EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Leadership Opportunity
United Way of Monroe and Lenawee Counties (Michigan)
United Way of Monroe/Lenawee Counties is seeking a visionary, collaborative, and community-focused leader to serve as its next Executive Director. For generations, United Way of Monroe/Lenawee Counties has brought together individuals, businesses, labor organizations, nonprofit agencies, educational institutions, and community leaders to improve lives and address the most pressing needs facing our communities. The next Executive Director will have the opportunity to build upon this strong foundation while helping shape the future of philanthropy, community impact, and regional collaboration across two vibrant and growing counties in Southeast Michigan.
Monroe and Lenawee Counties offer an exceptional quality of life characterized by strong community values, affordable living, excellent schools, rich agricultural heritage, thriving manufacturing and business sectors, and an enduring commitment to volunteerism and civic engagement. Located within convenient access to Detroit, Ann Arbor, Toledo, Jackson, and other regional employment and cultural centers, the area offers the best of both small-town connection and metropolitan opportunity. Residents enjoy beautiful parks, waterfront recreation along Lake Erie and the River Raisin, historic downtown districts, family-friendly communities, and a network of dedicated organizations working to strengthen the region.
The Executive Director will serve as the chief executive officer of the organization and will lead efforts to advance United Way's mission of improving lives through fundraising, strategic community investments, volunteer engagement, and collaborative problem-solving. This leader will work closely with the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, donors, labor organizations, partner agencies, businesses, schools, and government leaders to identify opportunities, address challenges, and create measurable community impact throughout Monroe and Lenawee Counties.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced relationship builder with a passion for community service, a demonstrated record of fundraising success, strong financial and strategic management skills, and the ability to inspire others around a shared vision for the future. If you are a mission-driven leader who believes in the power of partnerships, community engagement, and collective impact, we invite you to explore this opportunity to lead United Way of Monroe/Lenawee Counties and help ensure that opportunities for a good life are available to all.
Mission
The mission of the United Way of Monroe/Lenawee Counties is to improve lives through:
-Conducting effective fundraising campaigns.
-Allocating United Way funding to support evidence-based programming.
-Collaborating with community agencies, businesses, organized labor, and individuals to identify and solve challenges that threaten quality of life.
Vision
The vision of the United Way of Monroe/Lenawee Counties is that opportunities for a good life will be available to all.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit the following materials no later than July 1, 2026:
-Cover Letter
-Current Resume
-Three Professional References
A two-page Executive Leadership Statement describing:
○The candidate's vision for the future of United Way of Monroe/Lenawee Counties;
○Strategies for strengthening community impact;
○Approaches to expanding fundraising and financial sustainability; and,
○Leadership philosophy and organizational culture.
Application materials should be uploaded electronically at:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Wq6FK0N20kTjI5HWJgpmda_yARTwwu-l93m20tNdLTo/edit?usp=drivesdk
Application materials received by July 6, 2026, will receive first consideration. The position will remain open until filled.
Search Timeline:
Selected candidates will participate in a multi-stage evaluation process that includes interviews,
finalist presentations, reference checks, and Board consideration. The Board of Directors reserves the right to modify the timeline as necessary to ensure a successful search process.
Application Deadline: June 30, 2026
Application Review: July 1-5, 2026
First-Round Interviews: July 6–13, 2026
Finalist Presentations: July 14–22, 2026
Board Approval: Week of July 27, 2026
Public Announcement: Week of August 3, 2026
Desired Start Date: Before September 1, 2026
For additional assistance, please call P: 734.242.1331 or contact us at: https://www.unitedwaymlc.org/contact-usUNITED WAY OF MONROE/LENAWEE COUNTIES
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Executive Director
Classification: Exempt
Supervised By: Board of Directors
Supervises: Associate Director, Development Director, AFL-CIO Community Services Liaison, Administrative Staff, Contractors, V olunteers, and Interns
Compensation: $68,000-$75,000/year - Commensurate with Experience
Medical Insurance and Fringe Benefit Package Available
Position Summary:
Under the direction of the Board of Directors, the Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of United Way of Monroe/Lenawee Counties and is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, financial management, fundraising, community engagement, and administration of the organization.
The Executive Director provides strong, innovative, and collaborative leadership among community stakeholders while ensuring the organization's long-term sustainability and effectiveness. The position is responsible for developing financial resources, planning and implementing fundraising initiatives, overseeing community investment and fund distribution, directing marketing and communications activities, and managing all aspects of organizational operations.
The Executive Director serves as the primary representative of United Way within Monroe and Lenawee Counties and works collaboratively with the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, donors, labor organizations, businesses, educational institutions, governmental entities, nonprofit agencies, and community leaders to identify and respond to community priorities related to health, education, financial stability, and overall quality of life.
The Executive Director is responsible for advancing United Way's mission through strategic leadership, community collaboration, volunteer engagement, resource development, organizational stewardship, and measurable community impact. The position maintains accountability for the organization's fiscal and operational integrity and ensures compliance with all applicable policies, bylaws, legal requirements, and ethical standards.
Essential Duties and Job Functions:
1. Strategic Leadership and Governance
-Lead implementation of the organization's strategic plan and annual work plan.
-Assist the Board of Directors in establishing long-range organizational priorities and community impact goals.
-Recruit, develop, and support volunteer leadership.
-Support effective governance practices and Board operations.
2. Community Leadership and Partnerships
-Serve as the primary spokesperson and representative of United Way.
-Build relationships with community leaders, donors, businesses, labor organizations, nonprofits, and governmental entities.
-Position United Way as a catalyst for addressing emerging community needs.
3. Fund Development and Resource Stewardship
-Lead all fundraising and resource development activities.
-Oversee annual campaigns, major gifts, grants, sponsorships, planned giving, and special events.
-Develop strategies to diversify revenue sources and ensure long-term sustainability.
4. Financial Management and Organizational Administration
-Maintain accountability for operational and fiscal integrity.
-Develop and administer annual budgets.
-Oversee audits, financial reporting, investments, records management, and internal controls.
5. Community Investment and Impact
-Oversee community investment and fund distribution processes.
-Assess community needs and identify appropriate roles for United Way.
-Evaluate funded programs and community impact initiatives.
6. Marketing, Communications, and Public Relations
-Oversee marketing, branding, communications, and public relations activities.
-Increase public awareness of community needs and United Way initiatives.
7. Human Resources and Organizational Leadership
-Recruit, supervise, develop, and evaluate staff.
-Foster a culture of professionalism, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
8. Compliance and Risk Management
-Ensure compliance with organizational policies, bylaws, and applicable laws.
-Maintain high ethical standards and organizational accountability.
9. Performs Other Duties as Required
-Attend meetings and events outside normal business hours.
-Participate in United Way activities at the regional, state, and national levels.
-Perform additional duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Minimum Qualifications:
-Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
-Five to ten years of progressively responsible leadership experience.
-Demonstrated success in fundraising, donor development, and strategic planning.
-Experience managing budgets and financial operations.
-Strong communication, public speaking, and relationship-building skills.
-Valid Michigan driver's license and ability to travel throughout the service area.
For additional assistance, please call P: 734.242.1331 or contact us at: https://www.unitedwaymlc.org/contact-us
Application materials should be uploaded electronically at:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Wq6FK0N20kTjI5HWJgpmda_yARTwwu-l93m20tNdLTo/edit?usp=drivesdk
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $68,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
