The Organization
Student U is seeking their next Executive Director…
Do you believe in the power of education to build a just and equitable community? Are you a visionary who can help inspire Durham’s leaders to improve education for our under resourced students? Are you a proven leader who can motivate and mentor your team? Are you ready to transform Durham, NC?
Are you the next Executive Director of Student U?
The Board of Student U seeks an Executive Director who believes in the power of education, advocacy, and leadership to build a just and equitable Durham.
To apply, click on the link to the Student U Executive Director position profile at www.armstrongmcguire.com/jobs
The Vision: A Durham where all students succeed.
At Student U, we believe that every person is worthy of opportunities that allows for growth throughout their educational journey. Within an educational system that fails to allocate resources equitably, we see brilliant students and engaged families who know that they’re capable of incredible things—and we walk alongside them. To break the cycle of poverty and help shape a new future for our city, we support first-generation students through middle school, high school, college, and beyond.
43% of our students are Black or African-American, 54% of our students are Hispanic or are of a Latino background. 83% of our students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, 66% of our students will be the first in their families to attend college.
We have 8 classes who have graduated from high school and are now succeeding in or have graduated from college.
• 100% of Student U’s students from the classes of 2014-2021 have graduated from high school. • 90% of Student U’s graduating high school seniors who are active in programming have enrolled in college, a post-secondary institution, or the military
Student U empowers and equips first-generation college students in Durham Public Schools, their families, and educators to become the leaders that will positively transform our city. It supports this transformation by combining three key elements: a whole-families approach to college access and success programming; sharing best practices in education; and a commitment to supporting student- and family-led advocacy and change efforts in our city. Together these strategies are creating a Durham where all students succeed.
What will you do as Student U’s next Executive Director?
● Build on a strategic vision that relentlessly challenges and improves the status quo in education
● Mentor and inspire a 22-member staff team
● Directly oversee the organization’s financial, operations, fundraising, and program leaders
● Partner with the Board of Directors to set Student U’s strategic vision, determine its priorities, and ensure its adequate funding
● Forge alliances with school leaders, local and state elected officials, city, and county employees and partners
● Inspire donors, funders, and government partners to invest deeply in Student U’s vision of a Durham where all students succeed
● Manage and grow an annual budget exceeding $3 million
● Oversee the strategic alignment of the multi-use W.G. Pearson Center campus, inclusive of 6 acres of land and a 55,000 square foot building
Why Student U?
Student U is a community-driven by our core values with a shared common goal: to use the power of education to build a just and equitable Durham. At Student U, we believe that each member of our community makes a unique contribution to collectively create the conditions that would lead to a just and equitable Durham.
The Student U community consists of nearly 550 students from 6th grade to college graduates and their families. Student U is governed by a 16-person Board of Directors and has 22 full-time and 70 part-time employees with an annual operating budget of $3,300,000. In this year’s budget, 30% of Student U’s revenue comes from foundations, 30% from contributed revenue from individuals and organizations, 16% from government funding, 6% from tenants and community rentals, and 18% from other sources.
To learn more about Student U visit: www.studentudurham.org
Position Overview
Key lived experiences, attributes, and skillsets sought in the Executive Director
Strategic visionary who naturally inspires others with your passion for Student U’s vision
Authentic commitment to the mission and vision of Student U
Established equity-centered leadership and deep understanding of the concepts of institutional and structural racism and their impact on underserved and underrepresented communities
Demonstrated experience leading an organization or a large team
Authentic relationship building skills that allow you to build trust and inspire confidence across Student U constituents including the Board, staff, students, families, donors, elected officials, and other community leaders
A proven history in cultivating and personally soliciting financial support from government, foundations, corporations, and individual donors
Experience navigating complex dynamics within an urban population with an ability to communicate across diverse cultural environments
Strong people and team management skills with a proven track record of collaboration and coalition building to achieve ambitious goals together
How To Apply
Could you be Student U’s next Executive Director?
To apply, click on the link to the Student U Executive Director position profile at www.armstrongmcguire.com/jobs. You will see instructions for uploading a compelling cover letter, resume, salary requirements, and professional references. Please provide all requested information to be considered. In case of any technical problems, contact katie@armstrongmcguire.com. No phone calls, please, and no applications will be accepted by email or directly from third-party posting sites.
Salary and Benefits: Salary being offered for this position is up to $165,000. Student U offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, vision and dental insurance, and an employer match to a 403(b)-retirement account. In addition, Student U offers annual dedicated wellness funds and professional development funds for each employee.
Anti-Discrimination Policy: Student U is committed to fostering an inclusive culture within our organization where people from various backgrounds can participate fully and equitably, as we want to engage all those who can contribute to our mission.