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Oxana, Director, Strategic Partnerships at United Way of Greater Los Angeles: Advize Career Interview
Oxana's inspiring career journey began in arts management, leading to an MBA and a pivotal shift to the social impact sector.
Currently a Director of Strategic Partnerships at United Way of Greater Los Angeles, Oxana leads a team securing millions in philanthropic resources, balancing internal collaboration and external relationship-building.
The role requires strong communication, empathy, and systems thinking to address complex issues like homelessness and economic mobility.
A key lesson learned is the importance of relationship-building, prioritizing human connection to achieve tangible impact.
Advice for aspiring professionals includes pursuing diverse experiences, developing a growth mindset, and utilizing entry-level coordinator or associate positions.
Oxana's personal journey as a first-generation immigrant underscores the power of resilience and a proactive approach to achieving a fulfilling career in a field that addresses systemic inequities and creates positive change in Los Angeles.
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Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Oxana Ermolova
Director, Strategic Partnerships
United Way of Greater Los Angeles
UC Santa Barbara
UCLA School of Management, Full-time MBA
Entertainment, Music & Arts, International Relations & Affairs
Nonprofit
Sales and Client Management
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Immigrant
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Career Path of a Director of Strategic Partnerships at United Way Los Angeles
Oxana's career journey began in arts management, fueled by a passion for the arts and honed through internships and a role at the LA County Arts and Culture Department; this path led to an MBA at UCLA Anderson, inspiring a shift towards social impact, culminating in their current position as Director of Strategic Partnerships at United Way of Greater Los Angeles after leveraging "the ability to code switch between the nonprofit speak and the business speak".
Main Responsibilities of a Director, Strategic Partnerships at United Way of Greater Los Angeles
Oxana, Director of Strategic Partnerships at United Way of Greater Los Angeles, leads a team in securing "$20 million in philanthropic resources," setting team strategy, and managing key relationships. This involves coordinating across departments to align external funding with organizational priorities.
A Day In The Life Of A Director Strategic Partnerships At United Way Of Greater Los Angeles
A Director of Strategic Partnerships at United Way of Greater Los Angeles balances "internal and external engagements," meeting with program and finance teams to understand impact priorities and funding needs, then translating this into productive meetings with external partners to align "impact priorities" and further the organization's mission across Los Angeles. The ideal day involves a mix of internal collaboration and external relationship-building, including attending networking events to maintain sector connections.
Most Important Skills for a Director Strategic Partnerships at United Way of Greater Los Angeles
Oxana, a Director of Strategic Partnerships, highlights communication and empathy as crucial skills, emphasizing the need to "relay in a resonant way the amazing work" of United Way to external partners while internally ensuring alignment. The ability to understand partner goals and constraints through "systems thinking and individual one-on-one connections" is key to forging effective, mutually beneficial partnerships.
Favorite Parts of Being a Director Strategic Partnerships at United Way of Greater Los Angeles
Oxana's favorite aspect of the Director, Strategic Partnerships role at United Way of Greater Los Angeles is "connecting with dedicated and impact-minded individuals" to address systemic inequities and drive resources where needed most, a shared commitment that provides a strong sense of purpose. This shared purpose and the ability to see tangible impact energizes Oxana throughout the challenges of the role.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Director Strategic Partnerships at United Way of Greater Los Angeles
Oxana's biggest challenges as Director, Strategic Partnerships at United Way of Greater Los Angeles are the "complexity of issues" such as homelessness and economic mobility, requiring constant awareness of policy and stakeholders, and the fact that many factors impacting project timelines are "beyond control." This necessitates proactive communication with partners to manage expectations amidst external forces affecting "commitments or deliverables."
Favorite Parts of Working in the Nonprofit Industry as a Director Strategic Partnerships
Oxana enjoys the "sense of purpose" and collaborative nature of the nonprofit and social impact industry, finding gratification in connecting "mission-driven individuals" across diverse sectors—government, direct service nonprofits, and funders—to collectively advance Los Angeles' future. The work's impact beyond any single entity is a key driver of Oxana's career satisfaction.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Nonprofit Industry, According To A Director Of Strategic Partnerships At United Way Of Greater Los Angeles
Oxana, a Director of Strategic Partnerships, highlights the importance of being "partnership-oriented," possessing "strong communication skills," and maintaining "a constant growth mindset" for success in the nonprofit sector. The ability to synthesize information, collaborate effectively, and embrace "the nimbleness and constant learning" are crucial for navigating the complexities of this work, where "there are no clear-cut answers."
What a Director of Strategic Partnerships at United Way wishes they had known before entering the Non-profit industry
Oxana, a Director of Strategic Partnerships, emphasizes the critical role of relationship-building in a career like theirs, stating that "the work moves at the speed of trust." This realization, learned through experience building a new team within a long-standing organization, highlights the importance of prioritizing "human caring, empathetic" connections over transactional interactions to foster effective collaboration and long-term success.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Nonprofit Professionals
Entry-level positions in the social impact and nonprofit sectors often include "coordinator and associate positions" across various functions like marketing, finance, or programs, making volunteer and internship experience valuable for demonstrating relevant skills. Seeking out these opportunities, along with informational interviews to explore career pathways, allows undergraduates to build a "relevant skillset base" and gain a competitive advantage.
Significant Career Lesson from a Director Strategic Partnerships at United Way of Greater Los Angeles
Oxana's significant career lesson centers on employing "systems thinking," understanding that effectiveness requires considering the broader ecosystem impacting individuals and organizations, from "business objectives" to personal circumstances. This approach, showing "grace" and acknowledging the human element within larger structural contexts, guides their strategic partnerships work.
College Experiences That Helped A Director, Strategic Partnerships At United Way Greater Los Angeles Succeed
Oxana's college success stemmed from a proactive approach—"saying, yes, I'll try this, I'll try that"—through numerous internships and part-time jobs, even unpaid ones, which allowed development of marketable skills and a strong resume. This willingness to explore diverse opportunities, fueled by curiosity and a "hunger to learn," ultimately secured their first full-time position.
How Identity Has Influenced A Director Strategic Partnerships At United Way Of Greater Los Angeles's Career
Oxana's experience as a first-generation immigrant from Kazakhstan profoundly shaped their career journey; the initial struggle to overcome language barriers ("did not speak the language") fueled a powerful drive to succeed, inspired by their mother's resilience, and ultimately led to a fulfilling career in the impact space where Oxana continues to battle imposter syndrome while embracing a growth-oriented mindset.
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