"United Way of Central Indiana brings together the resources of philanthropy, government, corporations, the social sector, and neighborhoods to confront generational poverty and ensure a better future for our neighbors in need."
United Way of Central Indiana (UWCI) brings together the resources of philanthropy, government, corporations, the social sector, and neighborhoods to confront generational poverty and ensure a better future for our neighbors in need. This is an ambitious time to join United Way as the organization advances a five year strategic plan focused on reducing the number of households experiencing poverty and financial instability.
UWCI partners to design, support, and grow systems that accelerate financial stability and upward mobility for individuals and families living in or near poverty and striving for a brighter future. Its vision is that Central Indiana will be a community where children, individuals, and families thrive, neighbors care for one another, and all residents can be proud of the quality of life in their community.
This is a confidential search for a proven philanthropic leader ready to join UWCI's executive team at a moment of real momentum: a bold strategic framework, a sharpened focus on the root causes of poverty, and a community wide mandate to innovate how philanthropy is raised, engaged, and stewarded.
United Way of Central Indiana's roots trace back to 1918, when the community gathered at Monument Circle to drop coins and dollars into a massive War Chest, a show of unity that helped fund relief agencies during the flu pandemic and support the war effort. Over the decades, that spirit of collective giving grew into the modern United Way, mobilizing generosity through citywide campaigns and workplace giving across Central Indiana.
Today, UWCI carries that legacy forward with a sharpened focus on fighting poverty at its roots, investing in long-term solutions while responding to the immediate needs of neighbors across Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan, and Putnam counties. The organization partners with more than 100 community organizations and uses a two-generation ("2Gen") model that supports both children and the adults in their lives.
UWCI measures hardship using the ALICE framework, an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. Many Central Indiana households earn above the federal poverty line but still cannot afford the basics of housing, child care, food, transportation, and health care. In 2024, the minimum cost for a family of four to live and work in Indiana was $74,028, more than double the federal poverty level of $31,200.
UWCI concentrates its investments on the top predictors of poverty: Basic Needs, Early Care & Learning, Economic Mobility, and Safe & Affordable Housing.
Providing essential services to neighbors in need.
Increasing literacy and learning success for children.
Increasing earnings and building employment pathways.
Increasing housing security and reducing homelessness.
The Chief Philanthropy Officer reports to the Chief Executive Officer and serves as a member of UWCI's executive team, working alongside senior leaders across Community Impact, Finance, Technology, and Brand to align philanthropy with the organization's strategic direction.
Fred Payne joined United Way of Central Indiana as President and CEO in July 2022. He previously led the Indiana Department of Workforce Development for more than four years and is a graduate of the Indiana University Maurer School of Law and Grambling State University. Under his leadership, UWCI has continued to sharpen its focus on the root causes of poverty and financial instability across the region.
Read the full interview with Fred Payne →The Chief Philanthropy Officer will lead and align a team of senior philanthropy leaders, including the Vice President, Corporate & Volunteer Engagement, the Vice President, Major & Transformational Giving, the Senior Director, Partnership Development, and the Senior Director, Foundation & Government Partnerships. The role coordinates closely with UWCI's Chief Impact Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Data & Technology Officer as part of an integrated executive team.
The Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO) serves as the senior executive leader of United Way of Central Indiana's philanthropy enterprise and as a member of the executive team. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the CPO provides strategic direction for UWCI's comprehensive fundraising and engagement efforts and leads the development and execution of strategies that support the organization's long-term strategic direction and short-term fundraising and impact goals.
The CPO leads and aligns senior philanthropy leaders responsible for corporate and volunteer engagement, major and transformational giving, partnership development, and foundation and government partnerships. The CPO establishes a shared philanthropic vision, sets priorities and expectations, develops organizational capacity, and ensures accountability for results across the philanthropy enterprise.
The CPO will lead UWCI's efforts to grow and diversify philanthropic revenue, strengthen major and transformational donor relationships, evolve workplace giving and corporate partnerships, expand institutional funding, and deepen engagement with donors and volunteers. The role also leads the effort to build a donor-centric culture across the organization, ensuring that fundraising and engagement are integrated effectively with UWCI's broader mission, community impact, and organizational priorities.
This is both an enterprise leadership and relationship-centered role. The CPO will serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and executive team, advise and engage the board and key volunteers, and represent UWCI with donors, corporate and community leaders, foundations, government partners, and the broader United Way network. The CPO will also personally cultivate and steward the organization's most important philanthropic relationships while empowering senior leaders to achieve ambitious results within their areas of responsibility.
United Way of Central Indiana seeks a fundraising leader who pairs strategic vision with hands-on execution, someone who can build a donor-centric culture across a large, complex organization while personally cultivating transformational relationships.
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
The ability to see the full philanthropy enterprise, establish priorities, anticipate opportunities and challenges, and translate strategy into measurable results.
A demonstrated record of achieving ambitious fundraising goals and growing philanthropic revenue across multiple channels.
The ability to lead experienced senior professionals, create alignment across functions, develop talent, and establish accountability.
The credibility and interpersonal skill to build lasting relationships with major donors, corporate executives, board members, volunteers, community leaders, and institutional partners.
The confidence, judgment, communication skills, and discretion required to serve as a member of UWCI's executive team and represent the organization externally.
The ability to challenge established approaches, respond to changes in philanthropy and workplace giving, and lead innovation while maintaining organizational focus and accountability.
A commitment to working across organizational boundaries and building shared ownership of UWCI's philanthropic and community impact goals.
A deep commitment to UWCI's mission and values of inclusivity, courage, accountability, respect, and excellence.
| Position Title | Chief Philanthropy Officer |
| Division | Philanthropy Division |
| Position Leader | Chief Executive Officer |
| Executive Leadership | Member of the Executive Team |
| Position Leads | Vice President, Corporate & Volunteer Engagement · Vice President, Major & Transformational Giving · Senior Director, Partnership Development · Senior Director, Foundation & Government Partnerships |
| FLSA Status | Exempt, Full Time |
| Salary Grade | Market |
| Benefits | Complete Benefits Package Available |
| Reviewed | July 2026 |
The Chief Philanthropy Officer is based at UWCI's Indianapolis headquarters and works across the organization's six county service area.
Salary is set at market, commensurate with the candidate's experience, along with UWCI's complete benefits package.
United Way of Central Indiana welcomes inquiries from accomplished fundraising and advancement leaders who are ready to build a donor-centric culture and drive transformational philanthropy for Central Indiana. For consideration, please submit a résumé and cover letter responsive to UWCI's mission and the priorities described in this prospectus.
Assemble your résumé and a cover letter addressing your fit for the role.
Email both documents to the search contacts below.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled.