Director of KIPP Forward

KIPP Public Schools is a non-profit network of college-preparatory, public charter schools serving elementary, middle and high school students.  Our schools are part of the free public school system and enrollment is open to all students in Baltimore City.  KIPP Baltimore was founded in 2002 with the opening of KIPP Ujima Village Academy middle school.  In 2009, KIPP Harmony Academy was launched, and they now collectively serve more than 1,500 kindergarten through eighth grade students each day.  Both schools are operated by KIPP Baltimore, whose mission is together with families and communities, to create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose —college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world. 

In addition to the high-quality academic opportunities that students receive while attending KIPP Harmony Academy and KIPP Ujima Village Academy, KIPP Baltimore also makes a long-term investment in our students both while they are at KIPP schools and beyond through the KIPP Forward program.  KIPP Forward supports and guides students to gain admission to college-preparatory high schools and supports them on pathways to post-secondary success.  KIPP Baltimore is part of a non-profit network of 255 college-preparatory, public charter schools educating early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school students. 

Director of KIPP Forward
Reports To: Chief of Staff

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Director of KIPP Forward leads KIPP Baltimore’s alumni program, which supports students as they transition to ninth grade and  pursue their high school and post-secondary goals. They manage a team of advisors who provide personalized guidance and resources to over 1,000 students and alumni. The Director identifies the team’s strategic priorities and drives aligned initiatives to ensure that every student has access to the opportunities and support they deserve as they work to achieve their  individual aspirations. The Director also plays a crucial role in building partnerships with schools, colleges, employers, and other stakeholders, manages the KIPP Forward budget, and serves as part of KIPP Baltimore’s Regional Leadership Team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of KIPP Forward responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Setting KIPP Forward’s strategic vision and leading its execution (50%)

  • Develop and communicate the team’s strategic priorities in collaboration with stakeholders.

  • Facilitate the planning and execution of related initiatives.

  • Partner with school principals, the Executive Director, and external organizations to support student success and grow students’ access to resources and opportunities.  

  • Connect with the KIPP Foundation and KIPP Forward Directors across the national network to share best practices and align on regional and national goals.

  • Work closely with the Director of Development and External Affairs to secure funding and resources necessary to achieve KIPP Forward goals.

  • Collaborate with senior leadership to build and maintain an annual budget for KIPP Forward.

  • Oversee data collection and management in the KIPP database.

  • Monitor and analyze the team’s progress toward annual goals, providing updates to the Executive Director and KIPP Baltimore Board and using the analytical insights to identify gap areas, inform next steps and adjust approaches.

• Managing the KIPP Forward team  (50%)

  • Set performance and development goals with each direct report that align with the organization’s vision, mission, values and aims.

  • Facilitate team, department and on-on-one meetings. 

  • Consistently coach direct reports toward goals, recognizing accomplishments and providing timely, relevant and constructive feedback.

  • Collect and analyze data to inform coaching and progress monitoring.

  • Create developmental opportunities for staff to be more effective in their roles and progress toward career goals.

  • Conduct annual and mid-year performance reviews.

• Serve as an engaged member of KIPP Baltimore leadership team.

  • Meet regularly with the KIPP Baltimore Regional Leadership Team, and act as a thought partner on region wide planning, strategy and priorities.

  • Support regional initiatives and events.

  • Develop positive, appropriate relationships with current students and alumni as well as with fellow staff members.

  • Attend, and actively participate in, all regional staff meetings.

  • Other duties as assigned by KIPP Baltimore’s Executive Director.

• A passion for the mission of KIPP Baltimore

• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred.

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in college access, career readiness or related fields.

• Proven experience managing teams and leading them to achieve ambitious goals.

• Demonstrated strong commitment to equity, inclusion and anti-racism

• Strong understanding of college admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and career pathways, especially for first-generation college students.

• Knowledge of the high school and college landscape in Baltimore City and Maryland is preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with students, families, schools, colleges, and employers to ensure post-secondary success.

• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.

• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to gather and interpret data, prepare reports, and use insights to inform strategic decisions.

• Experience in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment with a focus on flexibility, collaboration, and problem-solving.

• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience working with data management systems.

KIPP Baltimore Compensation & Benefits

At KIPP Baltimore, we are committed to providing competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that supports the well-being and growth of our employees.

Salary Range: $93,000- $110,000 (based on experience and qualifications)

Our benefits package includes:

Health & Wellness

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options

• Employer-paid life insurance, short-term, and long-term disability coverage

• Access to mental health resources and employee assistance programs (EAP)

Time Off & Leave

• Paid Time Off (PTO), plus scheduled school breaks

• Paid parental leave

Retirement & Financial Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% employer match that requires no vesting period

Additional Perks

• Bonusly employee recognition program

• Access to discounts and wellness perks through our benefits providers

• A strong, mission-driven culture 

For more information about this position, please contact Hilarie Yoffe, Recruitment Manager, at [email protected] or 410-564-9241

Statement of Non-Discrimination:  KIPP Baltimore is committed to the ideal of diversity in its student body and in its faculty and staff.  KIPP Baltimore does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, or ethnicity. We are strongly committed to hiring a diverse and multicultural staff and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented backgrounds.