President & CEO - United Way of the Bluegrass

WHO WE ARE United Way of the Bluegrass (UWBG) has been a leader and motivator of change for real solutions in Central Kentucky for 96 years. UWBG helps to advance the common good of the community by creating opportunities for a better life for all. UWBG employs 35 staff members, 6 of whom make up the senior management team, and a 20-member board of directors. The current operating budget is $3.5M. UWBG focuses on four key pillars: Basic Needs, Student Success, School Readiness, and Financial Stability. WHERE WE ARE LOCATED Lexington, Kentucky — the "Horse Capital of the World" — is nestled in the heart of the Bluegrass Region, blending southern charm with a vibrant urban core, rich cultural scene, and the University of Kentucky. THE POSITION Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President & CEO is the leader of the organization, establishing a vision for community impact achieved through a diverse team of high-performing leaders, staff, and volunteers. The President & CEO is the Chief Mobilizer and Chief Ambassador, leveraging the power of relationships and networks across private, public, and corporate sectors. AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY Community Impact: Lead the overall impact of UWBG on the community, crafting and adapting strategy in partnership with staff and the Board; establish relationships with top leaders in business, government, and the nonprofit sector. Resource Development: Drive key results in fundraising; identify, cultivate, and solicit prospective donors and corporate partners; develop strategies to diversify mission-driven revenue through grants and contracts. Strategic Management: Serve as the principal resource to the Board of Directors; partner with the Board and Senior Leadership team to craft and achieve organizational goals; ensure alignment of all activities to strategic direction. Organization Management: Build and lead high-performing teams; maintain accountability for operational and fiscal integrity; assess organizational capacity; supervise Senior Leadership positions; work with the VP of Finance to manage spending and mitigate financial risks. IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE - Self-starter who builds authentic donor and stakeholder relationships with professionalism and a proven fundraising record - Significant nonprofit or comparable leadership experience, with ability to work with volunteers, boards, and government entities - Innovative, collaborative leader who can grow resources and address community priorities - Intellectually curious, business-savvy, and politically astute - Embodies integrity, accountability, good judgment, flexibility, and strong communication skills REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or equivalent experience preferred - 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in the nonprofit sector - Proven fundraising experience securing significant philanthropic, corporate, and institutional support - Experience with strategic planning, fiscal management, and budget oversight - Proficiency in data analytics and impact measurement - Public advocacy experience at local, state, and federal levels - Successful grant writing and management experience - Exceptional written and verbal communication skills - Must work on-site with flexibility for early mornings, evenings, and occasional weekends COMPENSATION & BENEFITS Competitive annual salary range of $160,000 to $190,000, with comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, professional development, performance-based bonus opportunity, and relocation assistance. APPLICATION PROCESS Applicants must submit a complete application package including a cover letter, resume, and statement of salary preference. Application period: March–April 3, 2026. Start Date: May 2026 (tentative). United Way of Bluegrass is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.