Together with agencies, donors, businesses, volunteers, and the public sector, we make connections that help every person in our community. We invest in programs and partnerships that tackle big issues in our community - like student success, affordable healthcare services, homelessness, and independence. With your help, we are able to fight for the education, health, and financial stability of every person in our community. 

United Way of Abilene takes our role as a resource, partner, and steward very seriously. We engage community volunteers to oversee every aspect of our management and financial systems to ensure we are operating at the highest levels of professionalism and excellence, and in the best interests of our community.

United Way of Abilene is proud to hold the Platinum designation with
Candid/GuideStar and the highest 4-star rating with Charity Navigator for the
eighth consecutive year. These rankings demonstrate United Way of Abilene’s accountability, efficiency, and transparency.

Industry: Non-profit Organization Management
Company Size: 11-50 employees

United Way of Abilene

Savvy Admin PROD

**President & Chief Executive Officer **

**Organization: ** United Way of Abilene

**Reports To: ** Board of Directors

**Organization Overview **

Founded in 1956, United Way of Abilene mobilizes the caring power of West Central Texas to improve lives. Serving Abilene and 19 surrounding counties, United Way invests in local nonprofit partners through strategic grantmaking, capacity-building support, and community-wide collaboration focused on health, education, and financial stability.

In 2014, the United Way Foundation was established to build long-term sustainability and ensure enduring impact for future generations.

United Way of Abilene brings people, organizations, and resources together to create measurable and lasting change. United, we succeed.

**Position Summary **

The President & CEO serves as the chief executive and strategic leader of United Way of Abilene. In partnership with the Board of Directors, the CEO sets vision, advances community impact, drives resource development, and ensures organizational excellence.

This leader mobilizes relationships across nonprofit, corporate, public, and philanthropic sectors to increase impact and financial sustainability. The CEO is the chief ambassador, brand steward, and primary fundraiser for the organization—building trust, elevating visibility, and positioning United Way as an essential community partner.

The President & CEO champions measurable outcomes, equitable opportunity, innovation, and long-term community investment.

**Key Responsibilities **

**1. Community Impact & Strategy **

- Lead the development and execution of a clear community impact agenda aligned with measurable outcomes.

- Partner with the Board to set strategic priorities and adapt to emerging community needs.

- Strengthen relationships with senior leaders across business, government, education, faith-based, and nonprofit sectors.

- Advance capacity-building strategies for funded partners to maximize grant impact.

- Position United Way as a trusted convener and collaborative leader in West Central Texas.

**2. Resource Development & Revenue Growth **

- Serve as the chief fundraiser for United Way and the United Way Foundation.

- Drive growth in annual campaigns, major gifts, corporate partnerships, grants, and planned giving.

- Identify, cultivate, and solicit major donors and strategic partners.

- Leverage personal and professional networks to expand philanthropic investment.

- Build a culture of philanthropy among staff and board leadership.

**3. Strategic Governance & Board Partnership **

- Serve as the primary advisor to the Board of Directors and its committees.

- Provide leadership in policy development, governance best practices, and strategic planning.

- Ensure alignment among the United Way Board, Foundation Board, and staff leadership.

- Support board engagement in fundraising, advocacy, and community leadership.

**4. Organizational & Financial Leadership **

- Build and lead a high-performing, collaborative team.

- Ensure fiscal integrity, transparency, and operational excellence.

- Partner with the Chief Financial Officer to manage budgets, multi-year revenue projections, and risk mitigation.

- Assess organizational capacity and implement systems to support growth.

- Foster an inclusive and respectful environment across staff, volunteers, and community partnerships.

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**Experience & Qualifications **

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

- Senior leadership experience in the nonprofit sector or comparable mission-driven organization.

- Proven success in fundraising and revenue growth.

- Experience managing budgets and aligning multi-year financial strategies.

- Track record of strategic planning and execution.

- Ability to build trust with stakeholders and community partners.

- Experience working across nonprofit, corporate, and public sectors.

- Strong partnership development and conflict management skills.

- Exceptional communication skills (written and verbal).

- High emotional intelligence, integrity, accountability, and sound judgment.

- Intellectual curiosity and willingness to innovate.

**Preferred: ** Advanced degree (MPA, MBA, other related field) and/or CFRE certification.

**Core Competencies **

**Visionary Leadership **

Provides clear direction grounded in mission and measurable impact. Navigates complexity while maintaining confidence in long-term success.

**Strategic & Organizational Leadership **

Drives performance, accountability, and growth. Inspires high standards, operational excellence, and collaborative culture.

**Influence & Community Presence **

Builds and leverages networks elevate visibility, reputation, and investment. Represents United Way with credibility and passion.

**Revenue & Business Acumen **

Understands financial strategy and diversified revenue models. Engages donors, corporations, foundations, and volunteers to expand support.

**Network-Oriented & Partnership-Driven **

Values collaboration and leverages relationships at the local, regional, and national levels to advance community impact.

**Work Environment & Equal Opportunity **

United Way of Abilene is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and organizational need. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace.

The responsibilities and qualifications listed above are representative and not intended to be all-inclusive. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals to perform essential functions.

**To apply: ** Submit cover letter and resume to Board Chair, Jenny Goode at jgoodeuwabilene@gmail.com, before April 20, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

President and Chief Executive Officer

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