Great education transforms lives. KIPP, the Knowledge is Power Program, is a non-profit network of 242 college-preparatory public charter schools educating over 100,000 early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school students. KIPP schools are tuition-free, public charter schools that are open to all students. KIPP schools, KIPP regions, and the KIPP Foundation are united by a common mission, a commitment to excellence, and a belief that if we prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose, they will be able to build a better tomorrow for themselves, for their communities, for us all.
Today, KIPP has 33,000 alumni, and this number is growing rapidly to 80,000 KIPP alumni by 2025. The non-profit KIPP Foundation trains and develops outstanding educators to lead KIPP schools, provides tools, resources, and training for excellent teaching and learning, promotes innovation, and facilitates the exchange of insights and ideas within the KIPP network and with partners including other charters, districts, colleges and universities, and non-profit organizations across the country.
By working for the KIPP Foundation, you help more students across the country receive the high-quality education they deserve. Since its founding in 1994, the KIPP Foundation has sought to prove what is possible in education – to demonstrate that demographics need not define destiny and that all students can learn and achieve.
2025 Strategic Plan
Over the coming months, we will finalize our 2025 strategy and lay the groundwork for our next five-year plan. Crafted in collaboration with KIPP network leadership, the ambitious plan is centered on academic excellence, embraces growth through new models, and takes an expanded view of alumni success to support our alumni onto a broader set of post-secondary pathways.
As KIPP approaches this next chapter, KIPP Foundation is working to build out its Development function to grow our base of supporters. As KIPP’s new Chief Development Officer joins the organization this fall, the Senior Director, Major Gifts will be welcomed into a close-knit, talented, and passionate team.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
KIPP’s strength and resolve, its health as a team and family, its productivity and effectiveness, and the quality of the organization’s decisions — are all rooted in its diversity. KIPP strives to create an environment in which every member of the team can bring their full identity and experience to the workplace.
KIPP embraces, honors, and celebrates the differences across race, gender, age, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, gender orientation, physical abilities, socio-economic class, and other characteristics that construct the unique identities of the individuals it serves and employs.
As KIPP works to build a better world for and with KIPPsters through the national network of schools, the KIPP Foundation is especially committed to attracting and developing individuals who share the life experiences of its students, because KIPP believes that the best work is grounded in the realities and experiences of its families and KIPPsters.
For more information on the KIPP Foundation please refer to: www.kipp.org.
ABOUT THE POSITION:
The Senior Director, Major Gifts will play a pivotal role in shaping KIPP’s future and in advancing educational opportunity at a time where there is an enormous need. The Senior Director, Major Gifts will bring an intense drive to meet established goals, support KIPP initiatives, and secure support to benefit the children, families, and communities KIPP serves. This individual’s demonstrated passion and commitment combined with an experienced and strategic approach to fundraising, will motivate donors and prospects alike. This is a unique opportunity for a strategic leader to fuel KIPP’s 2025 strategic plan and impact the lives of more than 100,000 young people.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Relationship Management and Stewardship
Ultimately drive the mission-critical function of cultivating and securing seven-figure major gifts
Lead the acquisition of new donors and supporters for KIPP Foundation’s national work and KIPP regions’ work locally, including identifying new prospects, crafting engagement plans, and cultivating relationships
Cultivate champions for KIPP and KIPPsters across the country in the spirit of raising awareness of educational inequity, KIPP, its mission, and track record of results
Serve as donors’ and prospects’ main point of contact. As needed, collaborate with KIPP Foundation colleagues to fully address donors’ inquiries
Partner with KIPP’s Chief Development Officer, CEO, and Board Members, in relationship-building activities
Development Strategy
Partner with Chief Development Officer to envision, develop, and execute specific engagement and giving opportunities exceeding $1M
Align fundraising efforts to key priorities and imperatives of the KIPP Foundation, establishing a close feedback loop between key donor prospects and KIPP Foundation leadership and teams
Provide strategic direction for proposals, engaging senior stakeholders as needed
Lead strategic discussions with senior stakeholders, including CEO, Executive Team, and national board
Requirements
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:
The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and attributes:
Minimum 10+ years of professional work experience, with a successful track record in fundraising seven-figure + gifts
Ability to articulate forward-thinking strategies and compelling stories that inspire and motivate diverse stakeholders and constituencies to achieve ambitious revenue generation goals
Ability to build genuine, productive relationships quickly and effectively and use them strategically to further KIPP’s goals
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills appropriate to engage a senior, external audience
Insights and expertise on the philanthropic landscape across New York City and the East Coast preferred
Energized by a fast-paced, collaborative working environment
Ability to model KIPP’s values at all times
Ability to spend 50% of time on the ground throughout East Coast, with a large focus on North East and travel to KIPP programs across the country at key points in the year
Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred
LOCATION:Flexible, New York or DC strongly preferred
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
KIPP offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience. A comprehensive benefits package, generous vacation and PTO, 401k retirement plan with both pre- and post-tax options, as well as gym reimbursement, flexible spending account (FSA), and cell phone reimbursement are also offered by KIPP.
QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS, PLEASE APPLY:
www.on-ramps.com/jobs/1743
KIPP Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and an organization that values diversity. People from all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
Click here for more information.
