Open Opportunities
Executive Director Position Profile
About UAF
University Academy Foundation (UAF) is a 501(c)3 organization that was created to deliver transformative assistance to students throughout their elementary and secondary journey at University Academy (UA). The mission of UAF is to facilitate educational programs and opportunities that support college readiness, college completion, and career success for UA students and alumni.
The vision of UAF is to empower UA students and alumni to reach their academic and professional aspirations by providing extraordinary life-long support from college transition all the way through degree completion and into successful professional careers.
The Opportunity
The Executive Director (ED) serves as chief executive of UAF, ensuring the operational and financial effectiveness of the organization while fostering an inclusive, collaborative culture. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED ensures that organizational goals, budget, program activities, and team members are aligned to advance the mission and vision. The ED represents UAF to key external stakeholders including University Academy leadership, donors, and community partners.
Fundraising & Financial Stewardship
- Lead the development function in close partnership with the Board and staff to expand and execute an aggressive fundraising strategy: identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gifts, foundation grants, corporate sponsorships, and signature events.
- Direct organizational financial planning, budgeting, and long-range fiscal forecasting; manage annual operating budget, monitor cash flow, maintain 501(c)(3) legal and tax compliance, and deliver transparent financial reporting to the Board.
Executive Leadership & Organizational Management
- Provide strategic, values-driven leadership aligning UAF’s mission, programming, team, and resources for maximum impact.
- Build, develop, and retain a high-performing staff in a collaborative, accountable culture rooted in ethics and growth.
- Establish operational standards, controls, and measurable KPIs to ensure organizational stability and continuous quality improvement.
Board Governance & Founder Engagement
- Maintain an active, transparent partnership with the Board of Directors, ensuring strategic alignment and fiduciary oversight.
- Support ongoing board development while navigating founder relationships and transitions with diplomacy, discretion, and respect.
Strategic Partnerships & Programmatic Impact
- Serve as primary brand ambassador for UAF, building visibility across Kansas City corporate, civic, and philanthropic networks.
- Maintain a close, collaborative alliance with University Academy leadership (Superintendent, Principals, and UA Board).
- Drive student and alumni career success by expanding partnerships with regional employers for internships, mentorships, and jobs.
- Oversee alumni programming, Alumni Council activities, and longitudinal data tracking (academic persistence and career outcomes).
Desired Experience, Education, Skills and Knowledge
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree welcomed.
- 7+ years in executive or senior leadership with a proven track record of securing philanthropic support or driving revenue growth.
- Demonstrated operational competence: managing organizational budgets, internal financial controls, and measurable program goals.
- High professional polish: exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills across boards, civic leaders, and major donors.
- Proven people manager who actively coaches, develops, and retains high-performing staff in a collaborative culture.
- Authentic communicator skilled at building trust across diverse constituencies (students, alumni, educators, and community partners).
- Natural relationship builder comfortable and effective serving as the primary brand ambassador across corporate and civic networks.
Compensation & Benefits
The projected compensation range for this opportunity will include a base salary between $100,000 and $130,000 in accordance with the background and experience of the selected candidate. Compensation is supplemented by a benefits package that includes PTO, paid holidays, healthcare and 401(k) plan (when eligible) etc.
How to Apply
CBIZ Talent Solutions is partnering with University Academy Foundation on this important and exciting search. All calls and inquiries regarding this search should be made directly to the search firm.
Nominations and applications will be held in confidence. Interested candidates should email a current résumé or CV to:
Jessica Galbraith – Executive Search Consultant, Senior Recruiter – CBIZ Talent Solutions;
jgalbraith@cbiz.com
