I had a variety of positions in my 20 years of employment, the last being Director of Technology Capacity Building
In my last position (where I served for three of my seventeen years at United Way), a typical day would include:
- Acting as lead technology staff for the Community Building and Agency Services divisions.
- Designing, developing and implementing divisional strategic technology plan.
- Responsibility for development and implementation of a $5 million technology project focused on building technological infrastructure within 100 nonprofit agencies.
- Staffing volunteer board committee.
- Designing, developing and implementing the Community Technology Training Center, a computer training facility that was used by United Way and other non-profit organization staff.
- Interfacing with other organizations that provided services to United Way’s agencies. This included asking for free or reduced fee assistance in areas including project management, technology budget planning, technology training, and others.
- Traveling throughout Minnesota and the country to meet with vendors, other organizations and serve on the Board of Directors for a national organization.
I had several other positions within United Way (which are detailed on my resume) and was fortunate to work for an organization where I was able to advance and further my skills.
I enjoyed the management and my co-workers very much and the relationships were mutually respectful and we worked very much as a team.
The hardest part of my job was the last position I had (detailed above) in that I knew it was so
ProsWorking with a wide variety of volunteers, the commitment of staff to the vision, the opportunities for advancement, travel, learning new skills and technology, being able to work in the community.
ConsAt times, the travel was difficult but manageable, working on a project that had limited funding, and was eliminated as the organization changed it's focus
An organization you're excited for when you start, and six months in begin to wonder what you missed when interviewing.
The staff is generally friendly, easy-going and diverse. You can and will make friends here. Salary and benefits are very good for non-profit standards, and job security is fairly high. Also, you're not going to wonder 3-6-12 months in if you're working for a scam, UW is a legitimate charity and everyone's intentions are in the right place.
You'll start to wonder what's wrong with management though, if you've never worked in non-profit. Management is incredibly top-down, and at non-profits your Board are the ultimate decision makers. They've never worked a day in non-profit, but they're a MP at a Big 4 firm or CEO of a major bank, so obviously their experience translates...right? With this volunteer leadership changing every year, every project becomes a mix of fire-drill and DOA as messaging, market strategy and sometimes even community investment plans are ripped up every year. With decision making out of the hands of senior leadership, and little budget for them to really manage staff development, you find your bosses doing your job to stay relevant.
Also, as a small organization, promotions/development is tough. There's little to no money for real skill development (PMPs, 6sigma, programming certificates...or for that matter regular sales training skills). Senior management likes to find outside staff for VP and above positions.
United Way is a great
Prosfriendly, diverse staff, good salary for npos and generally good job security, work-life balance easy to maintain, good sense of "doing good" for the community
Conssmall organization that likes to hire outside for senior positions, skills training is almost non-existent, management-by-consulting
Relaxed environment, excellent communication between employees
Work would start at nine in the morning, upon entering the workplace the team would meet in a conference room and review what has been accomplished and what needs to be done in the short term and long term future. Employees would brief others on current projects and any other necessary information. There was great teamwork between the employees. I utilized my marketing and communication skills to uniform the organization's key goals and values. Using various methods of media including Facebook, and Microsoft to promote the ideas and visions of the company. I had the opportunity to lead many different projects, some included setting up booths for conventions to further promote the organization. I used my leadership abilities to put different teams of people together that would lead to the best efficiency. I was able to achieve this by evaluating other employees strengths, weaknesses, and personality traits. From the evaluations I could properly put together teams of employees who worked together well and could let their strengths show while using the help of others to improve weaknesses. During my time I was able to fulfill the duties of the communications coordinator of the company. I used communication skills, leadership building, team building skills, interpersonal skills, computer skills, marketing and promotion skills. The hardest part of the job was making sure everyone was using the same type of language when they used media to promote the company, we had buzz words tha
ProsGreat work experience in fields such as marketing, communication, advertising, and interpersonal skills.
ConsEnvironment was not always focused which caused frustration within the organization.
● Work-life balance
It ultimately depends on your manager, some managers are very caring if your time and some aren't.
● Job security and advancement
There isn't a lot of advancement at United Way of RI. Your best bet is if someone leaves in your department so you can possibly advance.
● Management
At times it was sort of floppy floppy. I wish that management was more consistent with it's decisions. Certain employees could get away with saying anything like wanting to quit their jobs onna daily basis but if others mentioned that, they would be reprimanded.
