A group of five United Way employees stand smiling in a room with a green wall and chairs. A banner in the background reads "Helping people." They are casually dressed and appear to be at an event or gathering.

Careers

Come work with us!

By bringing people and organizations together to solve our region’s most pressing issues, United Way of Greater St. Louis is making our community a better place to live, work, and thrive. It’s more than a job. It’s a mission!

We offer full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package including a hybrid work schedule, 12 days of vacation earned over the first 12 months of employment, sick pay, 10 company holidays, 5 1/2 flexible/personal holidays, 3 volunteer days, parental leave, health, dental, vision and life insurance the first of the month following employment, short term disability, long term disability, critical accident insurance and a 403(b) with an organization match and 3 year vesting schedule.

View our current job openings and learn how to apply below.

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Open Positions

Manager – Pledge Processing

By bringing people and organizations together to solve our region’s most pressing issues, United Way of Greater St. Louis is making our community a better place to live, work, and thrive. It’s more than a day job. It’s a mission. Come work with us!

The Manager – Pledge Processing oversees donor pledge and payment operations, serving as the subject matter expert for the organization’s CRM system (Andar). This role manages a high-volume data environment, supervises pledge processing staff, and ensures accurate entry, receipting, billing, and reporting of donor contributions. The manager provides frontline customer service to internal and external stakeholders, manages the department’s ticketing system, and drives process improvements to enhance efficiency, data integrity, and overall department performance. The role also supports team development, cross-training, and interdepartmental collaboration.

General Responsibilities:

  • Supervise and support staff by setting work goals, conducting appraisals, facilitating professional development, and ensuring the efficient and effective completion of duties.
  • Partner with the supervisor to develop, maintain, and improve internal and external processes that monitor department performance and meet deadlines.
  • Manage and update CRM-connected websites used for capturing pledges, supporting workplace campaigns, and reporting to stakeholders.
  • Oversee the setup, operation, and closure of online giving sites, including data uploads, messaging updates, end-user and administrator support, processing of online pledges and payments, and timely billing.
  • Identify campaign needs and coordinate technological solutions within software capabilities to meet client and stakeholder requirements.
  • Oversee month-end and daily financial processes, including reviewing transfers and adjustments, ensuring accurate deposit processing, and verifying correct entry of pledges, payments, and adjustments in the CRM sub-ledger.
  •  Foster a collaborative, productive team environment that promotes communication, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Key Accountabilities:

  • Serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the CRM system (Andar), ensuring accurate pledge and payment processing and ongoing data integrity.
  • Lead the development, deployment, and support of the online giving initiative for workplace campaigns, including coordination of technical resources and vendors.
  • Deliver high-quality customer service to donors, volunteers, staff, and workplace stakeholders through timely communication, site planning, and technical support.
  • Manage and monitor the ticketing system to ensure timely resolution by appropriate personnel and proactively escalate issues to the supervisor as needed.
  • Support and maintain interdepartmental processes and partnerships that enable successful workplace campaigns and stakeholder engagement.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in a related field (e.g., Business or Accounting)
  • Minimum of three (3) years of relevant work experience
  • Prior managerial or supervisory experience preferred
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, with strong skills in Excel and Outlook

We offer a hybrid work environment and a comprehensive benefits package including 12 days of vacation earned over the first 12 months of employment, sick pay, 10 company holidays, 5 1/2 Flexible/personal holidays, 3 volunteer days, parental leave, health, dental, vision and life insurance for you and your family, short term disability, long term disability, and a 403(b) with an organization- match and 3 year vesting schedule.

To apply send your resume to Careers@unitedwaystl.org

Employment is contingent upon a successful background check.

To view the position and apply, click here.

United Way of Greater St. Louis is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Grants Compliance Manager

By bringing people and organizations together to solve our region’s most pressing issues, United Way of Greater St. Louis is making our community a better place to live, work, and thrive. It’s more than a day job. It’s a mission. Come work with us!

In this role, the Grants Compliance Manager is responsible for researching, preparing, and submitting grant proposals/reports that support agency goals and meet funder guidelines and criteria. In the capacity of grant compliance management, this role is responsible for shaping organizational strategy by continuous identification and sourcing of campaign and non-campaign grant opportunities, preparation and submission of grant applications, and coordination of all grant-writing activities with internal and external stakeholders.

