Apply now for a local program that grows your leadership skills, confidence + love of Birmingham

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Cameron Foster has worked in the nonprofit sector her entire career, but nothing has had quite the impact on her like the time she’s spent working at the United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA). She’s committed to serving Birmingham, and she surrounds herself with people who do the same.

One path that’s helped supercharge her career has been United Way’s Loaned Executive program, which she says is one of the best ways to grow as a leader and quickly see—and help meet—the needs of local communities.

We sat down with Cameron to hear about her time at UWCA, her experience as a Loaned Executive and why she thinks you should apply to be one before Wednesday, August 12.

Cameron Foster believes in the mission of United Way

Cameron Foster came to United Way of Central Alabama in 2018, ready to start her new job as a Relationship Manager. Now, Cameron is Vice President of Corporate Relations.

How did her career accelerate so rapidly? As a new hire, Cameron joined the Loaned Executive program—a 13-week program where you work closely with different companies across Central Alabama and help raise money for UWCA’s annual campaign.

Cameron credits this experience with allowing her to meet important contacts at companies around Birmingham, learn the ins and outs of how nonprofits run and grow in confidence.

What are Loaned Executives?

Every year, 30 or so people of different ages, backgrounds and careers come together to help raise millions for the incredible work UWCA does.

During the 13-week program, you collaborate with top management at companies and organizations throughout Central Alabama to develop internal campaigns on behalf of UWCA.

What Loaned Executives do:

• Manage a portfolio of corporate accounts
• Support companies running UWCA campaigns
• Build relationships with company campaign coordinators, support them + their campaign committees
• Speak with companies + share UWCA story to employee groups
• Support campaign activities like volunteer projects + kickoff events
• Coordinate tours of UWCA’s programs
• Create new business relationships for UWCA
• Support other Loaned Executives in managing campaign events + reaching fundraising goals

“The first two weeks, you get an incredible amount of professional development training—everything from sales and presentation training to Myers-Briggs assessments, working on a team, you name it. Then, you’re the boots on the ground raising money for the annual campaign.”

Cameron Foster, VP of Corporate Relations, United Way of Central Alabama

Plus, you get first-hand experience of the needs of different communities across UWCA’s six-county footprint.

“One day you might be at a law firm or a bank, and the next you could be on a manufacturing floor, or in a classroom. That kind of experience is unmatched.”

Cameron Foster, VP of Corporate Relations, United Way of Central Alabama

Become a Loaned Executive + make a big impact

Interested in expanding your network and leadership skills while helping out local companies and organizations? Here’s what you need to know before applying to be a Loaned Executive:

• Who: Recent college grads, retirees, consultants or people interested in making a professional transition
• How it works: Local companies loan employees of their own. Others provide funds to compensate individuals who apply to UWCA to participate.
• Requirements: Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation + proof of automobile insurance.
• Apply by Wednesday, August 12: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

“You go through training, and get to utilize those skills almost immediately. I saw growth and confidence after I finished the program, and now I’m seeing it with other Loaned Executives.

It’s an incredible professional development opportunity to learn about yourself, the needs of the community and also make an impact in those communities.”

Cameron Foster, VP of Corporate Relations, United Way of Central Alabama

Apply to be a Loaned Executive today, and check out career opportunities at UWCA to see the impact you can make across Birmingham.

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