President & Chief Executive Officer

The United Way of Cass-Clay Inc; Fargo (ND); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The United Way of Cass-Clay is seeking a President & CEO to guide the organization towards impactful community solutions. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, strategic vision, and a commitment to the mission of breaking the cycle of poverty. Responsibilities include staff leadership, community engagement, and fundraising. A competitive salary and benefits package is offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years experience in a senior leadership position.
• Proven executive or senior management experience in a mission-driven organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead a strong internal team and foster a healthy, high-performing culture.
• Drive strategic fundraising and advancement efforts for financial sustainability.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Fundraising

Strategic Planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

United Way of Cass-Clay

Fargo, North Dakota

ABOUT UNITED WAY OF CASS-CLAY

United Way of Cass-Clay’s purpose is to create a better tomorrow for everyone by uniting people and resources to break the cycle of poverty. Grounded in local impact, the organization brings together community members, businesses, nonprofits, and government partners to develop strategic solutions that address the root causes of poverty in Cass and Clay counties. With an inclusive, equity-centered approach, United Way leads efforts that not only meet immediate needs but also foster long-term stability and opportunity for individuals and families.

Through its bold goals of Prevent Hunger & Homelessness, Prepare Children to Succeed, and Strengthen Families, United Way of Cass-Clay delivers measurable outcomes for the community. In 2023, their initiatives helped prevent homelessness for over 2,800 individuals, distributed 5.1 million pounds of food to nearly 13,000 families, and supported more than 6,000 students with backpacks and school supplies. By aligning community resources and data-driven strategies, United Way of Cass-Clay continues to drive sustainable change and build a stronger, more connected region.

In support of its mission-driven initiatives, United Way of Cass-Clay launched a fundraising campaign and achieved their goal of raising $6.2 million. Impressively, 99% of all funds raised stay within the local area, directly fueling programs that combat hunger and homelessness, support children’s education, and strengthen families throughout the Cass-Clay region.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

At United Way, we are dedicated to responsibly managing every dollar entrusted to us. By keeping administrative costs low and optimizing program efficiency, we ensure everycent possible is invested to create meaningful change in our community.

Revenue is generated from the following areas:

• Individual Giving 52%
• Corporate Giving 22%
• Special Events 10%
• Sponsorships 7%
• Investment Income 5%
• Grants 4%

BOLD GOAL 1 | Preventing Hunger & Homelessness

We believe every family deserves a place to call home and nutritious food to keep them healthy. We collaborate with local experts to address the root cause of homelessness and hunger, striving to prevent families and children from facing these hardships. Additionally, we invest in shelters and food pantries, ensuring comprehensive support for families as they work toward breaking the cycle of poverty.

BOLD GOAL 2 | Preparing Children to Succeed

We believe kids deserve the opportunity to reach their full potential. We know that children who receive high-quality, early childhood education and start
kindergarten prepared – are more likely to succeed in school and graduate. This critical milestone sets the foundation for a future filled with opportunities and choices as kids grow into adulthood.

BOLD GOAL 3 | Strengthening Families

We believe every family deserves the opportunity to thrive. Breaking the cycle of poverty is not easy. By improving the health, well-being, and
stability of families we help provide the foundation to strengthen and stabilize families creating generational change.

ABOUT THE ROLE

United Way of Cass-Clay seeks a President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to successfully guide the organization into the future and continue the growth and legacy of community impact.
The President & CEO provides the strategic vision and leadership to champion an effective and unified response to community needs. The President & CEO will lead and inspire a team of staff, board, volunteers, and community stakeholders to fulfill the mission of United Way. The successful candidate will have the experience, skills, and capacity necessary to effectively fulfill the key accountabilities of the position including Staff Leadership & Organizational Culture, Strategic Leadership & Organizational Alignment, Community Engagement & Brand Awareness, Fundraising & Resource Development, Operational Excellence & Program Delivery, Financial Oversight & Stewardship, Board Governance & Engagement.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Staff Leadership & Organizational Culture

Lead a strong internal team and foster a healthy, high-performing, values-driven culture.

