Executive Director

Aim High St. Louis is a nonprofit summer learning and enrichment program serving middle school students from under‑resourced communities. In partnership with institutions such as John Burroughs School and local school districts, Aim High provides joyful academic and enrichment experiences that build confidence, belonging, and exposure to new opportunities. For more than 30 years, Aim High has helped students prepare for success in high school and beyond.

About Aim High St. Louis

Aim High St. Louis is a nonprofit summer learning and enrichment program serving middle school students from under‑resourced communities. In partnership with institutions such as John Burroughs School and local school districts, Aim High provides joyful academic and enrichment experiences that build confidence, belonging, and exposure to new opportunities. For more than 30 years, Aim High has helped students prepare for success in high school and beyond.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a hands‑on, mission‑driven Executive Director to lead the organization through an important period of transformation and into its next chapter. This is a builder–leader role in a lean organization where the Executive Director will serve as both a strategic leader and entrepreneurial operator. The Executive Director will work closely with the Board of Directors to strengthen financial sustainability, expand community partnerships, and ensure a joyful and well‑run program for students. In many ways, this position represents a founding‑style leadership opportunity ideal for a leader energized by building systems, strengthening relationships, and guiding an established mission into a renewed phase of growth.

Key Priorities

Fundraising & Financial Sustainability

• Lead and execute fundraising strategy and donor engagement
• Develop and manage the annual budget
• Cultivate and steward individual, foundation, and community partners
• Support board fundraising efforts

Program Excellence

• Ensure smooth, safe, and engaging summer programming for approximately 225–275 students
• Oversee logistics, including staffing, schedules, transportation, meals, and safety
• Monitor program quality and student experience

Community Partnerships

• Strengthen relationships with partner school districts and community organizations
• Collaborate with partners such as John Burroughs School and Washington University
• Communicate clearly with families and stakeholders

Core Responsibilities

• Serve as the organization’s chief fundraiser and public representative
• Lead operational planning and program readiness for summer programming
• Manage finances with transparency and discipline
• Recruit and support seasonal staff and program leaders
• Partner closely with the Board of Directors on governance and strategy
• Measure program impact and communicate outcomes to stakeholders

Qualifications

Strong candidates will bring:

• Demonstrated fundraising experience, including donor cultivation and solicitation
• Financial literacy and experience managing a nonprofit or program budget
• Experience leading programs in resource‑constrained environments
• Strong operational and organizational leadership skills
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building abilities

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or equivalent leadership experience preferred.

Who Will Thrive in This Role

• Enjoys building and strengthening organizations
• Is comfortable rolling up their sleeves
• Can confidently ask for philanthropic support
• Stays calm during high‑pressure periods
• Believes joy, safety, belonging, and opportunity are essential outcomes for young people

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter describing your fundraising experience and interest in Aim High’s mission to:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Aim High St. Louis is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its staff and leadership.

#J-18808-Ljbffr