Company Description
Organization Overview
KIPP is a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools in under-resourced communities throughout the United States. There are currently 200 locally-run KIPP schools in 20 states and Washington, DC, and nationally KIPP serves approximately 80,000 students. More than 80 percent of KIPP students come from low-income households, and more than 95 percent are African American or Hispanic/Latino. Through high expectations for students and staff, world-class teachers and principals, more time in school, autonomy over budget and curriculum, and a focus on results, KIPP schools prepare traditionally underserved students for success in college and in life. KIPP schools have been widely recognized for their success in doing so, and today nearly 85% of KIPP alumni nationally have matriculated to college.
All KIPP schools share a core set of operating principles, known as the Five Pillars, that KIPP believes help to lay the foundation for students to perform at the highest academic levels: High Expectations, Choice & Commitment, More Time, Power to Lead, and a Focus on Results.
KIPP Minnesota Overview
Who we are: KIPP Minnesota Schools is a network of high-performing college-preparatory public charter schools. Next year, we will serve over 700 students in grades K through 2 and grades 5 through 8 at two co-located schools (primary and middle) in north Minneapolis. KIPP Minnesota Schools is a fast-growing, entrepreneurial organization with significant growth plans in the coming years.
What we do: We do whatever it takes to help our students develop knowledge, skills, and strong character. We work relentlessly so that every one of our students has the opportunity to attend college and has access to the life of choice and opportunity that college provides. The KIPP Minnesota Regional Team supports our schools, school leaders, and staff through organizational and academic alignment, business management, strategic planning, and back office functions.
How we do it: There are no shortcuts to success. Outstanding educators, rigorous lessons, more time in school, and strong school culture support our students as they climb the mountain to college. We work as a team, use data, and constantly reflect to improve our practice. We believe all of our KIPPsters can make it to and through college and we stay with them every step of the way.
Why it matters: In our communities, approximately 1 in 10 students earn a college degree. We believe that this is unjust and unacceptable and, most importantly, can be changed. Nationwide, over 85% of KIPP middle school alums matriculate to college.
Job Description
POSITION OVERVIEW
Reporting to the Chief Executive Director, the Director of External Affairs will lead the External Affairs Team to ensure that it: Raises funds and attracts vital resources to support our children, our teachers, and our schools; Raises awareness and urgency about the need for quality education for all children and advocate for KIPP Minnesota as a positive and constructive solution; and Builds and sustains positive connections between donors/volunteers/stakeholders and KIPP Minnesota. This position may have the opportunity to grow into a more senior role.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Set overall vision and strategy for Development, Communications, Marketing, Public Affairs, and Community Engagement
- Manage Marketing and Communications Associate and Foundation and Corporate Relations Associate in order to meet above vision
- Responsible for Foundation and Corporate Partnerships
- Oversee parent engagement at the school
- Responsible, in conjecture with consultant, for Individual Giving & Major Gifts
- Responsible for the Execution of Capital Campaign
- Responsible, in conjecture with consultant, for Government Grants
- Responsible for Volunteer Management
- Develop ongoing relationships with all elected officials in KIPP MN neighborhoods in partnership with the Chief Executive Officer
- Manage any advocacy efforts with local, state and national officials
- Develop relationships with a minimum of 3 key community-based organizations surrounding each school
- Develop relationships with SRC; SDP and other decision-makers with responsibility for Charter Schools
- Other Duties as assigned
Qualifications
Required
- Associate’s degree from an accredited college/university
- Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in fundraising and development or a related field (public relations, development)
- Proven track record for consistently achieving fundraising goal
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Develops and maintains critical relationships with potential and current donors
- Possess organizational management skills
- Knowledge of innovative and contemporary marketing and communication strategies
- Flexible and able to multitask, problem-solve, remain attentive to details, and meet deadlines within an ambiguous, fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment.
Highly Preferred
- Bachelor’s degree in education preferred (or a comparable amount of experience)
- Experience working in historically educationally underserved communities and communities of color
Additional Information
Compensation
Salary: $65,000-85,000
We’re committed to providing best-in-class benefits to our teachers and staff. Elements of KIPP Minnesota’s benefits package include competitive pay, subsidized health insurance, free dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, and generous paid time off.
How to Apply
We are committed to hiring a diverse and multicultural leadership team and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented backgrounds. Please apply online here. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
KIPP Minnesota is an employment at-will organization and provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. Learn more at www.kippminnesota.org.
KIPP:MN is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: KIPP:MN is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all candidates and employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on our business need, job requirements and required qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by protected by federal, state or local laws. KIPP:MN will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.”
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation and training.