Vice President, Community Impact

United Way of Dane County mobilizes the caring power of our community so all can thrive. From advancing health and education to strengthening livelihoods and local resilience, we connect people to possibility. Our mission is to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives. We collaborate with local nonprofits, individuals, families, people with lived experience, businesses, community leaders including policy makers, donors and volunteers to multiply impact and address complex issues no single person or organization can solve alone. As a local, autonomous member of a global network, we are a nonpartisan organization that works with leaders from all backgrounds to strengthen communities and expand opportunities for all.

We serve as a cornerstone in our community, bringing together people and resources to create lasting change. Together, we are The Power of Caring. Working for All.

Purpose:

The Community Impact team serves as United Way of Dane County’s knowledge hub for health and human services and family well-being in Dane County. Comprised of professionals from a range of disciplines, the team collaborates with organizations, community leaders and colleagues across the organization and community to advance collective impact, develop innovative, collaborative and equity-centered strategies that improve lives.

As an integral member of the executive leadership team and a direct report to the President and CEO, the Vice President of Community Impact serves as United Way of Dane County’s chief strategist for community impact. This position leads all aspects of the Community Impact department, including the collaborative development and management of community initiatives, budgeting, staff performance, volunteer engagement and partner relationships.

Provide strategic, energetic leadership by modeling equitable practices and advancing measurable results through partnerships, investments, data and research, connections to resources through 211, and public policy advocacy. Partner across the organization to strengthen giving, advocacy and volunteerism.

Lead the strategic investment of UWDC’s financial and human capital to achieve measurable community-wide change and improve outcomes. Use data and lived experience to strengthen credibility, effectiveness and impact. Bring the professional presence and depth of experience needed to credibly represent UWDC and its community partners locally, statewide and nationally. Build local alignment, coordination and shared measurement to accelerate United Way’s Plan For Community Well-Being.

Key Responsibilities

34% Executive Leadership Responsibilities:

• Model and proactively demonstrate a commitment to equity and inclusion in all work.
• Model and design equitable practices and systems-change approaches throughout the work.
• Actively participate on the executive leadership team and help develop organizational goals and strategies.
• Attract, retain and motivate staff who are committed to United Way’s Values and Behavior Standards.
• Model and cultivate a culture of collaboration between departments and positions within the organization.
• Cultivate productive relationships and partnerships that benefit the organization, particularly with nonprofit partner agencies, community leaders, volunteers, major donors and funders, government officials, senior staff and Board members.
• Report and share relevant information with the Board, staff, partners and the community.
• Partner with organizational leaders to design approaches and systems that align knowledge across departments, leverage impact and advance organizational goals.
• Represent the organization as the primary community contact for community impact and recommend the appropriate role for United Way within community initiatives.

33% Strategy & Engagement:

• Develop and advance strategies to achieve desired community impact and ensure the effective use of resources and approaches.
• Ensure data on community needs and human services are regularly compiled, accessed and communicated to stakeholders.
• Collaborate across departments to coordinate community impact priorities and strategies.
• Advance community engagement and advocacy to address community issues through shared solutions and leveraged resources.
• Oversee relationships with volunteers and donors, including compliance and reporting.
• Develop and sustain management and operational plans using long-term goals, annual objectives and work plans as a framework.
• Ensure continuity in volunteer leadership and support volunteer recruitment and recognition. Serve as lead staff liaison to Community Impact committees that report to the Board and ensure all departmental committees are effectively staffed.

33% Department Leadership:

• Provide vision, leadership and team development across Community Impact.
• Meet regularly with staff to discuss organizational context, plans and challenges; strengthen understanding of how each role connects to the mission; and seek and act on feedback.
• Oversee plans to achieve team goals and coach staff in their execution.
• Assign responsibilities with clear expectations, deadlines and available resources.
• Continuously improve systems and processes and identify new opportunities for greater effectiveness.