President & Chief Executive Officer (President & CEO) - United Way of Lake & Sumter Counties

Reports to: Board of Directors
Location Requirement: Must establish residency in Lake or Sumter County within six months of hire
Status: Full-time, Exempt, Bonus Eligible

About United Way of Lake & Sumter Counties

United Way of Lake & Sumter Counties (UWLS) is a 4-star rated nonprofit dedicated to creating long-lasting change in the areas of Community Resiliency, Health, Financial Security, and Youth Opportunity. Nearly half of households in Lake County and over one-third in Sumter County live below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold, underscoring the urgent need for innovative leadership, strong partnerships, and sustainable fundraising to improve quality of life for our neighbors.

About the Role

The President & CEO is the chief mobilizer, ambassador, and strategist for UWLS. This leader will inspire trust, build authentic relationships, and drive measurable community impact. Working closely with the Board of Directors, donors, partners, and staff, the President & CEO will expand UWLS's reach and resources to address pressing local needs.

The ideal candidate is a visionary fundraiser, relationship-builder, and board partner who can balance strategic leadership with operational excellence.

Core Areas of Responsibilities

Community Impact & Relationship Building

• Serve as the visible face of UWLS, cultivating trust and credibility with donors, volunteers, government leaders, businesses, nonprofits, and residents.
• Build and sustain cross-sector partnerships to advance initiatives in food security, disaster recovery, health equity, youth opportunity, and financial stability.
• Champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all community engagement efforts.

Fundraising & Resource Development

• Lead fundraising strategy, setting ambitious goals and diversifying revenue streams through campaigns, corporate partnerships, grants, and innovative giving models.
• Personally cultivate and solicit major donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Promote a culture of philanthropy across staff and board, ensuring fundraising is a shared responsibility.

Board Engagement & Strategic Leadership

• Partner with the Board of Directors to set vision, strategy, and measurable goals.
• Serve as the principal resource to the Board, ensuring strong governance practices and alignment with UWLS's mission.
• Provide transparent reporting and ROI analysis of programs, events, and fundraising initiatives.
• Perform other strategic and organizational duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.

Organizational Management

• Build and lead a high-performing, mission-driven team; recruit, develop, and retain top talent.
• Ensure fiscal integrity, budget compliance, and risk mitigation in partnership with the CFO/finance team.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and inclusive workplace culture.

Candidate Success Profile

• Proven fundraiser with a track record of securing significant philanthropic and corporate support.
• Relationship-oriented leader skilled at building authentic connections across diverse communities.
• Board-savvy executive experienced in governance, strategy, and partnership with volunteer leadership.
• Strong communicator with public speaking, media, and advocacy skills.
• Demonstrated success in nonprofit or mission-driven leadership roles, ideally with experience in health, education, financial stability, or disaster recovery.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• Minimum 7-10 years of senior leadership experience.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive annual salary range of $120,000 to $130,000. Comprehensive benefits package includes health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. Performance-based bonus contingent on organizational and individual performance.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and statement of salary preference.

Location requirement: Must establish residency in Lake or Sumter County within six months of hire.

Equal Opportunity Employer
United Way of Lake & Sumter Counties is an equal opportunity employer.