Director of UGrad Academy
Kind to Kids Foundation | Newark, Delaware | Full-Time | Travel throughout Delaware required
About Kind to Kids Foundation
Kind to Kids Foundation is a Delaware-based nonprofit in its 15th year of serving children and youth in foster care from kindergarten through college. Through programs including UGrad Academy, My Blue Duffel, My Birthday Box, and Holiday Kindness, the organization provides educational support, resources, and caring relationships that help children in foster care to learn, grow, and build brighter futures.
UGrad Academy is Kind to Kids Foundation’s flagship educational support program for students in foster care, from kindeegarten through college. The program provides individualized academic advocacy, school coordination, communication with caregivers and child welfare partners, and one-on-one educational support designed to improve educational and wellbeing outcomes.
The program’s outcomes have been independently evaluated using statewide Delaware education data and peer-reviewed research, demonstrating:
- 97% high school graduation rate
- 98% grade promotion rate
- Approximately 50% reduction in absenteeism
Kind to Kids Foundation is entering an important period of growth and strengthening its statewide impact.
The Role
The Director of UGrad Academy is responsible for the operational leadership, staff supervision, and outcome integrity of Kind to Kids Foundation's flagship educational support program - and for leading its expansion without compromising the model that drives results.
This role combines team leadership, program oversight, relationship management, and operational execution in a fast-moving environment serving students with complex educational and life circumstances. The Director will supervise program staff, strengthen systems and consistency across the program, and help guide continued growth and expansion. UGrad Academy operates year-round. Services continue throughout the summer months through student visits, tutoring coordination, caregiver engagement, educational planning, transition support, and preparation for the upcoming school year.
The strongest candidates will combine relationship-based leadership with strong organizational discipline, sound judgment, and consistent follow-through.
What Success Looks Like in This Role
- Maintains visibility into active student cases and supports staff in keeping work on track
- Uses grades, attendance, school communication, case reviews, and staff supervision to identify concerns early, maintain the program's strong educational outcomes, and ensure consistent implementation of the UGrad model.
- Brings structure and consistency to a dynamic, high-need service environment
- Ensures timely documentation, communication, and follow-through across the team
- Supports staff development while maintaining clear expectations and accountability
- Uses sound judgment to prioritize student engagement and allocate resources effectively
- Builds strong working relationships with schools, caregivers, DFS, and community partners
- Protects and strengthens a program with proven statewide outcomes.
Key ResponsibilitiesProgram Leadership
- Lead day-to-day operations of the UGrad Academy across Delaware
- Support enrollment and engagement decisions based on student readiness, timing, and program capacity
- Ensure consistent implementation of services and communication across schools and communities
- Maintain a small caseload to remain connected to direct service work
- Collaborate closely with the President & Founder on program planning, growth, and long-term strategy
Staff Supervision and Team Development
- Supervise and support UGrad Managers and Education Specialists
- Conduct regular case reviews and team meetings
- Ensure consistent follow-through, documentation, and case progression across the team
- Support staff development, coaching, and performance management
- Help strengthen internal systems, communication, and operational consistency
Data, Reporting, and Compliance
- Oversee case management systems and ensure accurate documentation and data integrity
- Monitor program metrics and outcomes
- Ensure compliance with organizational policies and funding requirements
Community and Partner Engagement
- Serve as a key liaison with Delaware schools, the Division of Family Services, and community partners and support collaborative relationships that advance student success and program goals
QualificationsRequired
- Delaware residency or residence within a 15-mile radius
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in education, child welfare, youth services, or nonprofit leadership
- At least 3 years of experience supervising staff or leading teams
- Strong organizational, administrative, and communication skills
- This is a full-year position. UGrad Academy operates year-round and does not follow a traditional school calendar schedule.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and navigate complex situations with sound judgment
- Strong professional presence and ability to work effectively with educators, families, public agencies, and community stakeholders
- Genuine commitment to improving educational and wellbeing outcomes for children and youth in foster care
Strongly Preferred
- Knowledge of Delaware schools and/or child welfare systems
- Background in school leadership, youth-serving nonprofits, case management, or program administration
- Experience working with foster youth or high-need student populations
- Familiarity with data tracking, reporting systems, or grant compliance
Compensation
- Salary range: $80,000-$95,000, commensurate with experience
- Full-time, exempt position
- Based in Newark, Delaware with regular statewide travel required
Please submit a resume and brief cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line:
Director of UGrad Academy Application
Pay: $80,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Experience:
- Supervising and Case management: 3 years (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Newark, DE 19713
