Director, Research and Reports bei United Way of Dane County Inc

Description

United Way of Dane County mobilizes the caring power of our community so all can thrive. From advancing health and education to strengthening livelihoods and local resilience, we connect people to possibility. With a mission to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives – we work collaboratively with local nonprofits, individuals, families, lived experience experts, businesses, community leaders, donors and volunteers to multiply impact and solve big-picture issues no one person or organization can address alone. As part of a global network while being local and autonomous, we are a nonpartisan organization that collaborates with leaders from all backgrounds to strengthen communities and expand opportunities for all. We serve as a cornerstone in our community, bringing together people and resources to create lasting change.  Together, we are The Power of Caring. Working for All.

Purpose of Position:

To strengthen, sustain and scale the mission of United Way of Dane County, the Director of Research and Reports provides leadership in research within the social service sector and publications, reports, articles and impact plans related to the Plan for Community Well-Being. This includes leadership with the Community Impact (CI) Department and all United Way of Dane County departments to tell a compelling story (the “why United Way”) that inspires donor investment, strengthens the nonprofit ecosystem and boosts the capacity of United Way of Dane County. 

The Senior Director of Strategic Collaborations is the direct supervisor for the Director of Research and Reports and works within the Community Impact department at United Way of Dane County. The position works closely with organizations, volunteers and leaders across Dane County to identify local issues, invest in solutions and support and lead innovative, collaborative, equity-centric community initiatives that improve lives. This position also works collaboratively with the Resource Development and Community Engagement and Marketing Departments at United Way of Dane County in the development of organization wide materials and publications.

50% Research

• Lead and share data analysis with multiple audiences, including staff, donors, agency partners, and the broader community. Design and generate reports in e-CImpact to extract and analyze program and aggregate data. 
• Collaborate with the Community Impact department to define community-level vision, goals, and indicators; maintain publicly available data to track progress. Collect, analyze, and update data from public sources (e.g., U.S. Census, government agencies) to inform strategy development and external reporting.
• Ensure that all data collection and outcome interpretation is conducted through an equity lens.
• Partner with agency staff to support monitoring and evaluation efforts, including developing evaluation plans, logic models, and outcome measures.
• Provide ongoing program evaluation and reporting on Vision Council and other grant-funded programs, including program outcomes and demographics.
• Lead research efforts related to program development, evaluation, and grant applications.
• Support organization-wide projects by managing and analyzing volunteer data, developing surveys, and assisting with evaluation planning for staff and Board initiatives.
• Coordinate and collaborate with other departments in response to requests for research, data, and evaluation on the Plan for Community Well-Being.
• Participate in community-led data, evaluation, and measurement initiatives in alignment with the Plan for Community Well-Being.

40% Reports

• Produce reports for diverse audiences, including donors, agency partners, volunteers, and community stakeholders. Reports may include Impact Reports, Mobilization Plans, Executive Summaries, Needs Assessments, Desired Reach Reports, and other publications and reports identified in the annual work plan.
• Conduct and publish analysis of publicly available data to inform internal and external reporting.
• Present findings and recommendations in a clear and engaging way.
• Compile and publish the Internal Management Report.
• Produce PowerPoint presentations and additional data visualizations, such as tables, charts, infographics and maps.
• Develop reports for distribution, following proper authorization, to relevant audiences, including VPs, volunteers, external stakeholders, the United Way of Dane County website, and other interested parties. 

10% Overall Support of Organization

• Participate in organizational planning, strategy and program development, and activities of the organization as appropriate or determined.  Activities include staff meetings, departmental meetings, volunteer committee meetings, and other staff/volunteer events.
• Represent United Way in a professional manner to the community, key volunteers and donors.
• Participate in at least one internal organizational committee.
• Collaborate with colleagues to continue to learn and innovate as an organization and team.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, communications, or related field, or equivalent relevant experience. 
• Highly effective written and oral communication skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain productive relationships with diverse individuals, groups, organizations and communities, including staff, volunteers, donors, researchers, and community. 
• Strong analytical ability, a keen interest in assessing and understanding different data sources.
• Ability to work professionally and effectively across several departments, handling multiple projects, and under frequent deadlines. 
• Goal-oriented, problem solver, and solution-driven. 
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. 
• Self-motivated and strong track record of getting results.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality. 

Minimum Experience:

• Minimum of four years of progressively responsible experience with administrative, analytic and/or writing research analysis. 
• Experience and knowledge of current research in social, economic, education and other public policy issues. 
• Strong program development and evaluation skills. 
• Knowledge of data analysis and producing reports. 
• Demonstrated excellence in writing and editing. 
• Specific knowledge of measurement, outcomes and evaluation. 
• Experience and ability to work in a fast-paced environment, high level of organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Project management experience. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office computer systems including Microsoft 365, PowerPoint, word processing and spreadsheets, and the ability to learn client data management platforms.

Work Schedule, Location, and Travel Requirements

• Position begins after January 1, 2026.
• Full-time, salaried position (40 hours/week); FLSA Exempt. 
• Core hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., with flexibility required for early mornings, evenings, weekends, or holidays based on organizational needs.
• Primary work location is the Anderson United Way Center; hybrid/remote work eligibility is subject to the guidelines in the Employee Handbook.
• Local travel within Dane County is required for meetings, events, and community engagements. 

Salary Range 

$58,200- 63,200 (based on experience). In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health, vision, dental, life and disability insurance. United Way contributes 8% of gross wages to a defined contribution plan, which becomes fully vested after 5 years of employment. Employees also have the option to contribute to a 403(b) plan. Furthermore, we provide generous paid time off, including vacation, sick and personal days, as well as 10 paid holidays each year.

Deadline to Apply: Monday, November 17, 2025 by 4:00 pm CST.

Please submit a resume and cover letter with your application. The cover letter should be no longer than two pages and clearly highlight your skills and experiences that demonstrate your qualifications for this position.

Our Values

United Way values are the beliefs and guiding principles that provide our organization with purpose and direction. They define and guide culture, shaping our organization’s identity to achieve our mission.

• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: We provide opportunities for all people while working to change systemic and personal biases for equitable outcomes.
• Excellence: We operate at the highest standards to achieve our mission and exceed community expectations.
• Innovation: We create and catalyze unique approaches to address the community’s most pressing needs.
• Teamwork: We work in collaboration and cooperation towards a shared vision of community well-being.
• Wellness: We respect and support one another, encouraging each other to create space for self-care and to lead balanced lives.

EEO/AAP Policy Statement

At United Way of Dane County, we not only accept difference — we celebrate, support, and thrive on it for the benefit of our employees and community. United Way of Dane County is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer. We center community in what we do and strongly encourage ALL people to apply to join us in our work at United Way of Dane County— regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, justice involvement, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.