Position Title: President / Chief Executive Officer

Reports to: The Board of Directors

Position: Full-Time, Exempt

Location: Fresno, California

Salary: $150,000 – $175,000

About United Way Fresno and Madera Counties

United Way Fresno County (UWFC) was established in 1923 as part of an international network of independently managed United Way chapters. In March 2015, the organization expanded its service area to include Madera County and amended its chapter name to “United Way Fresno and Madera Counties”. While the goal of all United Ways has always been to enhance the health, financial stability, and well-being of individuals and families, the chapter now explicitly focuses on working upstream of issues that cause poverty. Namely, this means dismantling racist systems and advocating for new community-driven solutions, particularly in the area of wealth creation.

With the COVID-19 pandemic ever evolving, a global recession around the corner, and the civil rights of millions being put in jeopardy daily, the fight has never been more important. These challenges have made our commitment to help improve the radical wealth, health, and educational disparities that have been negatively impacting our communities of Color stronger than ever.

We are addressing these issues on several fronts. We continue to develop our Prosperity Coaching model- an innovative, long-term approach designed to teach people how to grow and invest wealth. We’ve launched the first cohort of Building Black, a 9-month leadership series for Black managers, business owners, and entrepreneurs. As founding members of the Fresno Digital Coalition for Inclusion, we’re working with a huge group of partners to close the digital divide and bring internet access to those most under-served in Fresno County. With Madera Rising, our outreach team continues to work alongside other nonprofits to help expand their reach and create a stronger network across the county. 

These are just a few of the ways that United Way Fresno and Madera Counties mobilizes the collective power of community to break down systemic barriers to prosperity.

The Opportunity

United Way is at an inflection point. Our own programs and our partnerships with community organizations are the cornerstone of impactful resident-focused initiatives looking to advance racial and economic justice. Prosperity Coaching and our 211 Helpline have the support of government agencies, community partners, and  local employers. Our expanded, mission-driven staff is excited to welcome a new leader who will not only support our strong presence in the community, but will also support our growth and professional development internally.  

Collaborating with a supportive Board of Directors, the President and CEO will lead the full scope of activities for United Way.  This impactful leadership position requires a dynamic leader who is passionate about directing hands-on operations, fostering growth, and developing and implementing programs.

If you have a passion for rewarding work and are deeply committed to social justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, we would welcome the opportunity to speak with you about this position. 

Impact Areas 

 Program Development and Implementation Leadership

• Leading the strategy and implementation planning for our broad range of community impact initiatives.
• Working closely with community partners and our programs staff to drive maximum impact on families in Fresno and Madera counties. 
• Developing compelling vision and strategy for future programs and initiatives that deliver on our vision and mission. 
• Collaborating with other community leaders to advocate for social and economic justice policies and resources. 

Community and Partner Development

• Fostering trust, interdependence, and collaboration with community partners, including government agencies, local organizations, and residents. 
• Building and activating partnerships and coalitions with local, regional, national, and global partners to advance the United Way mission. 
• Exercising diplomacy and strong ability to navigate complex multi-stakeholder environments. 
• Serving as the face of United Way in the community, including with workplace giving campaigns. 

Strategic Management

• Partnering with the board and United Way’s leadership team to craft organizational goals and develop strategies to ensure that they are achieved.
• Ensure coordination and alignment of all United Way activities to strategic direction in the areas of community impact, resource development, and staff alignment.
• Co-creating strategic plans, long-term vision, and resource planning. 
• Ensuring sustainable funding from a variety of sources, including workplace giving campaigns, government grants, major gifts, and new sources of revenue. 

People Leadership

• Leading and mentoring a growing team of mission-driven professionals.
• Supporting professional development and developing internal leadership capabilities.
• Developing staff recruitment and retention strategies to ensure organizational longevity and overall staff satisfaction. 
• Serving as a strong voice for diversity and inclusion. Leading by example with tremendous authenticity and ability to establish credibility in the community.

Preferred Competencies

Program Implementation and Development

The CEO will have an advanced understanding of best practices for delivering affordable, high-quality programs and services focused on diverse communities. 

You will not only have the charisma and compassion needed to inspire, engage, and will trust in a wide range of stakeholders, you will have also demonstrated successful development and implementation of strategies, initiatives, and programs that address complex issues and make a meaningful difference in the community.

Staff Leadership and Development

The CEO develops high-performance teams and removes obstacles to teamwork by establishing a spirit of partnership and shared accountability.

You will have a proven track record of allocating time for developing, coaching, and mentoring senior leaders and employees in key roles.

You will demonstrate an ability to foster an inclusive workplace that supports and encourages the development of others, drives for shared accountability across the organization, supports constructive resolution of conflicts, and encourages collaboration with other United Way branches.

Community and Partner Development

The CEO will live the values of UWFM, demonstrating a deep respect for everyone in the community. You will have a credible record of valuing, developing, and sustaining a wide range of professional relationships across multiple sectors, including government, the private sector, and community.

You will have an in-depth understanding of the systemic issues that create barriers to wealth creation for the working poor and other underserved communities, and creative plans for how to overcome such hurdles through engagement, investment, and partnerships. You will demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in all conceived solutions.

You will be just as comfortable at community tables in local neighborhoods as you are at corporate boardroom tables.

Knowledge, Skills and Expertise

• A minimum of 10 years leading nonprofit organizations or programs
• A minimum of 5 years’ managing teams of 5 to 50 employees, including managing senior leaders. 
• Proven track record in recruiting, developing, and mentoring high performing, mission-driven, and results-oriented teams; proven track record of staff retention. 
• Experience in driving high-level strategy, making critical, daily decisions that impact many stakeholders.
• Ability to build partnerships and navigate multi stakeholder relationships/collaborations.
• Extensive experience in developing and implementing multidisciplinary project and programs with direct service initiatives focused on underserved communities; programs such as financial literacy, housing, mental health supports, etc. 
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the social and racial justice approach to community development, through a combination of lived experience and/or professional and educational expertise.
• Experience driving and enabling fundraising efforts in collaboration with a development team.
• Experience in maintaining regular and ongoing communication to build strong relationships with the Board.
• Proven experience executing organizational growth and leading a similar or larger size successful nonprofit; including managing a broad range of functions such as budget/finance development, program development and implementation, marketing/public relations/human resources.
• Strong business acumen and a history of providing visionary leadership at the executive level.
• Proven experience working with and leading a nonprofit Board and working with diverse groups of people.
• Excellent written, oral, and public speaking skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with strong interpersonal skills.

United Way Fresno and Madera Counties has retained the exclusive services of Charity Search Group to coordinate the search for this position. To discuss your suitability for the role, please contact Mariya Yurukova (mariya@charitysearchgroup.com) or visit www.charitysearchgroup.com. 

United Way Fresno and Madera Counties is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to having a workforce that reflects diversity at all levels of the organization. We recognize the importance of not viewing individuals based on a single identity, and we thrive on being equitable in our recruitment process as well as in our efforts to be inclusive of all employees.

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