United Way of Forsyth County
President & CEO
Winston Salem, NC
President & CEO
United Way of Forsyth County
Winston Salem, NC
About United Way of Forsyth County
United Way of Forsyth County originated in 1923 as the Community Chest of Forsyth County. Our organization funded partner agencies that served our community in a variety of ways and aided people in need. In 1974, the name was changed to United Way of Forsyth County. Almost a century later, our organization remains a cornerstone of philanthropy in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. We continue to work hand in hand with partner agencies to align programs and resources to create the most direct and effective solutions to key social issues facing the community.
United Way of Forsyth County is not the same organization that we were 10 years ago. Our community is not the same community that it was 10 years ago. The way we approach our work is different. We no longer just raise money and pass it on to nonprofits in the community. We build cross-sector relationships and convene organizations to address problems that are complex and require a multi-faceted approach, while providing funding to achieve goals. The pace of change is faster and more continuous than it used to be which means we are nimble in the way we approach our work to meet the evolving and increasing challenges our community faces. We do all these things so we can achieve our mission and bring the community’s resources together to build a better tomorrow for every single person who lives in Forsyth County.
For more information on UWFC, please visit https://www.forsythunitedway.org/
The Opportunity
United Way of Forsyth County (UWFC) is seeking an innovative, strategic and community-minded individual to serve as its next President & CEO.
The President & CEO will build trust and extend the breadth and depth of UWFC’s reach across Winston-Salem. The President & CEO will lead collaborative efforts to grow and maintain productive working relationships in the community among civic and corporate partners and community leaders.
Inspired by a genuine passion to deliver support and resources for Winston-Salem, the President & CEO will develop a clear vision for UWFC’s next chapter in partnership with the Board of Directors, corporate, foundation and community Partners. A key to success in this role will be skillfully balancing a wide array of interests and needs. They will be responsible for developing an equitable and thoughtful approach to program management, strategic initiatives, partnerships, fundraising and external relations.
The next President & CEO will play a key role in contributing to the implementation and operationalization of a new strategic plan. They will bring transformational leadership to all areas of UWFC including operations, financial performance, talent, and culture. As a guiding force, the ideal candidate will expand funding streams, strengthen community relationships, and elevate UWFC’s brand in Winston-Salem and beyond.
Keys for Success Include:
- Ensure the long term and near-term financial viability of UWFC, including through effective fundraising and engagement of the next generation of donors
- Represent UWFC in the business, donor, non-profit and United Way communities
- Serve and collaborate with the Board as a thought partner to evaluate and implement the strategic vision and key initiatives of UWFC
- Establish UWFC as a key community leader, focused on innovation and driving change forward
- Strengthen and drive a culture of trust and credibility, internally at UWFC and externally within the Winston-Salem community.
- Embrace accountability for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, bringing a fair approach to consensus building among UWFC staff, donors and community partners among geographies
- Lead, attract and retain a diverse team of high-performing leaders, staff and volunteers
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will have the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics:
Strategic and Visionary Leader
The President & CEO will be a forward thinking ‘big picture” thinker who is skilled at leading complex organizations, setting new heights for UWFC while building upon existing momentum. They will be successful at planning and implementation to ensure that day-to-day operations are aligned with strategic goals while also being innovative in response to emerging needs. This leader will excel at building transparent, productive and cohesive teams where new ideas are welcomed. They will be passionate about leading high-performing teams to achieve measurable outcomes while guiding organizational growth and development of staff.
Champion for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The President & CEO will acknowledge that racial and ethnic discrimination, both implicit and explicit, exists in the Winston-Salem region and beyond. They will also embrace the significant role the UWFC can play in addressing barriers to the achievement of economic well-being and quality of life for many in the community. This leader will be dedicated to listening, learning and amplifying the voices of all. They will have a strong understanding that the community is best served when diversity, equity and inclusion is prioritized and embedded into organizational structures, culture, programs, and processes. Finally, they will promote a workplace environment that that inspires a culture of inclusion and belonging.
People-Centric Relationship and Consensus Builder
The President & CEO will be emotionally intelligent, skilled at convening, listening to and seeking to understand the perspectives of a variety of constituents in order to build trust, inspire new ideas, build effective relationships and achieve ambitious goals. They will have a demonstrated ability to foster collaboration amongst groups with varying opinions and priorities under a common goal while also giving everyone a sense of shared purpose and engagement in the work of UWFC.
Skilled and Innovative Fundraiser
The President & CEO will be a strategic fundraiser who can enthusiastically define and convey the relevance of UWFC’s work to new and existing funding streams.In close collaboration with the board, this leader will be exceptional at exploring new ways to comprehensively invest in the Winston-Salem area.They will bring a keen understanding of the changing landscape of philanthropy, will have evidence of successful innovation in fundraising and be eager to engage the next generation in giving.An effective storyteller, the President & CEO will exude an authentic spirit enabling them to represent UWFC with a wide range of donors, including corporate leaders, foundations, community partners and government agencies.
A Passion for the Mission
Above all, the President & CEO will be energized by leading UWFC in living out its values and achieving its mission and values. They will be passionate about cementing UWFC into a clear leadership role among philanthropic organizations and community partners while collaboratively addressing systemic inequities facing the Winston-Salem region. They will be an empathetic leader that focuses on understanding their constituents and the community that they serve. They will have a sense of urgency to cultivate the talent of every individual to accelerate impact and guide the work of UWFC. As the ultimate ambassador, they will understand how empowering, educating and connecting the community through basic needs, employment, health and financial stability-related programs can enhance a community and the lives of its citizens.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.
Contact
Koya Partners, the executive search firm that specializes in mission-driven search, has been exclusively retained for this engagement. Please submit a compelling cover letter and resume to Erin Reedy here.
United Way employment practices are implemented without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religious beliefs, age, disability, sexual orientation, citizenship status, military status or any other basis protected by federal, state or local fair employment practice laws.
About Koya Partners
Koya Partners, a part of Diversified Search Group, is a leading executive search and strategic advising firm dedicated to connecting exceptionally talented people with mission-driven clients. Our founding philosophy—The Right Person in the Right Place Can Change the World—guides our work as we partner with nonprofits & NGOs, institutions of higher education, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.
For more information about Koya Partners, visit www.koyapartners.com.