Vp Community Relations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description

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.

Requirements

Education & Certification

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Non-Profit Management or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, required. Master's degree preferred.
• Valid Wisconsin driver's license and reliable transportation required.

Experience

• Ten years of professional leadership experience with community organizations, community planning or related human services management.
• Demonstrated experience leading large, diverse teams of staff and volunteers in a collaborative environment.
• Demonstrated success designing and delivering results through high-profile, community-wide initiatives or programs.
• Experience developing and managing funding proposals and sponsorships, grantmaking, program and data evaluation, and community research, including equitable grantmaking practices.
• Demonstrated ability to work across diverse interests and communities to achieve meaningful results.
• Experience developing, implementing and improving systems and processes.

Skills

• Exceptional leadership, staff development and coaching skills.
• Exceptional written communication skills, including the ability to prepare formal reports and analyses, as well as strong verbal, presentation and facilitation skills.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills. 
• Strong technical, conceptual and analytical skills related to human services planning and evaluation.
• Practical understanding of research and statistics, with the ability to clearly communicate findings.
• Ability to facilitate effective meetings.
• Ability to analyze problems and develop creative solutions. 
• Advanced proficiency with workplace technology and relevant software applications.
• Proven ability to collaborate with staff, volunteers and diverse stakeholders to achieve results.
• Ability to plan, prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Ability to recruit, motivate and direct volunteers in a team environment. 
• Ability to exercise a high degree of initiative, flexibility, sound judgment, discretion and decision-making.
• Demonstrated emotional intelligence and self-awareness.

Core Competencies 

United Way competencies support the network-wide talent management strategy and define the skills, knowledge and behaviors professionals need to perform their roles successfully.

• Communication Skills: Communicates effectively across a variety of contexts and formats, including writing, speaking, reading, listening and interpersonal interactions.
• Customer and Volunteer Relationship Management: Builds and manages productive relationships by fostering an open, welcoming and inclusive environment.
• Values Diversity & Inclusiveness: Builds networks and partnerships with diverse stakeholders; actively seeks the knowledge and experience of others; models cultural awareness and competence; and brings varied perspectives together around a shared agenda.
• Accountability: Follows through on assignments and commitments in a reliable, trustworthy and timely manner; adheres to work schedules and office hours; takes responsibility for actions and words; and consistently acts with integrity.
• Judgment and Decision Making: Uses logical, practical and independent thinking to make sound decisions; prioritizes work; implements timely, workable solutions; and handles confidential information appropriately.

Work Location, Work Schedule & Travel Requirements

• Work location: Anderson United Way Center, 2059 Atwood Avenue, Madison, WI 53704.
• Full-time, salaried position requiring a minimum of 40 hours per week; FLSA exempt.
• Core hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Flexibility is required for early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays based on organizational needs.
• Local travel throughout Dane County is required for meetings, events and community engagements.

Salary Range

$135,000-$150,000 annually, based on experience. In addition to salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance. United Way contributes 8% of gross wages to a defined contribution retirement plan, which is fully vested after five years of employment. Employees may also contribute to a 403(b) retirement savings plan. Paid time off includes vacation, sick and personal leave, as well as 10 paid holidays annually.

Deadline to Apply: 

Monday, September 14, 2026, by 8:00 a.m. Central Time.

How to Submit Your Application

To apply, submit the following materials through our online application portal:

• A cover letter of no more than two pages describing the skills and experience that qualify you for the position.
• A resume highlighting relevant professional experience.

Our Values

United Way values are the beliefs and guiding principles that provide our organization with purpose and direction. They shape our culture and organizational identity as we work to achieve our mission.

• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: We create opportunities for all people while working to address systemic and personal biases and advance equitable outcomes.
• Excellence: We operate at the highest standards to achieve our mission and exceed community expectations. 
• Innovation: We create and catalyze unique approaches to address the community's most pressing needs. 
• Teamwork: We collaborate toward a shared vision of community well-being.
• Wellness: We respect and support one another, encouraging each other to create space for self-care and to lead balanced lives. 

EEO/AAP Policy Statement 

At United Way of Dane County, we do more than accept differences-we celebrate and support them for the benefit of our employees and community. United Way of Dane County is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and affirmative action employer. We center community in all we do and strongly encourage all people to apply, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, justice involvement, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.