Director of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

United Way of South Central Michigan•Kalamazoo, MI

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

As Director of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, you will play a crucial role in supporting individuals and families by providing high-quality, people-centered, professional tax preparation services. Your knowledgeable, warm, and friendly approach will create an inviting environment for all who seek our services. In this leadership position, you will be responsible for the design, implementation, and measurement of a highly impactful program that drives organizational mission. The VITA program provides free, professional tax preparation services to income-eligible individuals and families. The Director of VITA directs the overall operation of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), including serving as a visible community leader and advocate for the program. This includes providing financial oversight and reporting, identifying strategic priorities, developing a highly effective volunteer engagement strategy, writing grants, and tracking, evaluating, and reporting on program outcomes. This hybrid position is based in either the Kalamazoo or Lansing office and requires a minimum of three days in the office each week. The VITA team is co-located across both offices, so frequent travel between Kalamazoo and Lansing will be required, along with occasional travel throughout the region as needed. During tax season, evening and weekend work will also be required.

Requirements

Demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion and ability to apply anti-oppressive and anti-racist principles in the workplace.
Experience managing complex direct-service program(s). This should include multiple years of human services or related experience.
Prior accounting or tax knowledge and experience.
Ability to communicate highly technical information to employees and volunteers.
Annually pass the IRS VITA Advanced Certification test.
Ability to multi-task, work in a fast-paced environment, and meet deadlines with frequent interruptions.
Must be committed to ensuring strict confidentiality and records maintenance.
Ability to learn new software, hardware, and processes then teach others while providing technical assistance as needed.
Demonstrated knowledge of spreadsheets, database management and financial software proficiency.
Reliable transportation for regional travel.
Use of a personal motor vehicle for transportation requires proof of insurance, valid Driver's license, and ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Record standard.
Successful completion of a criminal background check.
Candidate must be able to work successfully in a remote environment with private office space and high-speed internet.

Nice To Haves

This may be supplemented with formal education such as a bachelor's or advanced degree in social work, non-profit administration, accountancy, law, or other related field.
Within 6 months of hire, demonstrates a high level of expertise in tax preparation and tax law, required; demonstrate a deep knowledge of financial literacy and asset-building strategies for low-income families, preferred.
Strong people leadership abilities to inspire, coach, and provide feedback and accountability to team members and volunteers.
Demonstrated ability to develop and execute successful program strategies to meet external funder metrics/requirements and internal outcomes.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and implementation of program strategies, including setting measurable goals, cultivating strategic partnerships, and driving continuous process improvement to enhance program effectiveness and impact.
Provide overall strategic and operational leadership for the VITA program, ensuring program quality, compliance, sustainability, and achievement of organizational and community outcomes.
Supervise and support team members by ensuring they are effectively trained, equipped, and performing at a high level to deliver successful VITA services.
Develop and implement volunteer engagement strategies to support regional VITA program goals, with a focus on engaging community-driven participation.
Provide strategic leadership and oversight to the VITA team, ensuring alignment with program objectives and community needs.
Ensure compliance with grant requirements, regulatory guidelines, and financial reporting standards, maintaining transparency and accountability in all financial matters.
Identify, research, and actively pursue diverse funding opportunities, including federal, municipal, and private foundation grants.
Build and maintain strong relationships with community members, partners, and key stakeholders-including national, state, and local organizations, businesses, and individuals-to advance holistic financial stability initiatives.
Facilitate connections between community members and financial education resources, products, and services.
Lead and advance UWSCMI's financial stability and economic mobility strategies in partnership with internal teams, community stakeholders, and regional partners.
Participate in community planning efforts that address increased effectiveness and efficiency in human service delivery systems, strategies, and processes.
Serve as the UWSCMI liaison to financial stability workgroups, coalitions, and committees as assigned.
Participate in internal and external cross-functional projects and initiatives as assigned.
Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

medical coverage with an employer contribution of 85% towards single coverage and 70% towards dependent coverage
dental and vision with a 90% employer contribution towards single and dependent coverage
life insurance with an employer-paid benefit of 2 times annual salary
short-term disability and long-term disability effective the date of hire
10% employer contribution into the 403(b) retirement plan each year with full vesting after 3 years of service
20 days Paid Time Off
13 days Paid Sick Time
5 Paid Volunteer Days
3 Floating Holidays
11 Paid Holidays each year