Description

POSITION SUMMARY 

(Eligible for Hybrid/ 3 days in office - Alexandria, VA)

In partnership with Communications team leadership, creates and oversees United Way Worldwide’s (UWW) enterprise-wide communications strategy and plan across core workstreams: internal communications for UWW staff, network communications for local United Ways worldwide, and event communications for select UWW events. This role ensures that communications across the organization are clear, coordinated, and aligned with UWW’s vision, transformation efforts, and strategic priorities. The director is responsible for the innovation, development, and measurement of a unified communications architecture, spanning platforms, channels, and messaging, to effectively reach key audiences including local United Ways, UWW staff, partners, board members, and volunteers. This position plays a critical leadership role in strengthening trust, clarity, engagement, and alignment across UWW’s global network.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF POSITION 

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty listed below at a satisfactory level: 

• Responsible for synthesizing organizational goals and developing integrated communication plans to drive stakeholder understanding and adoption of UWW's vision, priorities, programs and resources across the global network.  
• Provide strategic leadership for core communications streams: internal communications (UWW staff), network communications (global United Way staff), and event communications for select UWW events.
• Oversee the development and implementation of integrated communications plans to support the launch and activation of key UWW programs, events, and/or initiatives to the global network.  
• Develop and execute a holistic network communications strategy, in partnership with the Sr. Manager of Network Communications, including editorial oversight of key network channels (including various network newsletters, the United Way Online intranet platform, the UW Connect peer-to-peer collaboration platform, and others) to support local United Ways in their work.
• Lead international communications, in partnership with the Global Communications Manager and the UWW International Network team, to elevate global storytelling, ensure strong representation of non-U.S. United Ways across all channels, and develop foundational tools and assets that highlight global leadership, impact, and innovation.
• Collaborate closely with People and Culture, IT, and other UWW teams to develop internal communications strategic approaches, including editorial oversight, to leverage key UWW channels (including the UWW staff newsletter, United Way Online, Microsoft Teams and SharePoint) to build organizational culture and knowledge, and foster engagement.
• Manage communications for select signature UWW annual and biannual network events, ensuring message alignment, clear calls to action, and strong engagement before, during, and after events. 
• Develop, manage, and measure protocols and procedures to maximize efficiencies, impact and alignment of network communications efforts.
• Serve as the principal point of contact and subject matter expert for UWW’s email marketing, segmentation, and analytics platform (HubSpot).  
• Provide training, support, and counsel to UWW staff charged with communications responsibilities in their functional areas.
•  Set and measure performance metrics to ensure the network communications strategy and related plans are meeting/exceeding goals/objectives. 
• Build and nurture strong professional relationships with colleagues within the network and UWW. 
• Supervise and support the Sr. Manager of Network Communications and the Global Communications Manager, providing guidance, setting priorities, and ensuring strong alignment and collaboration across all communications streams. 
• Demonstrate proven leadership skills to instill stakeholder confidence in the role and value of strategic communications. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

JOB REQUIREMENTS 

A cover letter is preferred as part of the application process. Those invited to interview will be asked to submit portfolio samples. 

Minimum requirements include: 

• Bachelor’s degree or commensurate experience. 
• A minimum of ten years of progressive experience in a similar role. 
• Three years of experience in a supervisory role. 
• Candidates will have demonstrated experience translating overarching organizational goals into effective communications strategies. 
• Proven track record of developing broad strategic communications plans targeting multiple audiences, as well as success defining and achieving communications metrics/goals. 
• Proven experience using HubSpot or comparable email marketing tools to design campaigns, segment audiences, and analyze engagement metrics.
  Must be a solutions-oriented, strategic thinker and communicator. 
• Exceptional writing and presentation skills are mandatory. Must be a strong writer/editor, and an effective communications consultant.  
• Must possess exceptional project and time management skills, along with the ability to think strategically; will be responsible for managing 10-12 communications plans on average
• Ideal candidate will have international and U.S. communications experience. 
• Strong cultural competencies and ability to effectively communicate to a diverse, global audience. 
• Demonstrate proven leadership skills to instill stakeholder confidence in the role and value of strategic communications. 
• Fluency in more than one language is a plus. 
• Experience leveraging AI technology for business efficiencies is a plus.
   

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all required duties, responsibilities, and skills. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable disabled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job. You should be able to work on-site in the Alexandria, VA location; relocation assistance is not offered. 

SALARY STATEMENT

The budgeted salary range for this position is currently $135,000 to $142,000 per year.  Salary is determined by several factors including applicant’s knowledge, skills, experience, position, equity, and market.

 ABOUT UNITED WAY WORLDWIDE

United Way Worldwide seeks diverse, qualified professionals who want to make a difference in the world. If you are passionate about your work and desire to help others achieve enhanced education, income, and health, United Way Worldwide is the place for you.

United Way Worldwide is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, disability, veteran status, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, and other legally protected characteristics, in accordance with applicable laws. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please e-mail recruitment@uww.unitedway.org and provide the nature of your request and your contact information.

 We are a charter member of Employers of National Service and encourage AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni to apply.

United Way Worldwide is located in Old Town Alexandria, VA. We offer competitive salary and excellent benefits including: health, dental, life, short-term and long-term disability, employee assistance program, 403(b) plan, tuition assistance, paid time off, family sick leave, medical appointment leave, parental/adoption leave, dress for your day, free parking, onsite gym, monthly volunteering opportunities, and more.

We kindly request that you do not call to inquire about the status of your application. All candidates selected for consideration will be contacted by a United Way Worldwide team member via email or phone regarding next steps