Executive Director, Interdisciplinary Center for Autism Services

Saint Louis University; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Saint Louis University, through the Interdisciplinary Center for Autism Services (ICAS), seeks an Executive Director to provide strategic and operational leadership. The role reports to the Dean of the School of Education and focuses on sustaining mission-driven growth, research integration, and partnerships to serve individuals with autism and related health needs.

The Executive Director will oversee day-to-day operations, secure external funding, engage with community partners and funders, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Demonstrated leadership or program management experience in social services, clinical, or nonprofit settings.
• Strong strategic planning and fundraising capabilities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication for diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to build cross-disciplinary partnerships and lead teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary and operational leadership for ICAS.
• Develop and steward external funding to support research and services.
• Manage day-to-day operations, staffing, budgeting, and facilities.
• Represent ICAS with partners, funders, and university stakeholders.
• Lead expansion of interdisciplinary clinical services and training opportunities.

Job description

Who is Saint Louis University? Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious Catholic universities. SLU, which also has a campus in Madrid, Spain, is recognized for world-class academics, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service.

ABOUT THE CENTER Established in 2019 within Saint Louis University’s School of Education, the Interdisciplinary Center for Autism Services (ICAS) provides diagnostic evaluation, parent education, social skills programming, and support navigating educational and community services for individuals with autism and their families. ICAS is entering a period of growth, with plans to expand interdisciplinary clinical services across the lifespan, community and school partnerships, and interdisciplinary training for students and professionals.

JOB SUMMARY

The Executive Director provides visionary, strategic, and operational leadership for the Interdisciplinary Center for Autism Services (ICAS). Reporting directly to the Dean of the School of Education, the Executive Director is responsible for building and sustaining a high-functioning, mission-driven center that serves individuals with autism and behavioral health needs while advancing Saint Louis University's commitment to research, education, and community engagement. The Executive Director will manage day-to-day operations, develop and steward external funding to support research and services, and represent ICAS and SLU with community partners, funders, and university stakeholders. This position is being funded by a grant and/or designated source, and therefore continuation in the position is contingent upon funding availability.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Strategy Provides leadership for ICAS, strengthening its operational infrastructure, staffing model, culture, policies, and procedures to support continued growth and increased capacity Develops and implements a strategic plan aligned with the Center's mission and the priorities of Saint Louis University and the School of Education Provide leadership and supervision for ICAS clinicians and staff and foster a collaborative, interdisciplinary team environment.

Operations & Administration Manages the day-to-day operations of the Center, including staffing, budgeting, facilities, and resource allocation systems for monitoring service delivery, program outcomes, financial performance, and organization effectiveness.

Fundraising & External Relations Develop and pursue external funding opportunities, including grants and philanthropic support, to advance the Center’s programs and long-term sustainability Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, school districts, funders, philanthropic partners, and state and federal agencies Represent ICAS with university and community stakeholders and in relevant public and professional settings.

Lead the expansion and implementation of interdisciplinary clinical services across the lifespan Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory, accreditation, billing, reimbursement, and ethical standards Establish Workforce & Academic Integration, & Research Partner with SLU faculty to integrate ICAS activities with graduate and undergraduate education and expand practicum, fieldwork, and clinical training opportunities across disciplines Partner with faculty and university research leaders to advance interdisciplinary applied research and program evaluation connected to the Center’s work Promote evidence-based practice, continuous learning, and dissemination of research and program outcomes.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of autism, neurodevelopmental, and related services across the lifespan
• Knowledge of clinical program administration, including regulatory compliance, billing and reimbursement systems, and personnel management
• Knowledge of academic, clinical, and community partnership models that integrate research, education, and service
• Knowledge of grant funding, donor relations, and philanthropic partnership development
• Strong leadership and strategic planning skills, with the ability to translate vision into operational execution
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to represent ICAS to university leadership, funders, donors, and community partners
• Strong relationship-building skills across interdisciplinary and cross-institutional stakeholders
• Ability to lead interdisciplinary teams and clinical staff and foster a collaborative, mission-driven culture
• Ability to build and sustain partnerships that advance clinical, research, and educational goals
• Ability to use data to inform operational and strategic decision-making

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree
• Demonstrated experience in a leadership or program management role within a social services, clinical, or nonprofit setting

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's or doctoral degree in education, social work, psychology, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, business, nonprofit management, or a related field
• Demonstrated success in grant writing and securing external funding
• Knowledge of or experience working with neurodivergent populations, including individuals with autism, ADHD, or related developmental disabilities
• Demonstrated research background in autism, behavioral health, or related neurodevelopmental areas, including experience conducting, overseeing, or translating applied research into practice
• Experience working in or with an academic or university setting

FUNCTION STAFF PROGRAM SUPPORT

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

Saint Louis University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for the position applied for without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, gender identity, or other non-merit factors.

If accommodations are needed for completing the application and/or with the interviewing process, please contact Human Resources at 314-977-5847.

Saint Louis University is a premier employer in the St. Louis region that attracts faculty and staff from around the world. We recruit people of all faiths who share our mission to pursue truth for the greater glory of God and the service of others.