovation.

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.

BENEFITS

Salary starting at $60,000, commensurate with experience. United Way of the Piedmont offers medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k with 3% safe harbor contribution and up to 2% employer match, 13 annual holidays, and paid time off. Candidates must pass a background check and drug screen to be considered for employment.

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.

TO APPLY

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, salary requirements, and resume to hr@uwpiedmont.org. No partial applications will be considered.