General Responsibilities:

Administration, Coordination and Tracking

Collaborate with appropriate staff teams to identify resource needs for grant related projects (staffing, equipment, space, etc.), and develop budgets accordingly

Coordinate and lead a cross-functional internal committee responsible for final review of new funding opportunities and innovation of potential projects before grants and proposals for contracted services are submitted

Manage end-to-end grant application and reporting processes, track follow-up activities, and confirm grant approval and funding requirements utilizing tools and technology to source, track and manage the grants life-cycle

Produce monthly grants status reports for distribution to leadership team

Grant Research and Sourcing

Determine the needs for funding, write and develop grant programs and proposals for opportunities relevant to the organization’s fundraising goals and impact objectives

Conduct research and prospecting activities to identify multiple sources for public, foundation, corporate, federal, state and local grant funding

Conduct ongoing grants administration and research, including analyses of grant reports and trends

Cultivate relationships with potential private and public funding sources

Grant Writing and Development

Grant proposal preparation and budget development, working closely with program and project teams

Write, assemble, edit, and submit accurate grant proposals in a timely manner to a variety of funding organizations and foundations in exact accordance with the prescribed guidelines and criteria

Create compelling written and oral communications to support United Way program/project operating funds

Grant Compliance Administrator:

Regulate all grant administration policies, systems, and documentation to ensure compliance, incorporate best practices, and ensure excellent controls

Liaison among finance, development, and program departments and staff ensuring an accurate and transparent process for the entire grant life cycle grant agreements and MOUs

Track pre-and post award management, invoice payment process for United Way’s public and private grants portfolio, creating reports and monitoring

Develop and maintain a Grants Standard of Operations Manual concerning policies and procedures and updates

Grant Monitoring & Evaluation:

Provide hands on training to grantees as it relates to grant administration and compliance policies.

Manage the due diligence process for each sub-grantee’s ability to comply with governmental regulations with a thorough review of all their financial and operational policies.

Design and execute sub-grantee monitoring processes, collecting and analyzing data, documenting results, and identifying and discussing implications.

Proactively interpret and assess sub-grantee gaps, provide technical assistance as necessary and surface and address issues. Perform other duties and/or responsibilities as required to satisfy the needs of the organization.Participate in the identification, recruitment, orientation and training of all levels of volunteers.

Key Accountabilities:

  • Generate new revenue through grant writing engaging public private, federal, state, and local funders with our services
  • Draft proposals/LOIs, grant application narratives, and budgets collaborating finalization leadership, program staff, and finance
  • Maintaining library of grant support documents including resumes, bios, IRS forms, Board/staff diversity lists, etc.
  • Assembling all necessary supporting materials and documents including budget reports, outcome measurements, success stories, etc.; submit reports to funders with staff support.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Bachelors’ degree in English or Journalism or Communications or Marketing
  • Minimum of five years’ demonstrated experience in nonprofit grant writing, successful, documented track record of procurement of grants and management
  • Experience with grants administration and/or compliance (governmental/federal grant experience is a plus)
  • Experience working with grants management databases.
  • Knowledge and application of best practices in grantmaking.
  • Knowledge of current state and federal regulations pertaining to IRS, OMB (Office of Management and Budget) circulars, and advocacy grantmaking.
  • Possession of financial acumen is preferred

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check.

United Way of Greater St. Louis is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To view the position and apply, click here.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including 12 days of vacation earned over the first 12 months of employment, sick pay, 10 company holidays, 5 1/2 Flexible/personal holidays, 3 volunteer days, parental leave, health, dental, vision and life insurance for you and your family, short term disability, long term disability, and a 403(b) with an organization match and 3 year vesting schedule.

United Way of Greater St. Louis is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Labor Engagement Representative / AFL-CIO Community Services Liaison (Labor Liaison)

By bringing people and organizations together to solve our region’s most pressing issues, United Way of Greater St. Louis is making our community a better place to live, work, and thrive. It’s more than a day job. It’s a mission. Come work with us!

