Director, Center for Evaluation & Educational Leadership (CEEL)

32411BR

Achievement & Assessment Inst

Position Overview

The Achievement & Assessment Institute (AAI) is looking for a director for the Center for Evaluation and Educational Leadership (CEEL). The mission of CEEL is to support district and building level leaders to lead, organize, and implement the most effective and equitable learning environments for all students. As each school district and community is different, so are the resources educational leaders need to ensure student and educator success.

Representatives of CEEL meet with school district leadership staff to develop and implement strategic plans that lead to educational success and ensure all student populations have access to high quality supports, and services.

In addition to working with school district leaders, the CEEL representatives will use the leadership model and customize for any type of business or organization outside of education that is in need of a facilitated strategic planning or needs assessment process.

The director will identify new business opportunities, build and maintain client relationships, and drive center growth. Incumbent is responsible for overseeing the creation and implementation of comprehensive needs assessments to school districts and buildings to improve student and staff performance. This will involve:

• Promoting CEEL services to educational organizations, including school districts, KU, AAI, service providers, the Kansas State Department of Education, etc.
• Recruiting internal and external staff to work with school districts.
• Working with CEEL representatives to provide recommendations to school districts for improvement plans.
• Connecting school leaders to appropriate technical assistance to accomplish local improvement plans.
• Ensuring CEEL representatives provide follow-up services to school districts to ensure fidelity and accountability to the plan.
• Looking for ways to continue expanding the services of CEEL to the mission of AAI and KU.

Job Description

60% - Development of CEEL

• Research and identify new business opportunities through various channels, including networking and market analysis. Seize opportunities to stay connected with educational leaders in Kansas, and across the nation; build and maintain relationships with prospective clients, understanding their needs and presenting products or services as solutions.
• Look for additional opportunities to connect new CEEL projects to the mission of AAI and KU
  • Develop, write, submit, and implement proposals for grant and/or contract continuation.
  • Negotiate and finalize contracts and agreements with clients, ensuring terms are favorable for both parties.
• Design and develop materials, content, programs and/or activities that bring in funds to support center growth.
• Oversee the successful delivery of activities and services; ensuring programs are implemented per agreement SOW.
• Organize and conduct overall recruitment strategy of eligible participants that will work with school districts.
• Support CEEL representatives in their work with school district leaders on developing a Comprehensive Needs Assessment that leads to recommendations and supports for student success.
• Provide leadership and collaboration with affiliate partners.

30% - Planning, budgeting, and other administrative functions

• Develop and execute strategic plans to meet and exceed financial/growth targets and objectives.
• Create and monitor budgets for the center.
• Complete all departmental administrative requirements related to managing the financial and human resources of the center.
• Collaborate with internal AAI Centers and Central Office teams, including Grants Management, Finance,  HR, and Communications as necessary.
• Provide work direction, technical assistance, training, and supervision to center representatives (which include subject matter experts (SMEs), consultants, regular and temporary employees, such as, GRAs, student hourlies, and volunteers).
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and university policies.
• Maintain an organizational structure and staffing to effectively and appropriately accomplish goals and objectives; oversee recruitment, training, supervision, professional development, and evaluation of assigned personnel.

10% - Other Duties as Assigned

• Special projects and other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

This position will be a hybrid position with a flexible start date for next academic year, but the successful candidate will be expected to work on the Lawrence campus or at the AAI offices located at the St. Andrews Office Facility at least several days a week.

Required Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

Contact Information to Applicants

Bart Swartz, bartswartz@ku.edu

Additional Candidate Instruction

A complete application includes:

Advertised Salary Range

$175,000.00

Application Review Begins

14-Apr-2026

Anticipated Start Date

01-Jul-2026

Primary Campus

University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

Employee Class

U-Unclassified Professional Staff

Work Schedule

M-F, 8 am-5 pm CST

Job Family

Administrative/Management-KUL

Conditions of Employment

Contingent on Funding

Work Location Assignment

Hybrid

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.