United Way of the Plains
Job Opportunity: Vice President of Community Impact
Reports to: President and CEO
OVERVIEW
Do you appreciate a commitment to something larger than yourself? Are you passionate about helping others no matter who gets the credit? Are you visible in the community and have the interpersonal skills required to build strong relationships? If you have the considerable professional experience that can demonstrate “yes” to all of these questions, and you desire to be a thoughtful and loyal member of our executive management team, then we look forward to reading your application. Leadership, vision, strategic thinking, initiative, optimism and a can-do attitude are key to success in this position. Our mission is to harness the caring power of the community to advance the common good and we need someone who believes in strengthening Youth Opportunity, Healthy Community, Financial Security and Community Resiliency to foster a South-Central Kansas where every person can thrive. In the end, we are not offering just a job, but a purpose; we are not just looking for a candidate, but we are in search of commitment.
The VP of Community Impact must be able to engage diverse stakeholders to accurately and effectively assess community needs and, with credibility, authenticity, diplomacy, and humility, strategically guide the United Way to invest in the community’s priorities. We are in search of an expert on community issues and challenges who has thorough knowledge of the data trends, research, and environment and has positive relationships with appropriate community stakeholders. Key to success will be the applicant’s ability to lead a team of 20+ colleagues and together influence and inspire community leaders to partner with the United Way to create and implement programs that serve and add value to the community. Our specialty is to tackle social problems larger than any one organization so we need a leader that can engage, support and collaborate with other agencies as “colleagues, not competitors; partners, not rivals.” The work in this position is incredibly rewarding, but only those who are mission focused, purpose driven, and selfless in their deeds and words will succeed.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The major responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:
- Plan, develop, and implement initiatives within community impact areas of Youth Opportunity, Healthy Community, Financial Security and Community Resiliency to achieve measurable results that drive collective community outcomes.
- Proactively work to identify and address complex community issues by providing leadership around gathering, interpreting, and using relevant data to inform and drive strategy development.
- Implement the best practices of grant-making in an objective and transparent manner.
- Expertly implement and manage grants we receive to achieve desired outcomes within required guidelines and donor requirements.
- As a brand ambassador, be visible, engaging, and active in the community. Speak/write publicly on behalf of the organization; educate volunteers, businesses, donors, and others about our mission and impact.
- Work to build organizational capacity through volunteer collaboration and to develop high impact, meaningful volunteer opportunities that increase revenue, impact, outcomes, and influence.
- Identify community strategies to connect with the interests of various investors, and develop solutions as investment opportunities to connect donor aspirations with community needs.
- Work with community leaders and elected officials to build on the United Way mission and advocate on Youth Opportunity, Healthy Community, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency. Encourage partner organizations to engage in advocacy and to support issues important for the community.
- Track, monitor, and analyze data and results of our community initiatives to understand social impact.
- Collaborate with the executive team to develop plans and strategies and help integrate our year‐round resource development, community building, impact programs, and special events.
- Develop and cultivate professional relationships with key volunteers, business leaders, individual donors, community leaders, funded partners, and like-minded professionals.
- Provide inspirational leadership and oversee a department comprised of 20+ other impact leaders and community service providers who require and deserve a servant leader that enables and promotes their success.
- Lead a year-round multi-million grant making process with humility and diplomacy, tracking and building authentic relationships with over 50 funded partners and their 70 funded programs.
- Lead and manage 15 direct service programs of the United Way of the Plains.
- Develop and manage a $6 million+ department budget and ensure adherence.
Minimum requirements and qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in social services or a related field is required; Master’s degree preferred.
- Ten years progressive community experience that demonstrates required knowledge and abilities.
- Minimum of five years in a senior leadership position creating and implementing strategy.
- Experience leading and managing others is a must (full time colleagues and volunteers alike); previous work leading a team of over 20 people is a plus.
- Marketing, sales or fundraising experience is a plus.
Non-Negotiable Hiring Criteria:
- Effective, articulate, and persuasive public speaking and presentation skills.
- Excellent writing and editing skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Excel and PowerPoint).
- Naturally curious and self-motivated in a never-ending pursuit of continuous improvement.
- Ability to interact in a positive way with individuals and groups.
- Must be flexible and multitask oriented; can adapt to changing priorities.
- Can work independently and responsibly while managing numerous projects simultaneously.
- Dependable and reliable to meet deadlines; remains calm under pressure.
- Leads by personal example to inspire and motivate others.
- Possess integrity beyond reproach; your word is your bond.
- Possess excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills.
- Servant leader who can positively influence others not under their control.
How to Apply:
All applications will be treated as confidential. As one combined PDF or Word document, submit a COVER LETTER explaining why you are suited for this role followed by your RESUME through our organization LinkedIn page.
Application Deadline:
For priority consideration, apply by June 30, 2026; position will remain open until filled.
The United Way of the Plains is committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment to all applicants and employees regardless of, race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, handicap, sexual orientation, and/or any other characteristic protected by law.
Core Competencies for all United Way Professionals
- Mission-Focused: The United Way Professional’s top priority is to create real social change that leads to better lives and healthier communities. This competency drives their performance and professional motivations.
- Relationship-Oriented: The United Way Professional understands that people come before process and is astute in cultivating and managing relationships toward a common goal.
- Collaborator: The United Way Professional understands the roles and contributions of all sectors of the community and can mobilize resources (financial and human) through meaningful engagement.
- Results-Driven: The United Way Professional is dedicated to shared and measurable goals for the common good including creating, resourcing, scaling, and leveraging strategies and innovations for broad investment and impact.
- Brand Steward: The United Way Professional is a steward of the brand and understands his/her role in growing and protecting the reputation and results of the greater network.
More information about the United Way of the Plains can be found at www.unitedwayplains.org