UPWARD SCHOLARS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

 
 

HYBRID; MUST TRAVEL TO REDWOOD SHORES OFFICE 2-3 DAYS WEEKLY AND THROUGHOUT SAN MATEO COUNTY.

ABOUT UPWARD SCHOLARS

Upward Scholars’ mission is to provide adult immigrants the boost they need to move up the economic ladder through education and career development support. The organization addresses economic disparities and promotes economic mobility by helping adult immigrants continue their education in community college and by connecting them with quality career opportunities.

Since its founding in 2010, Upward Scholars has helped over 1,500 adult immigrant students. By the end of 2025 the organization anticipates serving 250 students across San Mateo County. With an annual budget that has grown from less than $300,000 in 2019 to over $1.6 million in 2025, Upward Scholars fulfills its 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: Enhancing students' physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being

OPPORTUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

Salary: $188,000 – $202,000, commensurate with experience

Benefits:

  • 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance

  • 3% annual salary contribution to a Simple IRA

  • Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and holidays

  • Professional development opportunities

Remote Work: Hybrid (in-person presence required at Redwood Shores office 2-3 days weekly and travel throughout San Mateo County)

YOU ARE

  • A clear and confident leader who brings transparency, mutual respect, and direct communication to every relationship—from staff and students to board members and funders—ensuring alignment and shared purpose across the organization.

  • Both visionary and grounded, capable of articulating a bold, long-term programmatic strategy while building structure, setting measurable goals, providing mentorship, and leading an eager team toward clear and data-informed outcomes.

  • Deeply authentic and community-connected, able to inspire others with your lived experience, and to build trust with donors, students, and volunteers by showing up with empathy, professionalism, and purpose.

  • A systems-minded operator who understands nonprofit finance, HR, and organizational development—and you know how to manage complexity, set boundaries, and make decisive moves that enable growth.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) will provide strategic and operational leadership for Upward Scholars. The ED will advance the mission by setting vision and direction, building and sustaining strategic partnerships, ensuring sound fiscal management, and guiding a talented team.

The ideal candidate will be an inspirational leader with a strong strategic orientation, proven success in fundraising, and a demonstrated ability to manage organizational growth. They will bring deep understanding and commitment to immigrant communities and will be skilled in building equitable, inclusive cultures.

For more information, please visit www.upwardscholars.org.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and leads the organization’s staff and operations.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide strategic and operational leadership by developing and implementing long-term plans aligned with the organization’s mission, vision, and measurable goals.

  • Foster a healthy, empowered staff culture by modeling transparent communication, setting clear expectations with staff, and supporting professional growth—particularly for a developing team.

  • Strengthen board relations and governance by collaboratively clarifying roles and responsibilities, supporting strategic engagement, and fostering a culture of shared accountability and trust.

  • Serve as a compelling ambassador and relationship-builder with funders, donors, and community stakeholders—drawing on lived experience, authenticity, and strategic storytelling to increase engagement and sustainable support.

  • Oversee financial and organizational infrastructure, including budget development, HR practices, and compliance, ensuring the organization is well-managed, fiscally sound, and equipped for long-term success.

  • Secure resources through diverse fundraising strategies and partnerships.

  • Establish systems to track and evaluate program outcomes and impact.

  • Serve as the primary spokesperson for the organization.

  • Strengthen partnerships with educational institutions, funders, and community stakeholders.

  • Foster a culture of inclusion, transparency, and continuous improvement.

First-Year Priorities

  • Strategic Vision & 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.

  • 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.

COMPETENCIES

Required

  • Minimum 7–10 years of nonprofit leadership experience, including at least four in an executive role

  • Proven ability to lead strategic planning and organizational growth

  • Demonstrated success in fundraising across multiple channels

  • Strong financial acumen and budget management skills

  • Experience leading diverse teams with a focus on equity and inclusion

  • Track record of using data and metrics to inform decision-making

  • Bachelor's degree

Preferred

  • Proficiency in Spanish

  • Experience supporting immigrant communities

  • Background in education or workforce development

EQUITY STATEMENT

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

TO APPLY

For more information, or to apply for the Executive Director position, please upload your resume and cover letter here.

All applications will be kept confidential, and every applicant will receive a response.

Upward Scholars is an Equal Opportunity Employer.