Senior Director of Strategy and Mission Advancement

Reports To:        President and CEO

Location:           Must reside in Wisconsin

The Senior Director of Strategy and Mission Advancement will lead the strategic direction and mission-driven initiatives of the organization. This role focuses on implementing the organization’s strategic direction, including grant writing and compliance, relationship management, community partnerships, and cross-program strategies to ensure the successful implementation and impact of programs.

ABOUT UNITED WAY OF WISCONSIN 

United Ways improves lives and strengthen communities by mobilizing partners to close gaps and open opportunities so everyone can thrive in Wisconsin. United Way connects partners, donors, volunteers, and community leaders to tackle the root causes of complex challenges while making a positive impact on the lives of Wisconsinites. Statewide our key initiatives are 211 Wisconsin, Volunteer Wisconsin, Workforce Development, and Techquity Wi. We also provide member support services to local and independent United Ways in Wisconsin, and 211 regional contact centers. 

CORE COMPETENCIES

Candidates must be able to demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, exercise sound judgment, and dynamic teamwork. The person should excel at effective communication, sound technical skills, analytical ability, good judgment, and a strong operational focus. A commitment to adding value to the team with a goal of implementing United Ways strategic direction. The individual should have exceptional listening skills, demonstrate energy and initiative, and show integrity and compassion for all members of the team and community. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES:

This role is pivotal in advancing the mission of the organization through strategic leadership, effective grant management, and fostering strong community partnerships.

Grant Writing and Relationship Management:

• Research and identify grant opportunities from foundations, government agencies, and other sources.
• Write, submit, and manage grant applications, ensuring compliance with all requirements.
• Develop funding strategies for programs and services in collaboration with the Chief Executive Officer and program leads, including writing and/or leading the submission of grants and proposals to various funding sources.
• Collaborate with program leads to maintain relationships with grant-making organizations and provide regular updates on project progress and outcomes.
• Partner with association members to strengthen government and foundation partnerships that support United Way’s strategic direction.
• Communicate clearly with the Chief Executive Officer on opportunities to maintain or grow revenue, and challenges that may impact results.

Community Partnerships and Advocacy:

• Partner with organization leadership to develop relationships with members, external stakeholders, and policymakers.
• Analyze network needs to inform program strategy and development.
• Coordinate, represent, and strategically determine attendance at community outreach events and meetings in partnership with program leadership.
• Support the identification of external opportunities to leverage the organization’s brand and programmatic expertise.

Compliance and Data Management:

• Ensure grant compliance for local, state, and federal contracts, including timely and accurate reporting and grant renewals.
• Support program leaders to maintain accurate data and performance metrics.
• Support the development and implementation of data collection systems to report outputs and outcomes, using data to promote, advocate, and inform programming.
• Partner with the Chief Executive Officer to identify business needs and resources to drive a culture of data-driven decision making.

Programs and Performance:

• Support the Chief Executive Officer in overseeing the coordination, integration, and delivery of all programs, contracts, and related services.
• Ensure compliance with funding source requirements, agency-wide collaboration, and member network communication.
• Establish, monitor, and integrate goal setting, program needs assessment, and program outcome measurement for each program and department.
• Ensure strategic outreach, promotion, and publicity of programs in collaboration with the leadership and communication teams.
• Oversee and support key statewide programs, including 211 Wisconsin, Volunteer Wisconsin, Techquity Wisconsin, Community Health Workers Training and Apprenticeship, and initiatives aimed at strengthening local United Ways in Wisconsin.

Administrative and Fiscal Responsibilities

• Participate in the budget-development process and maintain fiscal responsibility.
• Develop administrative materials and policies as warranted.
• Serve as a content expert or consultant to the staff and the community at large.
• Act on the CEO’s behalf and/or perform other duties, as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of six years of experience in grant writing and relationship management that demonstrates growth success.
• Proven success in developing and implementing successful business development strategies.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
• High level of integrity and professionalism.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated knowledge of programmatic work areas and the ability to leverage this expertise in writing and in person.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Drives Vision & Purpose: Ability to lead large-scale program initiatives with a clear vision and strategic direction.
• Action Oriented: Takes on opportunities and tough challenges with urgency and high energy.
• Collaborates: Proven track record of working with leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Cultivates Innovation: Creates improved ways for the organization to be successful. Ability to develop and implement new and creative approaches to program delivery and improvement while respecting and understanding the organization’s history.
• Drives Engagement: Creates a climate where people are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its objectives.
• Business Planning & Analytical Skills: Strong business planning, time management, and analytical abilities to drive performance and results.
• Knowledge of Policy Issues: Understanding of state and national policy issues relevant to the organization, and how they affect internal and external partners.
• Nonprofit Strategy and Knowledge: A clear understanding of the business needs of United Way of Wisconsin and its members, with a focus on fostering strong partnerships.
• Interpersonal & Sales Skills: Exceptional interpersonal skills, including sales aptitude and customer relations, with a strong ability to motivate and achieve sales objectives.
• Communication Excellence: Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to prepare and deliver persuasive reports and presentations tailored to various audiences.

 Physical and Mental Demands

• The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this class, an employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and sit, talk or hear both in person and by telephone; use hands and fingers repetitively to handle or feel objects or controls and operate computers and other standard office equipment; reach with hands and arms.   
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret information; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret people and situations; learn and apply new information or skills, work under intensive deadlines and interact with UWWi staff and members and others encountered in the course of work.