Executive Director

UCM is seeking an Executive Director who will position the organization as the leading local community agency for the provision of services to households struggling with low wages, limited skills, and little education.

Located in southeastern Fairfax County, UCM is a ­­­­­­501(c)(3) organization that is dedicated to being a comprehensive and caring community agency. Established in 1969 as a grassroots effort to provide food, clothing and emergency assistance, UCM now offers a full array of human services and education to meet complex needs. Professional staff and volunteers work side-by-side to help clients achieve long-term success.

Mission: UCM mobilizes the power of community to equip, educate, and empower people to measurably improve their lives.

The mission is accomplished by:

Meeting the immediate food and shelter needs of individuals and families;
Providing training classes in areas such as basic life skills, English language, employment preparedness, computer skills, and parenting;
Offering quality and affordable child care through an early childhood learning center; and
Actively engaging the area youth in extended learning opportunities through neighborhood community centers
Programs, Resources and Services

UCM's programs, resources and services to the community include the following:

Basic Needs: UCM's most requested services are food, eviction and utility cut-off prevention, and prescription medicine assistance.
Crisis Intervention: Families fleeing domestic violence are provided with subsidized housing and intensive counseling as they work to establish a new home life.
Work and Literacy: UCM helps adults achieve economic stability by providing job training, coaching, and placement. Adults may also take advantage of educational programs such as ESL, pathways to citizenship, and computer skills training.
Early Learning Center: The Bryant Early Learning (BEL) Center provides a quality and affordable learning environment for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.
Youth Programs: Area youth are engaged in activities within the two community centers administered by UCM. The programs include leadership and life skills training, computer skills development, and specialized tutoring.
Back Porch Thrift Store: Through generous donations from the community the UCM thrift store generates revenue to help support the organization's programs.
Executive Director Position

Responsibilities: The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing UCM's activities, programs and services; advancing the fundraising efforts; functioning as the organization's spokesperson; providing strategic counsel and support to the Board of Directors; building a sustainable infrastructure to support UCM's growth and development; providing financial oversight of the approximately $5 million annual operating budget; and managing a staff of three direct reports with a total complement of 79 employees.

In addition, the Executive Director is responsible for:

1. Taking a leadership role in strengthening the influence and profile of the organization among donors, legislators, the public and the media;

2. Effectively managing the organization's staff and resources;

3. Serving as an exceptionally skilled spokesperson (both orally and in writing) and advocating for the organization;

4. Applying effective financial and business acumen and strategies to ensure short- and long-term stability of the organization's financial health and growth;

6. Establishing and managing strong and collaborative relationships with related organizations; and

7. Identifying and capitalizing on strategic opportunities to solidify the organization's leadership role in the service community.

Education/Experience: The position requires a proven executive skill set including knowledge of finance, human resources, program administration, board governance, fundraising and planning as well as effective communication skills including sophistication in using social media to tell the UCM story. A Master's degree and senior leadership experience are preferred.

Skills/Abilities: The following skills are critical to the success of the Executive Director of UCM:

A leader who evokes confidence on the part of the community, staff and Board. Proven leadership that leaves no doubt that this person knows what she/ he is about and will achieve the goals of the organization. The proof will be in the reputation of UCM as well staffed, efficiently run and achieving its goals and thus deserving of public and private financial support;
Exceptional public speaking and communication skills;
Ability to build consensus among diverse constituencies in order to further common goals and to leverage influence;
A thought leader in the non-profit community – someone who is able to contribute to the larger discussion around the needs of the region.
Effective management of non profit governance issues, Board initiatives and professional staff; and
Ability to strengthen the organizational infrastructure to position the organization for growth.
Personal Traits/Characteristics: These personal traits and characteristics are considered important to success in the position:

Unquestioned honesty, integrity and ethics;
An inclusive, collaborative and collegial nature that extends to staff and all stakeholders;
Enthusiasm for UCM that makes it easy to tell the story and unabashedly ask for financial support. The person should have no reluctance to seek financial support as he/she knows that without it the mission fails. Someone who relishes in closing the sale and getting a donor or public body to do more for UCM than they originally intended;
An overriding commitment to the programs of UCM aimed at alleviating the prison of poverty and providing a pathway to productive and engaged membership in the community. Personal and professional qualities that align with the values, mission, and vision of UCM; and
An engaging and outgoing personality based on a real desire to engage with people, whether the person is a client, donor, staff or public official. The ability to lead by consensus through preparation and execution.
How to apply
Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to UCM at EDsearch@ucmagency.org. To learn more about UCM, please go to www.UCMAgency.org. UCM is an equal opportunity employer.