Social innovation means finding new solutions to social problems that are more effective, efficient, sustainable or just than current solutions. This creative, inclusive approach to improving our community is at the heart of the work we do at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas.

Our social innovation programs identify, develop and advance nonprofit and for-profit social ventures that deliver never-before-seen solutions to North Texas’ most urgent challenges in education, income and health.

This position requires extraordinary aptitude and unparalleled capacity for applying research, exploration and innovation to the design, development, execution, evaluation, and continuous improvement of Social Innovation at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas.

Current programs include the Social Innovation Accelerator, the Social Innovation Incubator, the Social Innovation Alumni Program and annual Summit and Pitch events. The VP Social Innovation and Design will work closely with the Chief Strategy and Impact office and be heavily involved in the design, development, and implementation of new ventures and initiatives including potential “X-Prize” design, development, and implementation, ‘Entrepreneurs in Residence/Innovation Lab’, and support and capacity building for community partners and social entrepreneurs.

The successful candidate will have insatiable curiosity, a fearless approach to developing and testing new ideas and seeking out new opportunities, a strategic and goal-oriented focus, and a passion for driving measurable impact in Education, Income, and Health across North Texas along with a  demonstrated ability to partner with volunteers and investors to help lead implementation and expansion of Innovation at United Way.

The Vice President Innovation and Design will:

• Position UWMD as the leader in Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship
• Drive measurable impact through investment in socially innovative entrepreneurial and sustainable businesses that improve lives in the areas of education, income, and health for North Texas.
• Empower, inspire, and hold the Social Innovation team accountable for successful execution of existing programs and design and development of new ventures.
• Inspire and equip social entrepreneurs to build lives and careers that are both right for them and good for the community.
• Recruit, equip, and engage volunteers to serve as mentors and resources for Accelerator and Incubator Fellows.
• Seek out, grow, and solidify collaborative efforts with community partners to help strengthen the Social Innovation Ecosystem across North Texas,
• Partner with our Resource Development team as a content expert to attract and retain a donor base to achieve its revenue goals to support Innovation at United Way

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

CURRENT PROGRAM OVERSIGHT, EVALUTION, AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT – 30%

• Oversight of the UWMD Social Innovation Accelerator, including, but not limited to pipeline development, application, selection, boot camp design and implementation, coordination, and evaluation.
• Recruitment and relationship management of Social Innovation Accelerator volunteer committee, mentors, and investors, ensuring engagement, retention, and continued investment.
• Support design, development, and implementation of the annual Social Innovation Pitch and Summit, working in partnership with a cross functional team of Marketing, Resource Development, Events/Engagement, Communications and Contractors and Consultants
• Oversight of the UWMD Incubator, including but not limited to pipeline development, application, selection, program implementation, and evaluation.
• Oversight of the Social Innovation Alumni program including but not limited to, regular communications, and development of training and capacity building sessions.
• Develop and manage program budgets for Social Innovation at United Way

DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF NEW STRATEGIES, INITIATIVES, AND ACTIVITIES – 20%

• Analyze service gaps and opportunities and develop new strategies and initiatives to address pervasive community challenges in Education, Income, and Health.

EXTERNAL COLLABORATION AND COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP - 30%

• Seek out and forge external partnerships to drive greater community impact through Innovation.
• Position UWMD as the leader in social innovation across North Texas
• Support capacity building, innovation, and design for Community Impact partners and grantees.

INTERNAL COLLABORATION AND COORDINATION – 20%

• Serve as a member of the Community Impact Leadership Team and UWMD Management Leadership Team (MLT)
• Work closely with the Community Impact team to identify service gaps, opportunities, and opportunities for community collaboration and coordination.
• Work with the Marketing team to design and develop marketing strategy, communications plan, and events for social innovation activities and programs.
• Provide content expertise to support resource development efforts to generate funds for social innovation, NPO capacity building, and Social Impact/NPO MBA.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

SKILLS and COMPETENCIES:                   

Excellent analytical skills

Excellent design-centered approach ability

Excellent verbal and written communication

Excellent project management and administrative skills

Excellent people skills

Strong organizational and program skills

Strong computer skills, including Work, Excel, PowerPoint

Understanding of information systems

Ability to recruit and manage volunteers.

Ability to work as part of a team.

Ability to work well with people from different backgrounds.

Ability to multi-task, work with multiple projects at once

Ability to work with deadlines, work under pressure.

Initiative, self-starting

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship/Social Enterprise Public Administration, Business Administration, Communications, or related fields required. Graduate degree or commensurate experience preferred. 

EXPERIENCE: A minimum of 10 years of work experience with a background in consulting, social entrepreneurship, social enterprise, and volunteer engagement strongly desired.

Please apply online: https://unitedwaydallas.org/careers/