Manager of Special Projects

Company Description

About KIPP Kansas City Public Schools:

KIPP Kansas City Public Schools is part of a nationwide network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory charter schools dedicated to preparing students in educationally underserved communities for success in college and life. Our strength as a region serves as a catalyst for empowerment, change, and hope.

Founded in 2007, KIPP Kansas City Public Schools began with KIPP Endeavor Academy, serving approximately 31 fifth-grade students. Today, we educate approximately 1,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade, with our community continuing to expand. Together with families and communities, we strive to create joyful, academically excellent schools that equip students with the skills and confidence to pursue their chosen paths—whether college, career, or beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and contribute to a more just world.

Job Description

Position Overview:

The Manager of Special Projects at KIPP Kansas City Public Schools is a critical role responsible for supporting and coordinating high-impact projects that drive organizational growth and effectiveness. Reporting to the [relevant senior leader or department head], this role will manage projects across multiple functions, ensuring initiatives align with the mission and goals of KIPP Kansas City. The Manager of Special Projects will play a vital part in implementing key initiatives and facilitating seamless integration across departments.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Project Coordination and Execution

  • Coordinate the planning and execution of special projects, ensuring alignment with KIPP KC’s strategic priorities.
  • Collaborate with departments to support the integration of new initiatives and changes across the organization.
  • Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets to deliver high-quality outcomes within established deadlines.

• Strategic Planning and Analysis

  • Conduct research and analysis to support project goals, including risk assessments and feasibility studies.
  • Assist in developing detailed project plans, defining project scopes, and establishing milestones in collaboration with senior leaders.

• Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

  • Serve as a key point of contact for project-related communications, fostering strong relationships with stakeholders across departments.
  • Prepare regular project updates, including progress reports, achievements, and challenges, and adjust project scopes as needed.

• Innovation and Process Improvement

  • Identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement within project processes.
  • Apply best practices in project management, adapting to evolving project needs and organizational priorities.

• Collaboration and Support

  • Work closely with team members, department heads, and other stakeholders to leverage expertise for project success.
  • Organize meetings or workshops to ensure alignment on project goals and foster a collaborative team environment.

• Compliance Support

  • Assist in managing aspects of compliance for charter requirements and other organizational obligations.
  • Support the Chief of Staff in coordinating with the board of directors as needed, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Education, or a related field (required).
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in project coordination or management, preferably within education or a nonprofit environment.

Skills and Competencies: 

• Commitment to KIPP KC’s mission and values
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse environment
• Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Fosters an inclusive environment for students, staff, and families
• Works effectively with colleagues and stakeholders
• Builds strong relationships within the KIPP KC community
• Experience coordinating complex projects with multiple stakeholders to achieve impactful results
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with an ability to engage and manage stakeholder expectations
• Ability to conduct thorough research, analyze data, and create effective project strategies
• High standards for quality and accuracy in project documentation, timelines, and deliverables

Physical Requirements: 

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an emp