Position Summary:

The Labor Engagement Department serves as a liaison to Organized Labor, with particular emphasis on partnerships with AFL-CIO Central Labor Councils, Federations of Labor, Building Trades Councils, and affiliated unions throughout the UWGSL footprint. Core initiatives include fundraising, direct assistance and referrals, training and leadership development, volunteerism, and collaborative responses to labor and community needs through strategic partnerships.

The Labor Engagement Representative/AFL-CIO Community Services Liaison (Labor Liaison) is an integral member of the Labor Engagement team and works in close coordination with United Way regional teams to advance shared priorities aligned with the organization’s strategic plan.

Job Summary: The Labor Engagement Representative builds and sustains strong, collaborative relationships between Organized Labor and the United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL) across all regional service areas. The role advances access to United Way services and community resources for union members and their families, while fostering labor engagement in fundraising, community service, leadership, and collective impact initiatives.

General Responsibilities:

  • Promote labor support for United Way through ongoing and special initiatives, including securing endorsements from labor leadership, supporting annual Labor Campaign fundraising efforts, and participating in the overall United Way campaign.
  • Maintain accurate labor records in Andar.
  • Recruit labor leaders for leadership and advisory roles within United Way structures, including auxiliary boards and committees.
  • Engage union members as volunteers for United Way and community initiatives.
  • Represent United Way at union meetings, workplace campaigns, and labor events.
  • Maintain consistent, effective communication with AFL-CIO Central Labor Councils, Federations of Labor, Building Trades Councils, and affiliated unions at local, regional, and state levels.
  • Support training of campaign staff and volunteers to effectively engage labor partners.
  • Collaborate with the Workplace Campaign team to strengthen outreach and participation in unionized workplaces.
  • Help with planning and recruitment for UCAN (Union Community Activists Network) training for union leaders and community service committee members.
  • Attend and assist with planning, as needed, for AFL-CIO community services conferences.
  • Participate in rapid-response efforts supporting workers impacted by layoffs, disasters, or workplace disruptions.
  • Coordinate with unions leadership during emergency situations, as appropriate.
  • Provide direct assistance and referrals services to union members through the Labor Direct Assistance Program, connecting individuals and families to United Way community-based resources.
  • Maintain accurate documentation and coordination with labor partners when financial assistance is involved.
  • Encourage and support local unions in establishing and sustaining active community services committees by providing guidance, tools, and technical assistance.
  • Lead planning, implementation, and volunteer recruitment for labor and regional community service projects, including food drives, holiday assistance initiatives, workers’ memorial observances, Labor Day activities, and other mission-aligned efforts.
  • Collaborate with regional United Way teams to address community priorities and agency needs in alignment with the strategic plan, serving as a liaison between agencies and labor volunteers when appropriate

Key Accountabilities:

  • Managing Relationships – develop and sustain productive, professional relationships with leaders of central labor bodies, Building Trades Councils, and affiliated unions across assigned regions.
  • Campaign Engagement –
    • Partners with regional teams and labor participation leaders to maximize union member participation and contributions in workplace campaigns.
    • Work with designated Labor leadership to meet labor campaign goals within the region.
    • Collaborate with the Labor Engagement team to plan and achieve goals for annual labor-focused fundraising initiatives.
    • Provide additional campaign support within regional divisions, as needed
  • Labor Direct Assistance Program – provide direct assistance and referrals to union members (and community members when applicable) experiencing financial hardship, utilizing United Way and labor-supported resources.
  • Community services and volunteerism – provide leadership in labor-driven volunteerism and community service projects and engage labor leaders in meaningful roles across United Way boards, committees, and community initiatives.

KSA (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities):

  • Knowledge of organized labor and labor-management relations, with a strong understanding of the labor movement and its community partners.
  • Strong written communication skills for professional correspondence, documentation, and reporting.
  • Ability to analyze, interpret, and summarize data, clearly communicating key findings and insights.
  • Understanding of and commitment to the United Way mission, vision, and core values.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and build, grow, and sustain productive relationships
  • across the labor movement and broader community.
  • Ability to manage challenging situations with sound judgment, professionalism, and maturity.
  • Self-directed and collaborative, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team in both leadership and support roles.
  • Strong organizational skills, personal accountability, and the ability to prioritize and manage a high volume of work with attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Strategic and creative thinker with a solution-oriented mindset.
  • Proficiency with computers, databases, and social media platforms.
  • Strong familiarity with organized labor and alignment with the mission and values of the AFL-CIO and its affiliated unions.
  • Membership in an AFL-CIO affiliated union is preferred. With approval of the appropriate AFL-CIO affiliate, candidates who are not currently union members or who are members of unaffiliated unions may be considered, with the expectation of joining an affiliated union when applicable.

