ABOUT THE UNITED WAY OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY:

For nearly a century, United Way of San Diego County (UWSD) has been a catalyst for change, tackling inequities through strategic partnerships and data-driven solutions. By uniting resources across public, private, and nonprofit sectors, UWSD addresses the region’s most pressing challenges in education and financial security for underserved communities. From early literacy to career pathways and economic support, UWSD bridges gaps and creates lasting impact for children, individuals, and families.

UWSD helps families move toward economic stability with programs that promote safe banking access, personalized financial coaching, and free tax assistance. Education is another cornerstone, with initiatives supporting early childhood literacy and high school STEAM career readiness, ensuring students thrive academically and professionally.

Part of a global network of 1,800 United Ways, UWSD drives measurable change through innovative fundraising and community engagement. Guided by 17 civic leaders, 28 staff, and hundreds of volunteers, UWSD stewards a $5M organization dedicated to making education success and financial security a reality for all. Learn more at www.uwsd.org.

OVERVIEW OF THE JOB

The President & CEO of United Way of San Diego County is a visionary and transformational leader with deep experience in driving change for underserved communities. A skilled strategist with a proven ability to fundraise to benefit those in need, this executive excels in engaging diverse stakeholders—including public, private, inclusive of corporate partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, community leaders, staff, donors, and volunteers—to forge innovative collaborations that deliver measurable outcomes. Their leadership ideally advances efforts to improve educational achievement and workforce readiness for children, while strengthening financial literacy, economic security, and upward mobility for families.

A dynamic bridge-builder, public speaker, and entrepreneurial thinker, the President/CEO inspires action and cultivates momentum. With a keen eye for opportunity and a willingness to take calculated risks, they are adept at designing new business and operational models that ensure both fiscal health and organizational resilience. In close partnership with the Board and staff, the President/CEO champions UWSD’s mission, alignment with United Way Worldwide, elevates its visibility across the San Diego region, and stewards its strategic direction into the future.

Among the President & CEO’s many duties, this leader is responsible for:

Strategic & Collaborative Leadership

• Partnering with the Board, staff, funders, corporations, and cross-sector community partners to shape initiatives that expand UWSD’s brand, programs, and resource base.
• Providing ongoing strategic recommendations to the Board, informed by field trends, staff expertise, financial analysis, outcome metrics, risk assessment, and environmental realities.
• Identifying and engaging new constituencies to broaden the donor base, grow revenues and advance UWSD’s mission.
• Leading transparent, energizing conversations with senior staff and program managers to generate innovative strategies and drive organizational impact.

Community Engagement & Visibility

• Inspiring leaders across public, private, and nonprofit sectors to improve educational outcomes, workforce readiness, and support for underserved families.
• Advocating UWSD’s work to educational institutions, elected officials, business leaders, and funders.
• Elevating UWSD’s visibility and brand awareness through compelling public speaking, media messaging, and participation in community events.
• Cultivating relationships with existing and prospective donors to deepen engagement and secure investment in UWSD’s mission.

Organizational Leadership & Management

• Fostering a positive, cohesive workplace culture that encourages innovation among diverse staff and volunteers.
• Leading, coaching, and supporting senior managers and the broader team to ensure alignment, operational efficiency, and high performance.
• Overseeing financial and operational activities of a $5M organization with a focus on program expense ratio, sustainability, and impact.
• Operating with transparency and accountability, working closely with the Board to fulfill fiduciary and compliance responsibilities.

Other duties as required

QUALIFICATIONS

• A commitment to lead by example, passion for creating change, and dedication to serving marginalized children and families
• Executive-level experience growing and diversifying funding within a multi-stakeholder environment
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills with an ability to prioritize, negotiate and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders
• Experience working with volunteers, leaders of corporations, foundations, and public agencies
• Excellent writing and communication skills with the ability to speak persuasively to the media and audiences of all types
• Experience determining and delivering measurable outcomes
• Experience developing and managing complex operating budgets
• Experience crafting and leading collaborative efforts
• Experience leading leaders and teams, and working collaboratively with a board.

Salary range: $190,000 – $230,000. Benefits provided.

Posting Expiration Date: October 2, 2025 at 5:00pm
How to Apply: Please submit a resume and cover letter via email to: (enter UWSD in the subject line)

The United Way is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity and inclusion in its work and staff.