UPWARD SCHOLARS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

 
 

Click on the link below for the full opportunity description:

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

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.

LOCATION:

  • Redwood Shores, California

  • Hybrid; must travel to Redwood Shores office 2-3 days weekly and 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.

SALARY/BENEFITS

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)

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.