Executive Director

Company Description

KIPP KC is part of a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory charter schools with a track record of preparing students in educationally underserved communities for success in college and in life.  

Together with families and communities, KIPP Kansas City Public Schools works to create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence they need to pursue the paths they choose - college, career, and beyond - so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world. We are a Pre-K through 12th grade school located in the historical 18th and Vine District. We are part of a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory charter schools with a track record of preparing students in educationally underserved communities for success in life. KIPP KC opened its first school, KIPP Endeavor Academy, in 2007 with approximately 31 fifth grade students. Today, KIPP Kansas City has grown to serve students in Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade and is currently educating approximately 1,000 students.

Job Description

ABOUT THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ROLE

KIPP KC seeks a strategic leader with a track record of results in improving outcomes for students to serve as the region’s next Executive Director. This leader will be integral in enhancing and operating high-performing public schools that confront educational inequity. In this role, the Executive Director will refine and execute a strategic plan and vision to lead and manage a region of joyful and academically excellent K12 KIPP schools that prepare students for college and life. 

Reporting to the KIPP KC Board of Directors, the Executive Director is accountable directly to that Board and indirectly to the KIPP Foundation for the region's performance and alignment with KIPP network standard practices. Externally, the Executive Director is the region’s top champion, advocate, and fundraiser in partnership with the regional development team. To support the region’s schools, the ED builds and manages KIPP KC’s Regional Office team and direct reports, including: Head of Schools, Head of Talent, Managing Director of Finance and Reporting, and Managing Director of School Operations. An outstanding leader, the Executive Director is deeply aligned with the KIPP’s values and beliefs in high achievement and character development for all learners and rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusivity.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who relentlessly and fearlessly pursues a more equitable education system to meet the needs of KC students. This person will leverage their executive management skills and vision to inspire bold education reform and act with thoughtfulness and urgency.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES 

As the leader of KIPP KC, the Executive Director is responsible for ensuring the high quality, strategic growth, and operational sustainability of KIPP KC schools and its regional office. To do so, an Executive Director’s key responsibilities include:

Develop, implement, and uphold a region-wide, inspirational, and compelling vision that offers a truly transformational education and environment for student success in college and life:

• Partner with the regional leadership team, local Board, and key external partners to develop a strategic vision and implementation plan to accomplish it;
• Set clear multi-year academic, financial, people, and operational goals and manage to them; 
• Partner with KIPP Foundation to implement shared national network strategy and KIPP model in KIPP KC; and
• Ensure that KIPP KC has a viable, long-term, and sustainable financial plan and a sustainable funding base; manage development efforts to meet ambitious annual goals by identifying, cultivating, and soliciting public, individual, and foundation sources of giving so that schools are maximizing all public revenue sources.

Builds, retains, and manages a diverse, high-performing regional team that can support schools in their drive to deliver transformational educational outcomes for students and alumni

• Build, develop, and retain the regional team by championing a strong, joyful, cohesive culture that reflects KIPP KC’s values and leads to a strong and aligned regional identity;
• Enhance and support strong and consistent accountability systems to ensure academic and regional progress toward shared goals; promote transparent decision-making processes and embrace distributive leadership principles; obtain excellence in regional operations ( i.e., budget planning, compliance, human resources, facilities management, fundraising, and information technology);
• Ensure the regional team operates in a fair, transparent, student-focused, and client-focused manner when supporting and interacting with schools; and 
• Manage strong public tran