Director, Center for Evaluation & Educational Leadership (CEEL)

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.

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.

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.

1. Master's degree and five (5) years of related experience or Bachelor's degree and seven (7) years of related experience in the field.
2. Five (5) years of progressive leadership responsibility and supervisory experience.
3. Experience working at the building and/or district leadership positions at public K-12 school districts.
4. Familiarity with school building and district leaders in Kansas.
5. Experience in educational leadership and strategic planning.
6. Understanding of, and a relationship with, a variety of support services that are available for school districts to access as evidenced by application materials.
7. Understanding of the Kansas Education Systems Accreditation (KESA) process and related technical assistance available as evidenced by application materials.
8. Experience and knowledge with local and state educational policy and statutes.
9. Exceptional written and interpersonal communication skills as demonstrated in application materials.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.

A complete application includes:

1. University of Kansas online application
2. CV or resume
3. Cover letter detailing your professional experiences that align with the required and preferred qualifications.
4. Contact information for three (3) professional references.

Only complete applications will be considered.

Application review begins Tuesday, April 14th. For consideration, please apply no later than Monday, April 13th.

Bart Swartz, bartswartz@ku.edu

$175,000.00

Tuesday April 14, 2026

Wednesday July 1, 2026