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check.

United Way of Greater St. Louis is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To view the position and apply, click here.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including 12 days of vacation earned over the first 12 months of employment, sick pay, 10 company holidays, 5 1/2 Flexible/personal holidays, 3 volunteer days, parental leave, health, dental, vision and life insurance for you and your family, short term disability, long term disability, and a 403(b) with an organization match and 3 year vesting schedule.

United Way of Greater St. Louis is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

CIE (Community Information Exchange) Coordination Center Manager

By bringing people and organizations together to solve our region’s most pressing issues, United Way of Greater St. Louis is making our community a better place to live, work, and thrive. It’s more than a day job. It’s a mission. Come work with us!

Job Summary: The Community Information Exchange (CIE) Coordination Center Manager (indicated here as CIE CC Manager) is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the CIE Coordination Center, which works to connect clients referred to the CIE CC with Community Impact Exchange (CIE) Network Partners or 211 resources.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Develop policies and procedures for monitoring CBO’s compliance with Service Level Agreements. Monitor CIE CBO referral dashboards and assign follow-up tasks to team members.
  • Provides day-to-day oversight of the CIE Coordination center and Critical Medical Needs programs.
  • Creates grant and contract related reports and submits them to Director or VP for approval.
  • Hire, train, supervise to include scheduling and managing time off for CIE Navigators
  • Monitors response times to referrals, case documentation, and case closures, ensuring team meets service levels and provides high quality customer service.
  • Work with Director to develop individual and team performance metrics (including quality assurance for customer care and documentation). Track individual and team performance metrics.
  • Represents programs at internal and external meetings, including but not limited to the CIE Partner Network, CIE Steering Committee, and CIE User meetings.
  • Work closely with the CIE Director and CIE Community Partnership Manager to establish best practices related to Community Based Organizations (CBO’s) and Healthcare Providers utilizing the CIE CC.

KSA (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities):

  • Associate degree or bachelor’s degree (preferred) in human services, social work, or related field
  • Two or more years working in a social service field with a minimum of 2 years supervisory experience
  • Strong verbal, written communication, and problem solving skills
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
  • Self-starter, demonstrated ability to work independently and within teams, meet deadlines, and manage project effectively prioritizing competing goals and tasks with a high level attention to detail and accuracy

To view the position and apply, click here.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including 12 days of vacation earned over the first 12 months of employment, sick pay, 10 company holidays, 5 1/2 Flexible/personal holidays, 3 volunteer days, parental leave, health, dental, vision and life insurance for you and your family, short term disability, long term disability, and a 403(b) with an organization match and 3 year vesting schedule.

United Way of Greater St. Louis is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

CIE (Community Information Exchange) Care Coordinator

By bringing people and organizations together to solve our region’s most pressing issues, United Way of Greater St. Louis is making our community a better place to live, work, and thrive. It’s more than a day job. It’s a mission. Come work with us!

Program Overview:

The St. Louis Community Information Exchange or CIE is a network of regional partners focused on improving the health and wellbeing of people in the St. Louis Region. Using a shared technology, partners share information and coordinate efforts to deliver holistic, person-centered care that helps families move from crisis to long-term stability.

Position Overview

Facilitates network referrals that come to the CIE Coordination Center through a network provider, via an online Assistance Request form, or by phone. The Care Coordinator ensures clients are connected to the best programs to address their needs. Conducts assessments and screenings over the phone and follows up with clients according to established guidelines. In addition, Care Coordinator monitor cases being handled by providers, ensuring network standards are being met.

