Director of Strategic Partnerships, Cradle-to-Career

About Us

United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut is one of more than 1,100 autonomous United Ways in our nation and 1,800 community-based United Ways in 45 countries and territories. We have the unique ability, vision, and resources to bring together diverse stakeholders around a community vision of creating positive change to achieve long-lasting results for children and families. Our Community Engagement and Marketing team helps to raise awareness of United Way’s work, and the impact can all make together for local children and families.

Our Mission

United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut mobilizes resources to end poverty.

Our Vision

A united 860 region where there are equal opportunities for everyone to succeed.

Our Values

In pursuing our mission, the following principles guide our relationships with stakeholders, including our donors, volunteers, partners, employees and the communities we serve: a belief that respect, equity, diversity and inclusiveness make us stronger; engaging others with professionalism and quality support; seeking creative and sustainable solutions to pressing social challenges; maintaining the highest standards of personal and organizational honesty in order to ensure stewardship of donors’ dollars; being proactive and responsive through consistent communication; and, delivery of high-quality services and effective measurement of results to ensure efficiency and innovation.

Summary of Responsibility

The Director of Strategic Partnerships, Cradle-to-Career is responsible for providing leadership in support of strategic partnerships that address community impact and revenue goals; specific emphasis is on identifying, developing, and monitoring the partnerships/collaborations that will ensure progress on cradle-to-career community outcomes and identifying and pursuing resource development opportunities (both direct and leveraged).

Essential Functions

• Understand local communities and develop and maintain effective relationships with community stakeholders and public/private partners to address United Way priorities, lead community engagement strategies.
• In partnership with leadership volunteers and community partners, identify needs, assets, partners, resources, and innovative approaches to achieve intended community goals; identify and pursue opportunities for interdepartmental and community partnership, capacity-building and collaboration to pursue these goals.
• Serve as lead organizational liaison for a new Cradle-to-Career Coalition; includes recruiting and supporting a Leadership Advisory Council to govern the coalition; directing professional development workshops and monthly community conversations; managing associated contracts and ensuring effective implementation of projects in support of community goals.
• Provides organizational leadership for relationship management with community partners and stakeholders (including funders) that contribute to impact and fundraising goals.
• Develops new pipeline of major public and private funding opportunities for consideration.
• Manages fundraising as assigned (as organizational lead and/or in partnership with other staff) to support impact goals.

Other Functions

• Represents United Way at community functions, as needed, both during and after regular business hours.
• Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications & Competencies

• Master’s degree in social work, public policy, community organizing, or related field and/or 5-10 years of related experience.
• Technology competence that includes expertise with Microsoft Office and database management, as well as willingness to learn new applications as needed and identify innovative ways for technology to support organizational objectives is required.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and juggle multiple priorities, and being able to react and adjust quickly to changing conditions is required.
• Ability and willingness to travel locally and nationally required.
• Knows and effectively communicates the organization’s mission, vision and values.
• Understands the needs and goals of co-workers and constituents.
• Demonstrates the value of diversity and inclusion.
• Treats others with respect and dignity.
• Fosters open communication by considering all input and contributions and by respecting other points of view.
• When conflict arises, successfully navigates the conversation to find solutions acceptable to all parties.
• Works collaboratively to achieve common goals and positive results.
• Demonstrates the ability to negotiate and compromise without losing sight of core values and objectives; seeks win-win solutions.
• Has a focus on results and can effectively communicate his/her goals and their impact on the goals of the organization.
• Promotes innovation and is open to new ideas.
• Motivates others to translate ideas into actions and results.
• Identifies, assesses, and manages risk while striving to attain objectives.

United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut is an equal opportunity employer M / F / D / V.

Frequently cited statistics show that women and members of structurally marginalized and/or underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut encourages you to break that statistic and to apply. Few candidates will likely meet 100% of the qualifications. We look forward to your application.

Medical, dental vision, life and 403B retirement plans are offered.