A person's experience at UWRI is really dependent on the manager. I've had some great managers and ultimately had one that I could no longer deal with.
● Culture
The culture is definitely changing due to the new CEO. In some ways for the better and in some ways it's worse.
I saw employees that I've worked with for years throw each other under the bus whereas when I first started it felt a lot more like a team.
A lot of employees are upset with changes and there's a lot of negative talk in the grapevine but I wish that more people would be open to express their opinions.
Not everyone felt comfortable enough to voice their frustrations with changes, the environment just wasn't conducive enough to allow it.
There's a lot of things in the works but in order for anything to happen employee buy in needs to happen.
● Overall
Managers really make or break your experience here.
Departments vary drastically depending on m
Admirable mission and scope of work but needs to modernize and adhere to national service model
The agencies and charities with whom United Way of the Desert partners are highly deserving. Involvement at this United Way therefore creates a gratifying work environment on some levels.
However, the local board oversight has been extremely recalcitrant in terms of modernizing the community impact model of fundraising and marketing. This newer, more productive and responsive model is strongly advocated by the national United Way and hundreds of local offices around the country. This newer model has been established in an effort to combat the sharp decline of the workplace support structure which is an enormous imaging issue for all United Ways since people prefer to donate directly more and more.
Locally, there is a total disregard for the vital linkage between public relations outreach and fundraising, a disconnect which continues to limit the funds raised each year and thereby penalize the population who are most in need, the program and funding recipients..
In addition, the uncomfortable staffing structure and small number of staff members compared to every other United Way makes it virtually impossible to reaistically meet fundraising goals, especially with regard to divisions between major gifts, leadership gifts, and annual renewal gifts.
New ideas to improve relationship building and grow the major donor's group (Tocqueville Society) is, unfortunately, not welcome at this United Way. These events which incorporate high levels of reward and recognition for these
ProsExtremely worthwhile intent and mission towards disadvantaged populations
ConsComplete lack of board vision and openness to modernization in fundraising practices
Organization which vetted successfully organizations to receive annual donation
I truly enjoyed working with volunteers who met with companies to achieve employee campaign funding to be distributed to select non-profits in this geographic area that provided valuable services to the community. The volunteers' employers and they, themselves, were professional and enthusiastic to do well for the community. As Resource Development Director, my job was to motivate and assist them in raising funds while creating new programs to enable them to be successful. This position introduced me to the world of non-profit organizations and I have been involved on some level either as a Rotarian or board member to 2 other organizations.
After working for a very professional organization in Hewlett Packard for 11 years, moving to a small non-profit organization was a challenge. I've been in Abilene, now, for 11 years and have finally acclimated to a smaller town work environment where there is clear delineation between the bosses and employees. This organization was well-run for decades. My co-workers were hard-working. I made some good and lasting friends there. I left after a 7 months to seek an environment where I could "run" and not be stifled by a management culture I didn't understand. I wasn't willing to adapt and take very low pay at the time. I would be much better prepared to contribute today in this role than I was capable of then.
ProsLearning about fund raising, local event management, motivating volunteers.
ConsNo longer would be a con, but then I had trouble moving from corporate positions to a very small office.
I loved my job very much. I just couldn't see why the Director made changes then went brought back the programs that she took away.
Typical day at work:
I handled most of the calls coming into the Call Center. I answered anywhere from 50 to 150 per day. My duties were making sure I forward the calls back to 211 from the backup 211 Call Center. I would zone clients to the nearest pantry to their residence and track this information. Handled the problems that clients had with the pantries. I would check the call records from the Call Center the night before, if there were any problems report to my Manager to handle. I would do monthly reports on how many calls came in and where the clients were referred to, along with reports of the number of clients that were sent to the pantry during in a month. I also would assist clients with children for various reasons with gasoline to medical appointments or assist with prescriptions, etc. At the end of the day I then would transfer the calls to another 211 Call Center.
What I learned:
New tracking system through Bowman's.
Iris 3.0
Iris 4.0
ABC's of the Alliance of Information & Referral
Co-Workers
Were really nice and helpful when needed
Hardest part of Job
Was telling clients there wasn't assistance available when they were in need of help.
Explaining to the Director why we should keep some programs.
Most enjoyable part of job
Being able to make a difference in a client's life that was needing assistance.
ProsLiked my job very much, working with my co-workers and my clients
ConsExplainig to the Director why she should keep some programs of 211.
