Chief of Staff

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 Chief of Staff at KIPP Kansas City is a strategic, high-impact role, responsible for managing the Office of the Executive Director. This position acts as a critical thought partner to the Executive Director and ensures the effective use of resources to advance organizational priorities. The Chief of Staff supports the Executive Director with strategic and annual planning to lead KIPP KC in achieving its mission of providing a high-quality education to all students. This role drives and manages cross-functional projects, coordinates with senior leadership, and fosters a collaborative culture rooted in equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Manage the Office of the Executive Director

  • Serve as a strategic thought partner to the Executive Director on organizational strategy, planning, and internal communications.
  • Develop and oversee special projects that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of KIPP KC.
  • Manage administrative, financial, and operational activities for the Office of the Executive Director, ensuring the Executive Director’s time is focused on priority areas.
  • Lead a high-performing team, including project managers, executive assistants, and office managers, to meet the Office’s goals.
  • Monitor and track project progress, reporting results to the Executive Director and relevant stakeholders.
  • Foster a culture of inclusion and innovation within the Office of the Executive Director.
  • Represent the Executive Director in meetings, as needed, maintaining alignment with organizational priorities.

• Strategic Planning and Implementation

  • Partner with the Executive Director to shape and refine KIPP KC’s strategic and annual planning, ensuring cross-functional alignment and engagement.
  • Coordinate with the executive leadership team to implement strategic initiatives that support KIPP KC’s goals for academic and operational excellence.
  • Develop an executive team meeting cadence to support consistent communication and decision-making.
  • Champion KIPP KC’s organizational culture by modeling core values and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Manage organizational change initiatives, communicating strategy and updates to key internal and external stakeholders.
  • Provide clear, timely communication to the Executive Director and leadership team.

• Board Liaison and Governance

  • Serve as the primary liaison for KIPP KC’s board of directors, managing board relationships alongside the Executive Director.
  • Oversee board member lifecycle processes, including identification, onboarding, and stewardship.
  • Coordinate and prepare materials for board engagement, including briefings, meeting decks, and presentations.
  • Ensure that KIPP KC’s board operations align with compliance requirements and best practices in school governance.
  • Guide regional leadership on effective board management and collaborate with legal counsel on board matters.

• Internal Communications

  • Partner with the Executive Director and communications team to develop and implement an internal communications strategy.
  • Act as the voice of the Executive Director in written and verbal communications, ensuring clarity and alignment across the organization.
  • Facilitate communication between the Executive Director and team members through town halls, video messages, and other engagements.
  • Foster a sense of joy and community through internal communications, contributing to a positive organizational culture.
  • Prepare the Executive Director and leadership team for internal engagements, ensuring consistent messaging that aligns with KIPP KC’s mission and values.

Qualifications