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  • UNITED WAY OF ABILENE | ABILENE, TX

PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER POSITION

United Way of Abilene is seeking a dynamic and strategic executive leader to serve as its next President & Chief Executive Officer.

Founded in 1956, United Way of Abilene serves Abilene and 19 counties in West Central Texas, investing in local nonprofits through strategic grantmaking, capacity-building initiatives, and cross-sector collaboration focused on health, education, and financial stability. The United Way Foundation supports long-term sustainability and endowment growth.

In 2014, the United Way Foundation was established to build long-term sustainability and ensure enduring impact for future generations. United Way of Abilene brings people, organizations, and resources together to create measurable and lasting change. United, we succeed.

Position Overview

The President & CEO serves as the chief executive and strategic leader of United Way of Abilene. In partnership with the Board of Directors, the CEO sets vision, advances community impact, drives resource development, and ensures organizational excellence.


This leader mobilizes relationships across nonprofit, corporate, public, and philanthropic sectors to increase impact and financial sustainability. The CEO is the chief ambassador, brand steward, and primary fundraiser for the organization—building trust, elevating visibility, and positioning United Way as an essential community partner.


The President & CEO champions measurable outcomes, equitable opportunity, innovation, and long-term community investment.

  • The successful candidate will:
  • Lead development and execution of a measurable community impact strategy
  • Serve as chief fundraiser for both United Way and the United Way Foundation
  • Build and strengthen relationships across corporate, nonprofit, public, and philanthropic sectors
  • Ensure strong financial stewardship and multi-year sustainability
  • Lead and develop a high-performing staff team
  • Partner effectively with an engaged Board of Directors

Candidate Profile

  • Report to the Board of Directors, the CEO will:
  • Senior leadership experience in nonprofit, corporate, or mission-driven organizations
  • Proven success in fundraising and revenue diversification
  • Strong financial acumen and strategic planning capability
  • Experience working with governing boards
  • Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills
  • A collaborative, inclusive leadership style
  • High integrity, accountability, and community presence

Preferred qualifications include an advanced degree (MPA, MBA, or related field) and/or CFRE certification.


United Way of Abilene offers the opportunity to lead an exceptional legacy organization with significant opportunities for growth and innovation in a dynamic regional market.


To apply: Submit cover letter and resume to Board Chair, Jenny Goode at jgoodeuwabilene@gmail.com, before April 20, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.


United Way of Abilene is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Responsibilities

Read more about the position responsibilites below.

1. Community Impact & Strategy

  • Lead the development and execution of a clear community impact agenda aligned with measurable outcomes.
  • Partner with the Board to set strategic priorities and adapt to emerging community needs.
  • Strengthen relationships with senior leaders across business, government, education, faith-based, and nonprofit sectors.
  • Position United Way as a trusted convener and collaborative leader in West Central Texas.

2. Resource Development & Revenue Growth

  • Serve as the chief fundraiser for United Way and the United Way Foundation.
  • Drive growth in annual campaigns, major gifts, corporate partnerships, grants, and planned giving.
  • Identify, cultivate, and solicit major donors and strategic partners.
  • Leverage personal and professional networks to expand philanthropic investment.
  • Build a culture of philanthropy among staff and board leadership.

3. Strategic Governance & Board Partnership

  • Serve as the primary advisor to the Board of Directors and its committees.
  • Provide leadership in policy development, governance best practices, and strategic planning.
  • Identify, cultivate, and solicit major donors and strategic partners.
  • Ensure alignment among the United Way Board, Foundation Board, and staff leadership.
  • Support board engagement in fundraising, advocacy, and community leadership.

4. Organizational & Financial Leadership

  • Build and lead a high-performing, collaborative team.
  • Ensure fiscal integrity, transparency, and operational excellence.
  • Partner with the Chief Financial Officer to manage budgets, multi-year revenue projections, and risk mitigation.
  • Assess organizational capacity and implement systems to support growth.
  • Foster an inclusive and respectful environment across staff, volunteers, and community partnerships

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

  • Senior leadership experience in the nonprofit sector or comparable mission-driven organization.
  • Proven success in fundraising and revenue growth.
  • Experience managing budgets and aligning multi-year financial strategies.
  • Track record of strategic planning and execution.
  • Ability to build trust with stakeholders and community partners.
  • Experience working across nonprofit, corporate, and public sectors.
  • Strong partnership development and conflict management skills.
  • Exceptional communication skills (written and verbal).
  • High emotional intelligence, integrity, accountability, and sound judgment.
  • Intellectual curiosity and willingness to innovate.

Preferred:
Advanced degree (MPA, MBA, other related field) and/or CFRE certification.

Visionary Leadership

Provides clear direction grounded in mission and measurable impact. Navigates complexity while maintaining confidence in long-term success.

Strategic & Organizational Leadership

Drives performance, accountability, and growth. Inspires high standards, operational excellence, and collaborative culture.

Influence & Community Presence

Builds and leverages networks elevate visibility, reputation, and investment. Represents United Way with credibility and passion.

Revenue & Business Acumen

Understands financial strategy and diversified revenue models. Engages donors, corporations, foundations, and volunteers to expand support.

Network-Oriented & Partnership-Driven

Values collaboration and leverages relationships at the local, regional, and national levels to advance community impact.

Work Environment & Equal Opportunity

United Way of Abilene is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and organizational need. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace.


The responsibilities and qualifications listed above are representative and not intended to be all-inclusive. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals to perform essential functions.

  • 325.677.1841
  • 240 Cypress St. • Abilene, TX 79601
  • uwab@unitedwayabilene.org

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  • 325.677.1841
  • 240 Cypress St. • Abilene, TX 79601
  • uwab@unitedwayabilene.org