Chief Brand & Engagement Officer

United Way for Southeastern Michigan•Detroit, MI

About The Position

At United Way for Southeastern Michigan, we believe lasting change happens when community voice, data, and collective action come together. We're looking for a Chief Brand & Engagement Officer (CBEO)-a bold, strategic, and deeply community-centered leader who can translate purpose into movement, and movement into measurable impact. As a key member of the executive team, the CBEO will steward and activate our brand, voice, and public presence to build trust, inspire action, and advance equitable outcomes across Southeast Michigan. You'll lead a dynamic portfolio spanning communications, marketing, advocacy, events, volunteerism, and community engagement-ensuring every story we tell and every experience we create reflects the lived realities, leadership, and aspirations of the communities we serve. Working in close partnership with philanthropy, program, and policy leaders, you'll drive strategies that move individuals from awareness to action to long-term engagement as donors, advocates, and changemakers.

Requirements

10+ years of progressive leadership in fundraising, engagement, or related fields (with 5+ years at a senior leadership level).
Demonstrated success leading teams and driving enterprise-wide strategy.
Bachelor's degree required
Exceptional relationship-building, communication, and execution skills.

Nice To Haves

A track record of leading community engagement or systems-change initiatives with measurable outcomes.
Deep experience building cross-sector partnerships and translating engagement into investment.
A passion for equity, inclusion, and elevating community voice.
Strong instincts as both a storyteller and strategist.
The ability to navigate complex civic and political environments with credibility and care.
advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as the steward of a clear, authentic, and community-centered brand narrative across all channels.
Lead integrated communications-including media, executive visibility, and crisis strategy.
Elevate storytelling that centers lived experience and systems-change outcomes.
Design strategies that inspire participation, volunteerism, and sustained community involvement.
Build pathways that move audiences from awareness to advocacy and investment.
Leverage insights and data to continuously improve reach, relevance, and results.
Oversee signature events, convenings, and experiential activations that bring people together around shared goals.
Ensure alignment between brand, program priorities, and community needs.
Build and develop high-performing teams across marketing, communications, events, volunteer engagement, and advocacy.
Serve as a connector across departments, ensuring a cohesive external presence and unified strategy.
Represent UWSEM as a trusted voice in civic and community spaces.