General Responsibilities:

  • Respond to inquiries from various sources while maintaining a high level of customer service
  • Professionally and sensitively perform intake, screenings, and assessments, gathering information and entering data into Customer Relationship Management  systems (CRM).
  • Screen clientsforprogrameligibilitytoin-houseprograms,completingformsthoroughlyand
  • Provide accurate and relevant information to clients and make accurate, direct referrals to in network providers using the CRM, monitoring provider progress in serving referred to clients.
  • Work within 2-1-1 CRM to find non-network partners for needs notable to be met within the CIE provider network.
  • Complete follow-up calls to assess for accuracy of non-network referrals, reassessments of needs,
  • Develop relationships within-network providers and attend CIE Workgroup and Partner Agency virtual
  • Meet regularly with leadership to address questions, receive performance feedback, and voice

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office  applications and be able to utilize multiple computer-based systems
  • Bachelor degree preferred; or High School Diploma plus 3 or more years of experience in social service
  • Advanced customer service and problem-solving skills
  • Have basic knowledge of social services systems and how individuals access services
  • Must have good t o excellent written communication verbal skills, empathetic listening skills
  • Ability to work under high level of attention to detail
  • Ability to successfully assess a situation and make recommendations based on various factors
  • Must be able to handle difficult situations with mature attitude, judgment, poise, tact

To view the position and apply, click here.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including 12 days of vacation earned over the first 12 months of employment, sick pay, 10 company holidays, 5 1/2 Flexible/personal holidays, 3 volunteer days, parental leave, health, dental, vision and life insurance for you and your family, short term disability, long term disability, and a 403(b) with an organization match and 3 year vesting schedule.

United Way of Greater St. Louis is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Systems Change Director

By bringing people and organizations together to solve our region’s most pressing issues, United Way of Greater St. Louis is making our community a better place to live, work, and thrive. It’s more than a day job. It’s a mission. Come work with us!

The Systems Change Director is responsible for the day-to-day management of the team, providing facilitative, administrative, and technical support to staff and stakeholders involved in advancing United Way systems change efforts. The role ensures that new processes, systems, and technologies are adopted effectively while minimizing disruption and maximizing benefits. The Systems Change Director -reports to the Vice President, Impact Strategies and Systems Change, and serves as a lead across the UW community. In this role, the Director will lead initiatives, projects, and program investments that ensure increased stability for individuals and families in our region. A significant focus of this role is managing complex programs and projects, equipping and supporting stakeholders in facilitating change to assist individuals and families in their journey toward self-sufficiency and improved long-term economic security. This position plays a vital role in our leadership structure for systems change initiatives.

General Responsibilities:

Leadership and Management: Provide leadership and guidance to staff and volunteers, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement and development while coaching and facilitating collaboration among stakeholders, and community-based organizations.

Program Development and Evaluation: Oversee the development and evaluation of programs, ensuring that they are evidence-based and effective in achieving desired outcomes.

Data Analysis and Reporting: Analyze data to track progress on systems change initiatives, identify areas for improvement, and report on outcomes to stakeholders.

Compliance: Ensure grant and contract compliance, including grant reports, data tracking and analysis, risk reduction, and quality improvement.

Collaboration and Partnerships: To advance shared goals and foster collaboration and partnerships with other organizations and community stakeholders.

Strategic Planning: Assist in developing and implementing long-term strategies for systems that aligns with the organization’s vision and mission.

Communication and Outreach: Help develop and implement communication strategies to raise awareness about systems change efforts and engage stakeholders.

Fund Development: Help cultivate a funder pipeline and provide input to the development of revenue strategies, including assisting with the grants writing process in partnership with internal colleagues.

Facilitating Meetings: Ensure effective facilitation and support of stakeholder meetings including preparing meeting materials and ensuring regular and ongoing stakeholder communication.

Key Accountabilities:

Fiscal and Operational Effectiveness: achieves objectives within allocated resources and develops ways to streamline workflows to produce desired outcomes.

Business acumen: knowledgeable about programs, grants, and contracts, as well as building and maintaining partnership relationships.

Action Orientation/Leadership: drives for goal completion and adjusts as new demands emerge; identifies resource needs and problem-solving orientation.

Relationship Building and Communication: demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills, engenders trust with leaders and community partners, promotes the common good, and exercises active listening.

Judgment and Decision-making: make sound decisions under pressure, avoid assumptions, weigh risks, ask good questions, demonstrate critical thinking, delegate effectively, and follow up.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Education: Master’s degree desired in a relevant field such as social work, organizational development, or public policy.

Experience: Proven experience in leading and managing systems change initiatives within a nonprofit or related organization with a minimum of ten years managing five or more staff and the executive presence to inspire confidence and passion in internal and external audiences.

Skills: Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups; knowledge of systems change principles; proficiency in data analysis and reporting.

Knowledge: Understanding of systems thinking, program evaluation, and community engagement.

Ability: Manage multiple projects/programs, be flexible, and often complete tasks with a short deadline and the ability to quickly build relationships with a cross-sectorial range of stakeholders in the local or regional area, including senior executives.

Other: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team, and a passion for social change.

To view the position and apply, click here.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including 12 days of vacation earned over the first 12 months of employment, sick pay, 10 company holidays, 5 1/2 Flexible/personal holidays, 3 volunteer days, parental leave, health, dental, vision and life insurance for you and your family, short term disability, long term disability, and a 403(b) with an organization match and 3 year vesting schedule.

United Way of Greater St. Louis is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Financial Coach – United for Families Programs

At United Way of Greater St. Louis, we unite people and organizations to tackle the most critical challenges facing our community. Through collaborative efforts, we’re transforming our region into a place where everyone can live, work, and thrive. Join us in this mission to create lasting change beyond just a day job. Come be a part of something meaningful!

The Financial Coach, United for Families (UFF) Program is dedicated to helping stabilize and support families on their road to restoring self-sufficiency and increased financial security by helping them achieve family financial stability to prevent homelessness and displacement and prevent school mobility for school-age children. This is a grant funded position.

General Responsibilites:

  • Train families, case managers, and other program staff on best practices in the field of financial social work, including money values and emotions, basic budgeting, saving, building credit, getting out of debt, and protecting family assets, with a whole family’s approach.
  • The program’s financial coaching classes help families establish good financial habits so they can stay in their homes, communities, and schools. 
  • Assisting families in identifying and addressing current financial opportunities and challenges, while providing a holistic perspective on overall financial stability to help families move towards proactive financial management and long-term success.
  • Develop individualized financial stability plans in collaboration with families, assist with goal-setting, money management, savings, credit building, debt management, and utilization of financial services and products.
  • Work with agencies to increase participant retention rates and improve participant support and engagement and identify, cultivate, and maintain effective relationships with key providers of other community resources and services, coordinating efforts as needed in order to maximize family impact.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Ability to conduct group and individual financial training sessions
  • At least 3 years’ experience working in program implementation, integration, evaluation, quality improvement, or related area is required,
  • Bachelor’s degree with major course work in business, management, social services, financial coaching, or related economic development fields.
  • Familiarity with the social service landscape in the region is required;
  • Experience and the capacity to work with families in a wide variety of life circumstances, from a variety of backgrounds required
  • Ability to conduct group and individual financial training sessions

To view the position and apply, click here.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including 12 days of vacation earned over the first 12 months of employment, sick pay, 10 company holidays, 5 1/2 flexible/personal holidays, 3 volunteer days, parental leave, health, dental, vision and life insurance for you and your family, short term disability, long term disability, and a 403(b) with an organization match and 3-year vesting schedule.

United Way of Greater St. Louis is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Philanthropic Engagement Manager

At United Way of Greater St. Louis, we unite people and organizations to tackle the most critical challenges facing our community. Through collaborative efforts, we’re transforming our region into a place where everyone can live, work, and thrive. Join us in this mission to create lasting change beyond just a day job. Come be a part of something meaningful!

The Philanthropic Engagement Manager plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission of United Way of Greater St. Louis by building and strengthening relationships with major donors and prospects. This position focuses on engaging individuals capable of giving $10,000 or more, proactively developing a robust donor pipeline, and aligning donor passions with United Way’s strategic community impact priorities. The Manager will directly solicit gifts, guide donors across the philanthropic continuum, and partner closely with the Director of Major Gifts to deepen philanthropic investment in United Way’s programs and services.

