KIPP LA Schools is a non-profit organization that operates free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public charter schools. Our schools, which serve elementary and middle school students in East and South Los Angeles, are part of the national KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) network of 125 schools in 20 states and DC. KIPP schools are dedicated to preparing students in underserved communities for success in college and in life.
In the 2013-14 school year, KIPP LA will operate nine schools – four elementary and five middle schools – and serve nearly 3,000 students. Our annual consolidated operating budget will be approximately $30 million. Over the next five years, KIPP LA will grow to 17 schools serving more than 6,600 students.
KIPP Through College
The KIPP Through College (KTC) program is designed to support the transitioning middle school students in 7th and 8th grade and alumni of KIPP LA Schools. In the 2013-2014 school year, the 8th grade cohort in the KTC high school placement program will near 200 students. Our alumni group will include approximately 900 students across four high school grade levels who are enrolled in public, private, and boarding schools across the U.S., with a majority at public charter high schools in the Los Angeles area. Additionally, the KTC program will oversee retention efforts for 300 college-aged students enrolled in public and private colleges around the country. The KTC program is a critical piece of KIPP LA Schools’ commitment to do whatever it takes for all KIPP students, past and current, to be successful in high school, college, and life.
Responsibilities
The Director of KIPP through College (KTC) will lead the region’s KTC program, high school placement, and alumni services component. S/he will be responsible for the development and implementation of the strategic vision and sustainability plan for the KTC program. The Director of KIPP through College reports to the Executive Director of KIPP LA Schools. This position will continue and expand upon the organization’s work with KIPP alumni to support them in progressing to and through college.
a. Strategy and Growth
· Strategize and implement a continued growth plan for the KIPP Through College program based on the organizational vision and goal to ensure that all KIPP LA alumni apply to and graduate from college.
· Scale the existing KTC program and processes to support KIPP LA’s planned growth.
· Oversee an organizational structure and strategy that includes high school placement, early college preparedness in K-8, alumni services and support, and college placement and retention.
· Strategize and manage KTC team efforts to maintain ongoing contact with and effectively track KIPP LA alumni to monitor progress towards college matriculation.
· Commission the longitudinal study and analysis of student academic performance and retention and provide regular reports about outcomes
· Act as lead liaison with KIPP LA Executive Director, Finance and Development teams on capacity building, program sustainability, grants management, and fiduciary matters.
b. Alumni Services and Support
· Provide guidance and direction for the KTC team in the college selection and application process for KIPP LA students and their families. This includes ensuring that KTC team members are identifying resources for or providing parent and family education necessary to support college-going behaviors.
· Support KTC team in planning and executing alumni events, programming, and workshops related to college research, test-preparation, application support, financial aid awareness, academic skills building, and alumni reunions.
· Support KTC team in building and implementing a sustainable program to support college-aged alumni with persistence and retention.
· Administer and manage the KIPP LA College Application Assistance and Scholarship Fund.
c. Partnering Organizations
· Manage KIPP LA’s participation in the KIPP Foundation College Partnership Initiative, which includes establishing two to four partnerships each year and building capacity to support intensive College Connections effort at partnership institutions and utilization of KIPP’s college completion methodologies.
· Serve as the primary relationship manager for universities and partnering organizations and agencies that could provide additional support and services to alumni such as tutoring, internships, summer programs, scholarships, college prep courses, and college placement services.
· Establish and maintain communication with high school counselors, principals, and administrators to assess overall KIPP student preparation and progress and share relevant information with KIPP LA community.
d. Extracurricular, Career, and Support Services
· Manage and promote opportunities for KIPP alumni, including summer programs, job placement, scholarships, networking opportunities, and general well-being.
· Staff the KIPP Through College Department with appropriate volunteers, interns, and work-study students to provide students with support services, and create activities and opportunities that will drive alumni to participate on a regular basis.
e. National and Regional Coordination and Collaboration
· Lead the effort in developing early college preparedness amongst KIPP LA’s elementary and middle school students and families.
· Lead a regional Community of Practice with KIPP’s existing middle schools to create a seamless and supportive High School Placement/KTC partnership.
· Work with academic leaders in developing profiles of college prep high schools and college ready student definitions to ensure college preparation and attainment.
· Collaborate with middle and elementary school faculty on how KIPP Through College and High School Placement should be integrated to best meet students’ needs.
· Serve as the LA lead for the KTC West Coast Regional Work Group with KIPP Bay Area Schools and KIPP Adelente (San Diego).
· Participate in quarterly KTC Managing Directors meetings and College Partnership step backs as necessitated by the KIPP Foundation.
f. Management
· Manage KTC operations, including oversight of workflow and project management to ensure the KTC LA program is operating in the most effective way possible.
· Supervise; train, and coach KTC team on a weekly basis and ensure staff development and effectiveness.
· Work with staff to identify and evaluate employee goals and accountability, including key performance questions, targets for growth, and strength leveraging.
· Supervise overall student outreach and college advising efforts of KTC team and teacher/peer advisors and assess effective practice methods.
· Assist staff in understanding and implementing the most current information on college preparation, admission, and retention, and conduct regular staff presentations and trainings, and promote external opportunities for professional development.
· Manage the finances of KIPP Through College to ensure compliance with annual budget, and work with KIPP LA Development team to set funding priorities.
Requirements
· Minimum of a Master’s Degree.
· At least five to seven years experience working with high school and/or middle school students, preferably in a low-income or high-needs population.
· Familiarity with the challenges and opportunities for first-generation college students.
· Experience managing community partnerships; preference for a high level of familiarity with Los Angeles nonprofit and social service organizations.
· Knowledge of the college admissions process and funding alternatives.
· Demonstrated success recruiting, retaining and supporting the professional development of a highly diverse and talented team.
· Experience in a start-up environment or proven outcomes launching a new program.
· Articulate, professional demeanor with strong self-confidence and initiative.
· Self-starter comfortable in an entrepreneurial, start-up environment.
· Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, high-energy environment with a proven ability to meet and complete multiple deadlines and tasks.
· Commitment to data driven results and outcomes.
· Demonstrated flexibility, creativity, and a resourceful and collaborative working style.
· A sense of humor.
· Unquestioned commitment to KIPP LA’s mission and values.
· Spanish/English bilingual and experience working with Latino families preferred.
Salary & Benefits
We offer a competitive salary depending on experience and qualifications.
To Apply
Please visit http://go.kippla.org/noninstructionalapp to complete a job application. You will be asked to include your resume and a detailed cover letter demonstrating your interest in working for KIPP LA Schools. No phone calls accepted.
KIPP LA is strongly committed to hiring a diverse and multicultural staff and we encourage applications from traditionally under-represented backgrounds. KIPP LA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, national, ethnic origin, or any other reason prohibited by state or federal law.