Strategy & Partnership Lead

The 211 Strategy & Partnerships Lead serves as United Way of Greater Toledo's lead staff member responsible for advancing the strategic growth, community partnerships, and organizational integration of 211 as a cornerstone of the organization's impact strategy.

Working closely with the Executive Vice President of Community Impact, this position connects 211 operations with fundraising, marketing, community analytics, volunteer engagement, and community impact initiatives to strengthen service delivery, expand strategic partnerships, and increase community investment in 211.

The Lead leads cross-functional projects, cultivates community relationships, coordinates grant and donor reporting, supports the development of new initiatives, and helps identify opportunities to expand 211's role in improving community outcomes. As the primary connector between departments, community partners, and 211 operations, this position helps ensure the organization fully leverages 211 to strengthen services, tell compelling stories of impact, and build lasting partnerships.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys connecting with people, building relationships, and turning ideas into action.

• Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with nonprofit, healthcare, education, government, philanthropic, and private-sector partners.
• Represent United Way of Greater Toledo and 211 through community presentations, meetings, coalitions, and partnership development.
• Identify opportunities to expand 211 programs, strengthen partnerships, and increase community awareness of the service.
• Support implementation of new initiatives that strengthen United Way's community impact strategy.

• Serve as the primary internal liaison connecting 211 across internal departments and Executive Leadership.
• Coordinate cross-department projects and ensure strong communication, follow-through, and organizational alignment.
• Develop internal training and communication strategies that increase the understanding of emerging needs in community, 211’s partnerships, and opportunities for growth and alignment.

• Coordinate implementation of strategic initiatives including Ride United, Project DASH, Community Information Exchange (CIE), specialized navigation pilots, and future program expansions.
• Support county expansion efforts across Northwest Ohio and implementation of new contracts.
• Help identify opportunities to improve workflows, technology, reporting systems, and community partnerships.
• Stay informed about emerging trends and best practices that strengthen 211 and community navigation.

• Oversee stewardship and management of the 211 funding portfolio, including grants, corporate partnerships, and philanthropic investments, ensuring compliance, reporting, and strong funder relationships.
• Collect and organize impact stories, partner testimonials, and program outcomes to support fundraising, marketing, donor stewardship, and community engagement.
• Partner with Resource Development to retain existing funding and secure new investments by identifying funding opportunities, developing compelling proposals, and creating investment strategies that sustain and expand 211 core services and emerging initiatives.
• Support executive presentations, board materials, community reports, and other communications that demonstrate the impact and value of 211.

• Work closely with internal teams to translate data into meaningful reports for leadership, donors, funders, and community partners.
• Monitor program performance, partnership activity, and community trends / needs to support strategic decision-making.
• Help strengthen feedback loops between 211 providers, United Way, and community partners.
• Recommend improvements that strengthen organizational alignment, service delivery, and community impact.

• Mission Alignment: Demonstrates commitment to United Way's mission, values, and equity principles.
• Communication
  :
  Shares ideas clearly and respectfully with internal and external stakeholders
• Teamwork & Collaboration
  :
  Works well with others; build positive relationships across departments
• Initiative & Innovation: Proactively identifies solutions and suggests improvements.
• Professionalism & Integrity: Uphold exacting standards in conduct, ethics, and accountability.
• Adaptability: Responds effectively to change and uncertainty.
• Knowledge & understanding of United Way and current events and the role they play

• Strategic Community Collaboration
  : engages diverse stakeholders to accurately and effectively assess community needs and with credibility, authenticity, and humility, strategically guides UWGT to contribute to the community’s priorities. Influences and inspires community leaders to partner with UWGT to create and implement programs that serve and add value to the community.
• Deep Community…