General Responsibilities:

Strategy and Collaboration

  • Strengthen and implement donor engagement strategies aimed at expanding the base of major donors at the $10,000+ giving level.
  • Collaborate with the Director of Major Gifts, Annual Campaign team, and other internal partners to coordinate donor touchpoints, share insights, and streamline stewardship efforts.
  • Participate in cross-functional planning sessions to align philanthropic strategies with organizational priorities, campaigns, and community needs.
  • Support the development of messaging, cases for support, and donor materials that articulate the value and impact of United Way’s services.

Cultivation

  • Manage and grow a dedicated portfolio of current and prospective major donors, with individualized strategies for engagement and solicitation.
  • Conduct regular one-on-one conversations, in-person visits, and virtual meetings to build trust-based donor relationships.
  • Develop deep understanding of donor motivations, community priorities, and personal philanthropic goals to match them with meaningful giving opportunities.
  • Create and execute multi-step cultivation plans tailored to each donor, ensuring timely follow-up and continuous connection.

Prospecting

  • Identify and qualify new prospects through research, networking, referrals, and community engagement.
  • Build a disciplined, strategic prospect pipeline with clear movement goals and documentation.
  • Conduct a minimum of 200 meaningful donor and prospect meetings annually, demonstrating consistent outreach and portfolio management discipline.
  • Partner with the Research team and colleagues to identify trends and new opportunities for donor engagement.

Solicitation

  • Lead direct and strategic solicitations for gifts of $10,000+, preparing customized proposals, presentations, and impact materials.
  • Implement annual donor renewal strategies for existing major donors, strengthening long-term commitment to United Way.
  • Collaborate with senior leaders and volunteer ambassadors, when appropriate, to execute high-impact solicitations.
  • Ensure all donor commitments are accurately documented and stewarded in accordance with United Way’s gift policies.

Philanthropic Services & Education

  • Educate donors and prospects on United Way’s Donor Advised Fund (DAF) services, planned giving opportunities, and tax-smart philanthropic strategies.
  • Maintain a working knowledge of charitable giving vehicles and collaborate with external advisors (when appropriate) to support donor decision-making.
  • Serve as a trusted philanthropic resource who can clearly communicate the benefits and community impact of various giving models.

Communications and Events

  • Represent United Way at key donor, corporate, civic, and community events-with occasional evening and weekend commitments.
  • Assist with donor event planning, including cultivation gatherings, DAF education sessions, or stewardship receptions.
  • Serve as a professional ambassador-confidently articulating United Way’s mission, services, and community outcomes.

Goal Setting, Reporting, and Accountability

  • In partnership with the Director of Major Gifts, establish annual fundraising goals and portfolio objectives aligned with organizational performance targets.
  • Maintain meticulous data entry within the CRM, ensuring timely documentation of meetings, outcomes, next steps, and donor movement.
  • Provide regular progress reports and pipeline updates to support teamwide forecasting and strategic planning.
  • Track and evaluate personal metrics to ensure consistent progress toward individual and departmental goals.

Key Accountabilities

  • Secure and grow major gifts of $10,000+ and increase commitments to United Way’s philanthropic services (e.g., Donor Advised Funds).
  • Proactively manage, cultivate, and expand a portfolio of qualified major donors and prospects.
  • Conduct at least 200 meaningful donor and prospect meetings annually.
  • Develop new relationships and pathways to identify and convert prospective major donors.
  • Strengthen United Way’s visibility by engaging with diverse networks, attending community events, and representing the organization in philanthropic circles.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Self-directed, proactive, and adept at meeting deadlines with a high level of professionalism.
  • 3–5 years of experience in major gifts fundraising, relationship-based philanthropy, or philanthropic advising.
  • Bachelor’s degree required; focus in nonprofit management, business, communications, or related fields preferred.
  • Familiarity with charitable giving tools such as Donor Advised Funds, planned giving strategies, or tax-favorable giving options (preferred but not required).
  • Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM/database systems; ability to analyze metrics and use data to guide strategy.
  • Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to build trust and long-term relationships.
  • High integrity and sound judgment, with a commitment to donor-centered philanthropy and confidentiality.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, performance-driven environment.

