High Country United Way
Executive Director
The Executive Director serves as the chief executive and primary leader of High Country United Way
(HCUW), providing vision for growth through the United Way network, operational oversight, and disaster-response leadership across a five-county region in North Carolina (Avery, Ashe, Mitchell, Watauga, and Yancey). The Executive Director works closely with the Board of Directors, community partners, local governments, Long-Term Recovery Groups (LTRGs), donors, and non-profit organizations to advance HCUW’s mission and ensure strong, collective community impact. Competitive salary and benefits package based on experience.
Leadership & Strategic Direction
• Provide visionary leadership in collaboration with the Board of Directors to implement HCUW’s community impact and revenue targets/goals.
• Serve lead for United Way Worldwide’s Network Transformation initiatives and guides for strategic planning (2026/27).
• Promote transparency, accountability, client services, and cross-county collaboration.
• Maintain a clean and apolitical presence on social media platforms
• Participate and engage in UWW, UWNC, and applicable non-profit trainings and sessions.
• Represent HCUW in local, statewide, and nationwide partnerships.
• Evaluate organizational capacity and recommend improvements to maintain minimal nonprofit administrative costs.
Disaster Response (DR), Recovery & Community Impact (CI)
• Serve as lead administrative and fiscal agent for multi-county disaster recovery efforts including Helene and future activations.
• Participate with Long-Term Recovery Groups (LTRGs) and Unmet Needs Tables, attending meetings in-person and virtually.
• Maintain, with the Director of Operations, the Rapid Response Fund (Helene) Unmet Needs funding along with Board criteria for disbursements and UWNC reporting requirements. (iCarol)
• Ensure prevention of duplication of services through partner coordination with LTRGs, VOADs, FEMA, NCEM, NC211, ARC and our other regional trusted partners.
• Manage disaster grants, rapid-response allocations, documentation, and reporting.
• Assist in creating disaster-related marketing and public information materials.
• Lead, train, and educate the community and stakeholders on UWNC’s vital initiatives ALICE and NC211.
Financial Oversight & Administration
• Develop and manage the annual operating budget in partnership with the Treasurer/Finance Committee.
• Ensure timely presentation of accurate financial reports, audits, grant compliance documentation, and required filings as provided by accountants, finance personnel, and the Director of Operations.
• Administer the State Employees Combined Campaign, other Federation Campaigns, and all allocation processes.
• Oversight in financial controls, banking, reconciliations, payroll reviews, tax returns, and systems in collaboration with auditors, accountants, and finance committee members.
• Maintain and monitor the Regular Campaign (RC) budget and Disaster Recovery (DR) disbursement budgets.
• Serve as fiscal agent for regional initiatives and LTRGs where appropriate.
Resource Development & Fundraising
• Lead the execution of the annual fundraising campaign while continuing grant writing/fundraising efforts for DR.
• Respond promptly to donor inquiries and oversee donor stewardship.
• Manage “Regular Campaign” application process and grant allocations for High Country United Way member agencies.
• Manage workplace campaigns and the development of workforce campaigns along with staff and donors.
• Research and execute projects surrounding all grant opportunities.
• Oversee donor and volunteer databases with accuracy and integrity.
• Co-lead the adoption of a new CRM/donor management system in early 2026. (DT/CRM LITE)
Communications & Community Relations
• Serve as primary spokesperson for HCUW.
• Maintain professional, neutral, and apolitical communications consistent with United Way standards.
• Coordinate and oversee social media, delegating tasks as needed.
• Manage website content, donor buttons, and online giving tools.
• Manage the North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Awards for Watauga, Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey counties with assigned staff.
• Monitor and update digital content/marketing materials using UWW and UWNC assets when appropriate.
• Strengthen visibility through local government, media, schools, chambers, nonprofits, and civic groups.
Human Resources & Staff Leadership
• Supervise all HCUW staff, contractors, interns, employees assigned from NC Works, and volunteers.
• Manage staff evaluations along with the Executive Committee.
• Oversee professional development and onboarding.
• Maintain HR compliance and promote a collaborative work environment along with the Board of Directors.
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 3–5 years of progressive nonprofit leadership experience.
• Successful history in fundraising and nonprofit operations/fiscal management.
• Strong communication, follow-up, and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Canva, and donor management platforms.
Preferred Qualifications & Leadership Competencies
• 5 -7 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit, public sector, or disaster recovery roles.
• Ability to deliver measurable results and strengthen community impact.
• Experience with QuickBooks, financial forecasting, resource allocation, and nonprofit compliance.
• Proven results with fundraising targets and leading teams toward revenue goals and diversification.
• Strong grant writing skills with results in capacity funding.
• Experience in collaborating and maintaining a Board roster for a functioning Board of Directors.
• Skilled in supervising high-performing teams including NC Works and ASU/CCCTI/LMC interns.
• Understanding of rural, economically diverse, and geographically dispersed communities.
• Experience in cross-sector collaborations addressing education, health, financial stability, affordable housing, and disaster recovery.
• Strong public speaking and presentation (in-person& online) skills.
• Commitment to United Way values, including transparency and community trust-building.
Work Environment & Schedule
• Position based in the HCUW office with regional travel required.
• Some evening and weekend work is expected.
• Hybrid flexibility may be available depending on schedule.
Deadline for submission is October 21, 2026
Send resume and cover letter to director@highcountryunitedway.org