VITA Manager (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program)

Mission of United Way of Greater Newark (UWGN)

United Way of Greater Newark, founded in 1923, envisions a future where every individual and family can live with dignity, security, and opportunity. Our mission is to build strong, inclusive communities where everyone has the chance to thrive. Building on UWGN’s strategic plan and framework, our goal is to build thriving communities for ALICE. ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) is working but not making enough to make ends meet.

Background to Newark Free Tax Prep

Newark Free Tax Prep is an initiative under the Newark Prosperity Hub (formerly the Newark Asset Building Coalition), which is a coalition of organizations that provides free tax prep services by IRS-certified tax preparers through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Through the Newark Free Tax Program, we offer free tax assistance to low- and moderate-income “ALICE” individuals with a taxable income of $80,000 or less on their tax return. Newark Free Tax Prep has been instrumental in helping hard-working ALICE families in Greater Newark take advantage of the tax credits to which they are eligible, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), and education credits. In 2025, Newark Free Tax Prep provided a value of $7 million back to the community through tax refunds and avoided fees across eight in-person locations and the online program.

Key Responsibilities

The VITA Manager will oversee all aspects of Newark Free Tax Prep and will provide support to the network of implementing VITA partners and site coordinators who manage each site. The Manager will also serve as the liaison to the IRS across this network of providers.

Additionally, the ideal candidate will be able to perform the following tasks:

• • Provide leadership to the VITA program
  • Ensure program staff meet the goals of the VITA program in operations, reporting, and engagement of volunteers
  • Ensure compliance with IRS and program guidelines, including maintaining accurate records and documentation
  • Support the Director of Economic Mobility in submitting grant reports and applications
  • Represent United Way of Greater Newark at state and/or national gatherings of VITA programs and in monthly Community of Practice meetings with implementing partners and state-wide United Way VITA convenings
  • Ensure the safe, efficient, and streamlined operations of VITA sites, including maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of taxpayer information
  • Supports VITA sites with additional capacity for volunteer and site coordinator recruitment and training, alongside the implementing partner organization
  • Provides additional staff support for volunteer recruitment and Tax Day “Pop Up” events with strategic partners on university campuses
  • Guides strategy and development of the marketing/outreach efforts of the VITA program alongside the marketing team
  • Provides problem-solving and support for tax clients who need assistance in the off-season (June – December)
  • Completes additional related tasks when requested and other duties, as assigned
  • Represents the work of United Way of Greater Newark and its partners professionally and responsibly

Core Competencies Needed for Success

• Results-driven and accountable
• Relationship-oriented
• Thrives in a fast-paced and complex environment
• Professionalism
• Mission-focused

Qualifications and Requirements

Candidates will ideally have the following qualifications:

• Prior experience with the VITA program and has passed the IRS test to become a certified tax preparer; candidate must also be able to pass the certification for tax year 2025 to the level of “Site Coordinator”
• Familiarity with TaxSlayer Software
  • Associate or Bachelor's degree in accounting, tax, or related field preferred
  • Strong customer service and problem-solving skills
  • Must be available to occasionally work flexible hours, to early evenings, and possibly a half day on Saturdays during the height of the tax season (late January – mid-April).
  • Ability to manage specific aspects of VITA sites’ daily operations (ex, payroll for site coordinators, arranging for in-kind equipment/supplies, collaborating on appointment-scheduling software, etc.).
  • Ability to work independently in a fast-paced setting
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Strong analytical skills

United Way of Greater Newark is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

Work Environment:

• This position operates on a hybrid schedule, with 1 or more days a week in the office
• Reliable internet connection and appropriate work setup are required
• In-person organization events, community events, and fundraisers may be required
• Employee must have access to reliable transportation, for occasional VITA site visits and other UWGN events

Compensation

We offer a competitive salary of $70,000 - $80,000, commensurate with your level of experience. Our employees also receive a robust benefits package with healthcare coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan with an organizational contribution, and generous paid time off.

To Apply

Please send a resume and brief cover letter to Danielle Corea-Smith, Director of Economic Mobility, at Dcorea-smith@uwnewark.org. Please include “VITA Manager Application” in the email subject line. Position will be filled as soon as possible.

Our employees receive a robust benefits package with healthcare coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan with an organizational contribution, and generous paid time off.

Spanish or Portuguese language skills a plus