To view the position and apply, click here.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including 12 days of vacation earned over the first 12 months of employment, sick pay, 10 company holidays, 5 1/2 Flexible/personal holidays, 3 volunteer days, parental leave, health, dental, vision and life insurance for you and your family, short term disability, long term disability, and a 403(b) with an organization match and 3 year vesting schedule.

United Way of Greater St. Louis is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

211 Navigation Center Agent

By bringing people and organizations together to solve our region’s most pressing issues, United Way of Greater St. Louis is making our community a better place to live, work, and thrive. It’s more than a day job. It’s a mission. Come work with us!

211 Missouri and Southwest Illinois is a 24-hour comprehensive information and referral service available to residents of Missouri and Southwest Illinois that connects people to community resources.

211 Navigation Center Agents respond to inquiries through multiple queues within the United Way 2-1-1 Call Center, including phone, web chat and email inquiries. Specialists are responsible for assessing each person’s needs and properly referring them to an appropriate health and human service organization.

This position includes:

  • Receiving in-bound chats, telephone calls, and emails from people requesting assistance.
  • Engaging callers to assess their needs while utilizing a database to search for services, providing accurate and relevant information to callers to help them meet their needs
  • Identifying and escalating priority issues documenting all call information according to standards
  • Within 18 months, the person in this role will have completed the AIRS Certified Information and Referral Specialist (CIRS) exam.

If you have excellent experience in social service or customer service, the ability to handle crisis situations, and excellent verbal communication skills this may be the role for you! Requires a Bachelor’s degree or high school diploma with 3+ years experience in social service and/or call center environment; a basic knowledge of social service systems and how individuals access services and advanced customer service and problem-solving skills along with the ability to accurately type at least 45wpm. Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, and be able to utilize multiple computer-based systems for documentation.

While this role has the opportunity to work remotely, all employees must live in the metro St Louis area (Illinois or Missouri).

To view the position and apply, click here.

United Way of Greater St. Louis is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is the policy of the United Way of Greater St. Louis to recognize each person as an individual and to provide equal opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, ancestry, sexual orientation, color, sex, age, disability status, citizenship status, pregnancy, gender identity and/or expression, veteran status, national origin, or any other protected status.

If you require an accommodation to search for or apply for a job with United Way of Greater St Louis, please call 1 (314) 421- 0700 and request a Human Resources team member.

“This is a great way to align my values and my mission along with United Way’s mission and it was a natural fit for me.”

– Sherita

Join Our Team

Our success is driven by our exceptional people. Working at United Way of Greater St. Louis means making a difference.
Our employees use their individual strengths to help solve some of our region’s toughest challenges. We are seeking committed professionals who want to better our community through their skills, knowledge and experience.

United Way employees group company event

What We Stand For

United Way of Greater St. Louis prides itself on working to make a meaningful, measurable impact in the community. We are committed to a positive and collaborative work environment where all employees are appreciated for who they are and what they contribute.
United Way of Greater St. Louis values different backgrounds and perspectives, fostering teamwork and a collaborative environment while maximizing the impact of donations entrusted to us.

Four people stand smiling beside a sign for the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery Centene Center, a non-profit organization. The sign features an umbrella symbol with raindrops. Trees and a building are visible in the background, highlighting volunteer opportunities in this supportive community setting.

“I think my favorite thing about working for United Way is being able to connect what I do with the impact…that feels really great.”

– Ninette

Benefits

We offer competitive health, vision and dental plans to staff and their families, along with wellness initiatives, financial protection plans and a generous 403(b) plan. New employees can earn up to 12 vacation days and 10 paid holidays within their first year of employment and a day off for their birthday! We encourage staff to continue growing their skill sets and fuel their passions by attending seminars and conferences throughout the year.

Volunteer Center group at 90th birthday celebration
A diverse group of people poses together, some seated and others standing, proudly wearing matching gray shirts with a logo. Several women in dresses flank the group. Photos are displayed on the wall behind them, along with the phrase "Helping people"

Culture of Belonging

We’re committed to a positive and collaborative work environment where all employees are appreciated for who they are and what they contribute. We value different backgrounds and perspectives to foster teamwork and a collaborative environment that is imperative to our ability to make a meaningful, measurable impact in the region.