Executive Director, Interdisciplinary Center for Autism Services

Saint Louis University•SLU Saint Louis, MO

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University (SLU) is a prestigious Catholic university with a campus in Madrid, Spain, recognized for its academics, research, healthcare, and commitment to faith and service. The Interdisciplinary Center for Autism Services (ICAS), established in 2019 within SLU's School of Education, offers diagnostic evaluation, parent education, social skills programming, and support for individuals with autism and their families. ICAS is undergoing a growth phase, aiming to expand its interdisciplinary clinical services across the lifespan, community and school partnerships, and training programs for students and professionals.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Provides visionary, strategic, and operational leadership for the Interdisciplinary Center for Autism Services (ICAS).
Builds and sustains a high-functioning, mission-driven center that serves individuals with autism and behavioral health needs.
Advances Saint Louis University's commitment to research, education, and community engagement.
Manages day-to-day operations, including staffing, budgeting, facilities, and resource allocation.
Develops and stewards external funding to support research and services.
Represents ICAS and SLU with community partners, funders, and university stakeholders.
Strengthens ICAS's operational infrastructure, staffing model, culture, policies, and procedures.
Develops and implements a strategic plan aligned with the Center's mission and university priorities.
Provides leadership and supervision for ICAS clinicians and staff, fostering a collaborative, interdisciplinary team environment.
Monitors service delivery, program outcomes, financial performance, and organizational effectiveness.
Develops and pursues external funding opportunities, including grants and philanthropic support.
Builds and maintains relationships with community organizations, school districts, funders, philanthropic partners, and state and federal agencies.
Represents ICAS with university and community stakeholders and in public and professional settings.
Leads the expansion and implementation of interdisciplinary clinical services across the lifespan.
Ensures compliance with relevant regulatory, accreditation, billing, reimbursement, and ethical standards.
Partners with SLU faculty to integrate ICAS activities with graduate and undergraduate education and expand training opportunities.
Partners with faculty and university research leaders to advance interdisciplinary applied research and program evaluation.
Promotes evidence-based practice, continuous learning, and dissemination of research and program outcomes.