Executive Director at Upward Scholars

The Executive Director (ED) will provide strategic and operational leadership for Upward Scholars. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED will lead the mission by providing direction, vision, and securing necessary resources to ensure continued success and growth.

The ideal candidate will be a strategic, operationally savvy, and culturally empathetic leader with demonstrated executive nonprofit experience. They will have experience in strengthening programmatic impact through measurement and metrics, and have built and led through stable funding models. We seek a leader who has built inclusive internal cultures focused on transparency and collaboration, able to take the organization to its next level of operational excellence while honoring the deep commitment and community engagement already established.

FIRST-YEAR PRIORITIES

• Strategic Vision Development & Implementation: Develop and implement a strategic vision with measurable outcomes that strengthen programmatic focus and impact.
• Financial Sustainability & Growth: Build a funding model that improves financial sustainability while maintaining existing relationships and securing new opportunities.
• Operational Excellence: Establish systems that enable the organization to effectively develop staff and manage resources to achieve its long-term mission.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Implement robust measurement frameworks to track program impact and ensure data drives continuous improvement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Vision Setting (25%)

• Develop and execute the organization's strategic plan, ensuring alignment with mission and values
• Guide programmatic strategy with a focus on measurable outcomes and evaluation
• Anticipate changes in the educational and funding landscape
• Ensure all programs advance the mission and strategic goals

Financial Management & Fund Development (30%)

• Secure resources through diverse fundraising strategies
• Cultivate relationships with major donors, foundations, and corporate partners
• Develop and oversee the annual budget and monitor financial performance
• Ensure sound fiscal management and compliance with regulations
• Work with the Board's Finance Committee on financial planning
• Lead grant writing and reporting efforts

Operational Excellence & Staff Leadership (20%)

• Inspire and manage a high-performing team while fostering a positive culture
• Recruit, develop, and retain talented staff aligned with organizational values
• Establish clear performance expectations and provide regular feedback
• Create systems for goal setting, metrics, and accountability
• Ensure effective operations, including technology systems and data management
• Maintain a culture of equity, inclusion, and belonging

Program Oversight & Impact Measurement (10%)

• Implement systems to set, track, and report on programmatic goals and outcomes
• Use data to inform program improvements and strategic decisions
• Develop program evaluation frameworks
• Present regular performance reports to the Board and key stakeholders

External Relations & Partnership Development (15%)

• Serve as the primary spokesperson for Upward Scholars
• Build relationships with educational institutions and community partners
• Engage with the immigrant community to ensure programs remain relevant

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred
• Clear passion for Upward Scholars mission and our target communities
• 7-10 years of leadership experience in nonprofit organizations, with at least 4 years in an executive leadership role
• Demonstrated experience setting and achieving programmatic goals
• Track record of successful fundraising from diverse sources
• Experience managing organizational budgets of $2M+
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic plans
• Experience leading high-performing teams
• Strong financial management skills
• Experience working effectively with a Board of Directors
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and cultural competence

Preferred Qualifications

• Spanish language proficiency
• Experience working with immigrant communities
• Background in education or workforce development

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