The President and CEO will serve as the face of United Way of Ocoee Region in the community, representing the organization to internal and external stakeholders including its employees, board members, businesses, not-for-profit organizations, volunteers, clients and citizens. With business savvy and leadership skills, the successful candidate will set the strategic direction for United Way of the Ocoee Region and ensure the strategy is effectively implemented. The organization is currently in a position of financial strength with stable annual revenue and a healthy endowment serving the health, wellness, and quality of life of the citizens of Bradley County. The President and CEO will connect people to the mission and purpose of the United Way so that it will remain relevant and necessary as a leader in the broader social services community. The next CEO will need to be visionary, innovative, and strategic; provide community and organizational leadership; develop and manage resources; and ensure operational accountability and fiscal integrity.
- Develop and implement a clear strategy and vision for the organization that confronts the complex realities of the environment and addresses systemic challenges, especially those identified in the recent ALICE report and regular needs assessments.
- Retain, recruit, motivate, mentor and lead a high performing management team with leadership bench strength in all areas of the organization.
- Review and revise, as needed, processes and policies so that the organization can achieve its goals and objectives.
- Demonstrate inspired, strategic, and transparent leadership balanced with authenticity, respect for others, and trust building with all stakeholders including the Board of Directors.
- Engage the Board, providing up-to-date information and advice, and ensure that the budget, staff, and priorities are aligned with the organization’s values and mission.
- Operate within the purview of the board bylaws, serving as the leader of the organization, but at the direction of the Board of Directors.
- Sustain a diverse, engaged, and inclusive Board representative of the community and willing to leverage and secure resources.
- Establish and maintain credibility and visibility in the community, building diverse alliances and relationships with relevant local, state and national partners, including United Ways of Tennessee, United Way of USA, and United Way Worldwide.
- Generate and grow financial support for the organization. Engage donors, volunteers, and the community-at-large in advancing the mission and ensure resources are allocated properly to reflect present needs and future potential needs.
- Provide the fiscal oversight for the organization’s endowments, investments, budgets, financial controls, and reporting.
- At least ten (5-10) years of executive level not-for-profit and/or business management experience. This includes having held profit and loss responsibility, financial, operational and budgetary accountabilities.
- Resource development, revenue generation or fundraising experience in a non-profit or corporate setting.
- Demonstrated leadership, management and negotiation skills. Known for attracting, motivating and developing strong teams.
- Prior experience serving either as a volunteer or as a board member for other not-for-profit organizations is desirable.
- Proven ability to build relationships and make a personal connection with individuals from all walks of life in the community.
- Broad knowledge and understanding of human service issues and an awareness of the cultural and economic diversity within the region.
- Established network among local business leaders and/or the ability to quickly and adeptly position within a new community is a plus.
- Financially savvy and politically astute. Keen analytic, organizational, and problem-solving skills, which enable sound decision making.
- A skilled communicator who offers a consistent and thoughtful message to colleagues, team members, and the greater community through formal and informal channels and many types of media.
Personal Characteristics
- Personal values consistent with United Way mission.
- Possess utmost professional and personal integrity.
- Excellent coalition-building skills. Able to lobby, advocate, communicate, and work effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Visionary and strategic thinking capabilities. Personal demeanor and executive presence consistent with a highly visible position in the community.
- A critical thinker with attention to detail who regularly seeks innovative solutions to complex business/technical issues.
- Flexible, with the ability to know when to shift direction and when to be persistent.
- Capable of establishing immediate credibility in the community; able to build consensus and achieve goals through influence versus direct line authority.
- A high energy, results-oriented leader who must be a self-starter.