President & CEO

Ideal Candidate Profile The next President & CEO of United Way of Central Shenandoah Valley will be a visionary, community-centered leader who can unite people, resources, and institutions around a shared vision for a stronger Central Shenandoah Valley. This individual will combine executive presence and strategic sophistication with a deep understanding of nonprofit leadership, community impact, and collaborative problem-solving. The ideal candidate is both a systems-level thinker and a relationship builder. They will possess the ability to convene diverse stakeholders across the region, foster trust among long-standing and newly expanded communities, and lead the organization into its next chapter of regional growth and relevance. Experience navigating organizational evolution, leading strategic planning efforts, and building cross-sector partnerships will be essential. Because the organization is poised for expansion and deeper impact, the successful candidate must also be an exceptional fundraiser and communicator. They should demonstrate a track record of securing philanthropic investment, cultivating donor relationships, and articulating a compelling case for community impact. The next CEO must be able to inspire confidence among businesses, foundations, public officials, nonprofit partners, and individual supporters alike. This leader should understand the evolving role of modern United Ways, particularly the importance of data-informed decision-making, policy and advocacy engagement, and targeted direct-service initiatives that address urgent community needs. A passion for measurable impact, regional collaboration, and long-term sustainability is critical. The President & CEO will lead a small but highly impactful team and should value collaboration, empowerment, accountability, and mission alignment. Local or regional ties and a strong understanding of the Central Shenandoah Valley are preferred. Above all, the successful candidate will bring integrity, humility, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to strengthening communities across the entire region we serve. Application Process Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining their interest and qualifications to [email protected]. Questions regarding the position or search process may be directed to Braydon Hoover, Board Chair, through the same email address. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. PRESIDENT & CEO JOB POSITION DESCRIPTION ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY United Way of Central Shenandoah Valley is improving lives by connecting and mobilizing community resources. We strive to meet immediate needs and deliver long-term successes in our communities by providing trusted data and local insights, comprehensive care and support, and collaboration that drives results. Our work not only makes an impact on the day-to-day lives of people living in the Valley, but on the systems and structures that support a strong, equitable community. Following recent regional expansion, United Way is building deeper partnerships and impact strategies across the broader Central Shenandoah Valley POSITION SUMMARY The President & CEO will be a mission-driven, collaborative, and strategic leader who can inspire trust, mobilize resources, and guide the organization through its next phase of regional growth and community impact. With partnerships at the forefront of everything they do, the President & CEO will prioritize community connection, cultivating support through networking and relationship development. They will act as the primary voice for United Way, working across public, private, and corporate sectors to improve lives in our community. AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY Organizational Leadership • Provide vision and strategic insight to the Board for fulfilling the mission of the organization • Ensure that the Board has access to all information needed to carry out its governance responsibilities • Serve as the primary contact for United Way Worldwide, keeping the organization and board informed of network-wide initiatives and changes that impact United Way at the local level • Leverage and coordinate resources to ensure strategic alignment in the areas of community impact, resource development, and operations • Build and lead a strong, effective team, serving as a coach to direct reports and visionary for the team at-large • Build and maintain strong relationships with local media, effectively communicating mission, projects and priorities to a broader community audience • Partner with the Board of Directors to develop and implement a new strategic plan that advances regional impact, organizational sustainability, and community trust. Partnership Development • Serve on local and regional committees as a representative of United Way • Participate in initiatives with United Ways of Virginia, the United Way State Association comprised of United Way CEOs from across the Commonwealth • Identify new opportunities to build partnerships with a broad and diverse group of external constituents and leverage resources in an effort to maximize impact Fundraising • Lead the organization’s fundraising and resource development efforts, including cultivation of major donors, corporate partnerships, foundation relationships, and emerging revenue opportunities. • Maintain and solicit a portfolio of corporate and leadership level givers and prospects • Identify and develop new partnerships and potential revenue generation opportunities that align with strategic and community impact goals of the organization • Work closely with the Director of Development to drive fundraising strategy, develop revenue goals, and engage board and other volunteers in the stewarding and solicitation of gifts • Provide vision and direction of major fundraising efforts, including events, major gift campaigns and the stewarding of giving societies Community Impact • Responsible for the overall impact of United Way in the community • Serve as a trusted regional convener and advocate around issues impacting financial stability, access to opportunity, and community well-being. • Serve as a public voice for ALICE with a strong understanding of the ALICE Report • Represent the collective interests of the ALICE Coalition through strategic advocacy efforts • Leverage impact by supporting and encouraging partnerships and collaborations among local nonprofits • Champion innovative approaches toward solving community issues Operations & Finance • Maintain accountability for the operational and fiscal integrity of the organization within policies set by the Board of Directors • With the Board, manage organizational spending, monitor budget compliance, and mitigate financial risk • Ensure compliance with all regulations, laws, and standards of ethics PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS While there are many paths to success, the following qualifications will set you up to excel in this role: • Commitment to United Way’s mission and values • Ability to build relationships internally and with other United Ways, local and state governments, education (K-12 and higher education), nonprofits and private sector organizations • Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice and a desire to further integrate this into the work of United Way • Experience leading a community-based organization or within one • Fundraising experience with a preference for demonstrated revenue growth and diversification • Demonstrated commitment to building strong, effective teams • A passion for partnerships and collaboration • Ability to speak confidently in a way that moves others to meaningful action • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills • Strong work ethic and drive for results • Strong relationship-building and donor-cultivation experience • A creative problem-solver • Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously