The VP of Community Impact is a full-time, salaried position and member of United Way of Greater New Bedford’s leadership team. VP is responsible for the planning, development, management and implementation of investment and programmatic strategies to achieve the greatest impact for individuals and families in Greater New Bedford.
VP will manage UWGNB’s community investments in our impact areas of Health, Education, and Financial Stability. Specifically, the VP will lead the process to distribute funds effectively and innovatively to meet community needs and maximize our impact and social return on investment. VP will oversee UWGNB initiatives and programs, including Hunger Commission, Mobile Market, Youth Venture, Summer Fund, Community Building Mini-Grants, South End Engaged and Women United funded initiatives.
VP will work closely with the President & CEO, serving as her strategic partner and key member of her leadership team, and with all other staff, as fellow team member. VP will provide direction to UWGNB community initiatives, including: coordinating program components, assisting with resource development, and evaluating and reporting results to the community. VP will also be a primary public ambassador for UWGNB’s community initiatives, building collaborative relationships and positioning the organization as the charity of choice for donors.
- Ensure that funds are strategically invested in communities, organizations, and initiatives that will have an impact.
- Monitor and evaluate our grantmaking success to ensure the greatest return on our donor’s investment in UWGNB. Using CommunityForce platform to program online RFP applications and monitor and track the success of funded applications.
- Assist President & CEO and Board of Directors in setting vision and priorities for our community investment and community impact programming. Convene Community Impact Committee as necessary to inform work and fulfill shared goals for impact.
- Develop, maintain, and distribute all support materials for the fund distribution process. Serve as a coordinator and facilitator of the volunteer reviewers who make funding decisions.
- Monitor current program effectiveness, develop new programs as needs emerge and adapt existing programs as needed to improve their effectiveness. Ensure that all funded and program activities operate consistently and ethically within the mission and values of UWGNB.
- Develop and maintain knowledge about services available in the community.
- Asses and adapt United Way funding and programs to ensure the greatest efficiency and impact.
- Conduct research to assist in continuing to improve community investment strategies.
- Convene and facilitate organizations and community leaders as needed to support the on-going work of identifying community needs
- Seek opportunities for collaboration and partnership to leverage and maximize our investments and impact in the community.
- Work with the President to represent UWGNB with external constituency groups, including community, governmental, and private organizations.
- Works closely with the VP of Development in preparing cases of support and stewardship reports as well as assists with grant applications and requriements.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the President & CEO.
VP will be an energetic leader with experience in grantmaking, research and evaluation, strategic planning, advocacy, facilitation and program development. The VP will have strong relationship and network-building skills with a cross-sector of community organizations, funders, and donors. He or she will be motivated by a bold vision and driven by a solid understanding, appreciation, and connection to the community. Candidate must be skilled at adaptive leadership, possess excellent communication skills, and have a focus on impact. He or she will also have experience in organizational operations and planning, strong oral and written communication skills, demonstrated ability to relate well to a variety of individuals and groups, including diverse populations, community groups, elected and non-elected policy makers, businesspersons, professional staff and volunteers.
- At least 5 years of work experience in social welfare, public policy, philanthropy or non-profit management.
- Strong collaborative, facilitation and consensus building skills.
- Effective and engaging communicator, with excellent written and oral skills.
- Self-starter with the ability to complete tasks with minimal supervision.
- Experience working with volunteers, community partners and community members at large in providing leadership, direction and resource information as needed.
- Experience in program evaluation/monitoring and review of funding proposals
- Demonstrates computer proficiency in various software applications i.e. Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook Express and Internet. CommunityForce experience is a plus.
- Experience in developing and monitoring contracts and budget management
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, interpersonal skills, leadership skills, collaborative problem solving skills and the ability to motivate others.
- Demonstrated success in program development and grant writing.
- Knowledge in outcome measurement, strategic planning, evaluation and statistical analysis.
- Exhibits cultural competency and the ability to work with diverse populations and organizations.
- Team player; ability to work with cross-functional teams.