Staff

Lumber River United Way is pleased to announce Paul Braun, formerly of Friendship NY, and Johnson County, NC has been selected as the as Executive Director of Lumber River United Way.  Having started his position this summer, Pamela Wright, Board President states, “Paul has already proved to a strong advocate for families, community and building relationships in Robeson, Bladen and Hoke Counties.  Paul,  a dedicated educator and community advocate, has spent over 16 years making a profound impact on the lives of others through his work as a 3rd-grade teacher and Career and Technical Education teacher, and Grant Writer at Friendship Central School in Friendship, NY, where he worked to make a difference every day by fostering an environment of learning and growth. With dual Master of Science degrees in Students with Disabilities and Differentiated Instruction, he was committed to ensuring that all students, regardless of their challenges, could thrive academically.

In addition to his career in education, Paul is a passionate advocate for families overcoming life’s barriers. On joining Lumber River United Way he says, “My goal is to help families break through the obstacles that prevent them from succeeding.” His belief in the power of community and personal effort to create change echoes his favorite quote from anthropologist Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”

Outside of his professional life, Paul leads a fulfilling and family-centered life. Now residing in Lumber Bridge, NC, Paul and Peggy, his wife of 30 years, are the proud parents of two sons and one daughter. The Braun family is also blessed with three granddaughters. Paul enjoys spending time in his workshop where he creates handcrafted wood products.

An avid cook, baker, and smoker of meats, Paul is known for bringing his love of food and family to every gathering. He enjoys fishing, living the country lifestyle, and spending quality time with his dog, Daisy.

Paul’s lifelong dedication to his students, family, and community showcases his unwavering commitment to creating positive change. In his role as executive director of Lumber River United Way Paul remains focused on his core mission: to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around him.

Program Associate Position

Lumber River United Way

Pay: From $17.00 per hour

Hours: 20 hours per week- flexible scheduling

This is a part-time position that has the possibility to transition into a full-time role if our program expanded

Report to: You will report directly to the Executive Director under the direction of a Board of Directors. 

Job Overview
We are seeking a dedicated and passionate Program Associate to join our team. This role is essential in supporting the development, implementation, and management of various programs aimed at enhancing community engagement and outreach. The Program Associate will work closely with volunteers, stakeholders, and community members to ensure the successful execution of initiatives that align with our mission.

Our United Way is a small agency that covers three counties. (Robeson, Hoke and Bladen) We operate with a model of shared work responsibilities. Each person will have their own specific duties but, everyone pulls together to complete the overall mission. The Executive Director will be working shoulder to shoulder with you. 

Duties

Donor Relations

You will work closely with the Executive Director and LRUW board to facilitate correspondence and outreach with current and prospective donors

• Assist in the coordination and execution of the annual Donor Campaign
• Some public speaking will be required. You will present the programs and initiatives that LRUW conducts. You will encourage potential donors to partner with our United Way to serve our communities. 

Volunteer Coordination

• Serve as the volunteer coordinator. Maintain a volunteer database.
• Schedule volunteer events with local agencies, small business and corporate sponsors
• Lead the effort to identify, recruit, retain and recognize volunteers.
• Create annual calendar of volunteer service events and outreach opportunities and serve as point for each opportunity. Service opportunities may vary.
• Assist with annual Day of Caring logistics and volunteer support as directed by the Executive Director. 

Administrative Tasks

• Manage the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program. Duties will include managing the database, collecting unclaimed books, attending resource fairs and events
• Assist the Executive Director in Lumber River United Way administrative tasks as needed.
• Answer office phones and assist clients in finding resources to help meet their needs
• Update social media and web page platforms as needed
• Research and pursue grant opportunities where applicable
• Assist in the daily operations of our Food Pantry
• You will be required to make some deliveries in the agency pickup truck
• Event planning and logistics

Attributes and Behaviors:

• Empathetic and caring: You will be interacting with people who are experiencing difficult life situations.   
• Mission Focused: You will create real social change that leads to better lives and healthier communities.
• Relationship-Oriented: You will cultivate and manage relationships toward a common goal.
• Collaborator: You can understand the roles and contributions of all sectors of the community and can mobilize resources through meaningful engagement.
• Results-Driven: You are dedicated to shared and measurable goals for the common good; developing and implementing programs and procedures that create a meaningful impact in our community.
• Brand-Steward: You will be a good steward of the brand and understand the role in growing and protecting the reputation and results of the Lumber River United Way.

Email cover letter and resume to executivedirector@lumberriveruw.org