Avoid Oshkosh Area United Way; Terrible Management
I was only able to work for Oshkosh Area United Way for six weeks. Things started out well enough; I was tasked with helping the company's marketing and events objectives. My coworker was very helpful and, despite having a lot on her plate at any given time, was always willing to answer questions. The president and CEO, however, is another story.
Never in all my life have I worked for such a toxic, myopic, manipulative person. She was condescending, terrible at communicating what she needed from me on any given day, and was a perfectionist to such a degree that even simple mistakes that one would expect from a new employee were made to feel like a large-scale disaster. It got to the point where, when she was gone for a few days, the energy in the office felt more upbeat, productive and open than it ever had while she was there. Additionally, she seldom took responsibility for mistakes with which she was involved.
Could Oshkosh Area United Way be a good place to work? Probably, with a better CEO at the helm. The benefits are robust and the pay is good. However, the Board of Directors seems reticent to admit they made a mistake in hiring the CEO, so I would stay away for now unless you want to risk dismissal six weeks into your employment for petty reasons. She's lost at least four people in the last year, myself included, and I suspect the high turnover will continue unless she either genuinely reflects on herself and her abilities as a manager or leaves.
United Way of Bucks County is dedicated to improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities.
We believe that we are all connected and that we all have a stake in making Bucks County a healthy and prosperous community. We know that when we work together to advance the common good, we create a better life for all.
To advance the greater good, we focus on three key issues: access to a quality education, a stable income, and good health – the building blocks of a great life.
All of our work is done in collaboration with diverse partners. Depending on the issue and how the community chooses to address it, United Way of Bucks County works with schools, government agencies, businesses, organized labor, financial institutions, community development corporations, voluntary and neighborhood associations, the faith community, and others. The bottom line? If you bring the passion, resources and expertise to help us get things done, we want to work with you!
Although there are approximately 1,300 United Ways Nationally, each organization is autonomous. Because of the unique conditions in diverse communities, the issues United Ways address are determined locally, governed by a local Board of Directors. What holds United Ways together is the brand: a common belief in our approach to solving community problems and our commitment to accountability and transparency.
- See more at: http://www.uwbucks.org/who-we-are/mission/#sthash.LYKmuI4y.dpuf
This was a volunteer position. After a very intensive training period (not many make it), you decide what shifts you'll take for the month. Show up when it's your time to go in, and call (rarely) if you cannot fulfill your obligation. It's critical that you be dependable and reliable. Arrive 15 minutes ahead of your scheduled shift to get briefed, calm, etc. before getting on the phones. Callers can sense when something is not O.K.
Whatever problems you have must be left at the door before you come in; you can be effective in making connection immediately with your caller when your mind is clear and not pre-occupied. If you need to talk, do so at a time that's convenient for you to process. Management and teammates are the BEST, hands down. Everyone was helpful, knowledgeable, and supportive. They practice what they teach!
Treat each call and caller with warmth, dignity, and respect. Be totally "there" for the caller, your teammate, on staff.
The hardest part of the job are the intervention calls. But I was trained to handle these calls, and you are truly not alone on calls like these. Everyone comes on board until the call is completed, and the caller is served.
I love nonprofit at heart, so the most enjoyable part was doing my part to make someone's life better!
ProsYou learn how to handle crisis and dealing with callers with varied backgrounds
ConsIt is volunteer work, so if you're looking to get padi this might not be for you.
Questions And Answers about United Way
How long does it take to get hired from start to finish at United Way? What are the steps along the way?
Asked Jul 5, 2016
They never communicate.
Answered Apr 2, 2019
Applied for another position within the company, didn't recieve a rejection email or call. Says they hire within first. They are more partial to AKAs and men.
Answered Feb 28, 2019
What is the best part of working at United Way?
Asked Jan 8, 2020
Being able to get a work experience while also having an engaging job.
Answered Jun 26, 2022
Knowing our work is making a difference and seeing it in reality.
Answered Jun 1, 2022
How are the working hours at United Way?
Asked Jul 5, 2016
It was an 8:30 to 4 job but I always stayed busy so it was fun and motivating.
Answered Feb 22, 2018
They were fine
Answered Jan 21, 2018
On average, how many hours do you work a day at United Way?
Asked Nov 17, 2016
5 hours per day.
Answered Aug 21, 2018
8.5 - 9 hours per day
Answered Jul 2, 2018
How often do you get a raise at United Way?
Asked May 12, 2021
One raise in eleven years that wasn’t tied to a promotion.
