Careers at Upward Scholars

Upward Scholars is a mission-driven organization that helps adult students overcome the barriers that may limit their success. Upward Scholars is the only nonprofit in the Bay Area providing financial, academic, career development, and holistic support to adult immigrants from low-income households transitioning from ESL programs and local adult schools to community colleges.

We look for talented and resourceful people who believe in the power of education to transform lives, especially the lives of immigrants who speak English as a second language. We offer a diverse, flexible, and rewarding work environment and compensation package to recognize, value, respect, and encourage your unique contributions.

Current Openings

+ Executive Director

ORGANIZATION

Upward Scholars' mission is to provide adult immigrants the boost they need to move up the economic ladder through education and career development support. We address economic disparities and promote economic mobility by helping adult immigrants continue their education in community college and providing them with pathways to quality careers.

Since 2010, Upward Scholars has helped over 1,500 adult immigrant college students. We anticipate serving 250 students in San Mateo County in 2025. Our annual budget has grown from less than $300,000 in 2019 to over $1.6 million in 2025.

We fulfill our mission through four key pillars:

  • Academic Support: Providing resources to support academic success
  • Financial Support: Reducing financial barriers to continuing education
  • Career Development: Connecting students to careers that increase economic mobility
  • Holistic Support: Improving students' physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being

OPPORTUNITY

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

SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

Leadership & Management

  • Inspirational and collaborative leadership style
  • Excellence in organizational management
  • Ability to set clear priorities and develop teams
  • Entrepreneurial spirit
  • Strong strategic thinking abilities

Communication & Relationship Building

  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • High emotional intelligence
  • Ability to build relationships with diverse constituencies

Results Orientation & Analytical Thinking

  • Strong problem-solving skills with data-driven decision making
  • Focus on measuring and achieving outcomes
  • Commitment to quality programs and evaluation

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

  • Salary range: $188,000 - $202,000, commensurate with experience
  • 100% medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 3% annual salary contribution to a Simple IRA account
  • Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
  • Professional development opportunities

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to careers@upwardscholar.org. In your cover letter, please address your approach to leading organizational growth and implementing measurement frameworks.

Upward Scholars is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

  • Target start date: July 15, 2025
  • Location: Hybrid; must travel to Redwood Shores office at least 2x weekly and throughout San Mateo County