Key Responsibilities:
• Set the tone for inclusive, purpose-driven leadership
• Support leadership team in goal setting, development, and accountability
• Establish regular performance feedback and recognition practices
• Prioritize staff well-being, engagement, and professional growth

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Alignment

Provide strategic direction and leadership to advance UWCC’s Bold Goals and overall mission.

Key Responsibilities:
• Facilitate creation and ongoing refinement of UWCC’s strategic plan
• Align leadership team, board, and staff to organizational goals and priorities
• Monitor trends and adapt strategies to changing community needs
• Actively lead Bold Goal planning, prioritization, and cross-sector partnerships

Community Engagement & Brand Awareness

Serve as the chief community ambassador and storyteller to grow UWCC’s visibility, trust,and influence.

Key Responsibilities:
• Represent UWCC at public events, media engagements, and stakeholder meetings
• Build relationships with civic, nonprofit, corporate, and faith-based leaders
• Guide marketing and communications strategy to tell compelling stories of impact
• Actively promote awareness of UWCC’s Bold Goals and community progress

Fundraising & Resource Development

Drive strategic fundraising and advancement efforts to support annual and long-termfinancial sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:
• Lead or support cultivation and solicitation of major donors
• Guide execution of annual giving campaigns and corporate partnerships
• Strengthen development team capacity and donor stewardship efforts
• Oversee execution of Fargo-Moorhead campus advancement plan

Operational Excellence & Program Delivery

Ensure high-quality delivery of UWCC programs and operational systems that advance the Bold Goals.

Key Responsibilities:
• Oversee program execution and alignment with strategic goals
• Establish clear accountability and evaluation systems for program outcomes
• Work with leadership team to optimize systems, workflows, and cross-functional coordination
• Use data to assess community needs and program impact

Financial Oversight & Stewardship

Ensure financial sustainability, transparency, and responsible stewardship of UWCC’s resources.

Key Responsibilities:
• Develop and manage annual budget with input from staff and board
• Ensure financial policies, reporting, and internal controls are in place and followed
• Partner with Director of Finance & Administration to monitor and report performance
• Make financial decisions aligned with strategy and mission

Board Governance & Engagement

Partner with the Board of Trustees to ensure strong governance, accountability, and leadership alignment.

Key Responsibilities:
• Plan and facilitate effective board meetings and committee structures
• Ensure board members are informed, equipped, and engaged
• Collaborate with board leadership on succession, recruitment, and performance
• Provide timely updates and recommendations on critical issues

ABOUT THE CANDIDATE

Is This Role the Right Fit for You?

The Board of Directors sees the ideal candidate for the position matching as many aspects as possible in the bullets below:
• Passion for and commitment to the community and United Way of Cass-Clay’s mission
• Proven executive or senior management experience in a mission-driven organization, whether in the nonprofit, public, or private sector. While previous nonprofit leadership is a plus, we welcome candidates who bring a strong record of strategic leadership, community impact, and a deep commitment to purpose-driven work.
• Demonstrated results and working knowledge of fundraising principles.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, including a proven track record in leading and growing organizations.
• Team builder and coach when working with staff and volunteers.
• Build strong, trusted relationships and partnerships, inspiring others to take action.
• Gain consensus from various groups, unifying efforts to common goals and achieving impactful results.
• Critical thinking skills to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Possess working knowledge of the legal, fiscal, and regulatory environment in which a nonprofit operates.
• Strong business and fiscal management skills.
• Personal ethics and integrity that reflect positively on the mission and the organization; is a passionate and convincing champion for the mission and is involved and respected in the community.
• Committed to championing and fostering an organization that is accessible and welcoming.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required, with an advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years experience in a senior leadership position.

Compensation and Benefits
United Way Cass-Clay offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

Apply

• Interested candidates complete the online application
  
  • Upload your resume and cover letter

Initial Screening

• ASagencySearch Consultant may schedule an initial15-20 minutephone call with qualified applicants.

SagencyInterview

• ASagencySearch Consultant will schedule a 60-minute interview with specific candidates.

Online Assessment

• After this initial interview process withSagency, qualified candidates may be asked to complete an online assessment.

Client Interviews

• Select candidates will have a first-round interview with United Way of Cass-Clay Search Committee.

Thank you for your interest in this opportunity.