KIPP DFW (Dallas) Director of KTC

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
The Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP) is a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools with a track record of preparing students in underserved communities for success in college and in life. There are currently 125 KIPP schools in 20 states and the District of Columbia serving more than 39,000 students. With a college matriculation rate twice the average in low-income communities, there are currently over 1,800 KIPP alumni in college. Founded in 2003, KIPP TRUTH Academy in southern Dallas became the first school in the KIPP Dallas-Fort Worth region.

At KIPP DFW, there are no shortcuts: outstanding educators, more time in school, a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, and a strong culture of achievement and support help our students make significant academic gains and continue to excel in high school and college. Approximately 90 percent of our students are considered economically disadvantaged and most students come from neighborhoods where less than five percent of residents graduate from college.

KIPP DFW currently operates one middle school serving approximately 360 middle school students and 250 alumni, with a total staff of 40 full-time employees and an annual consolidated operating budget of approximately $5 million. Over the next decade, KIPP DFW will grow to 10 schools serving more than 5,000 students, with a total staff of 450 and an annual consolidated operating budget of approximately $63 million. Our first elementary school, KIPP Destiny Elementary, will open to its founding Kindergarten class in August 2013.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The KIPP Through College (KTC) program provides robust programming for alumni who have graduated from KIPP TRUTH in each phase of their high school and college education in order to maximize the number of KIPP DFW alumni who matriculate to and graduate from college.

Nationally, 39 percent of KIPP alumni graduate from college, which is a rate four times higher than non-KIPP students from the same demographic background. To fulfill the KIPP promise to support our students to and through college, the KTC team must create enduring, effective programs that support our alumni's needs on the climb through college.

Evidence has shown that the lack of access to information and guidance on college admissions and financial aid is a prohibitive barrier for many low-income families. In the absence of good information, many families develop critical misconceptions about what it takes to get into and stay in college. By employing a diverse range of outreach efforts – from individualized, one-on-one meetings to large group, workshops – the KIPP Through College (KTC) program closes the information divide for KIPP DFW students and families, breaking down the barriers to college access and retention. The KTC office has four major program components: high school placement/prep services (Climb to High School counselor), high school advising (Climb through High School counselor), college placement/prep services (Climb To College counselor), and college advising (Climb Through College counselor).

The director of KTC is responsible for leading the region's KTC department. This includes providing leadership and management, hands-on parent and alumni outreach, and support in the mission of strong KTC programs that provide opportunities, supports and services that empower KIPPsters to succeed in college and in life. In addition to managing the KTC team, the director will also manage an alumnus caseload in one of the areas described in the previous paragraph. The director of KTC will report to the executive director of KIPP DFW.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead, manage, and develop the KTC Team (which includes the Climb To High School, Climb Through High School, Climb To College, and Climb Through College Counselors), KTC interns and work study employees
• Design and implement the KTC Strategic Plan in a way that aligns with the region-wide vision and goals, including ensuring that KIPP DFW region and school staff can consistently and effectively articulate the mission of KTC
• Develop strategic partnerships with organizations that can help prepare alumni for success in high school and college, including providing academic support, social support, summer opportunities, and employment opportunities
• Manage communication with key stakeholders – students, parents, faculty and staff, community, and board members – to proactively engage all stakeholders in working towards college completion
• Manage a caseload of KIPP alumni in line with one of the focus areas (Climb to High School; Climb Through High School; Climb to College; Climb Through College). The particular area will be determined based on best fit of the team.
• Oversee the management the KTC Salesforce Database and use KIPP student and alumni data to inform the work of the KTC team and to improve the preparation of KIPP DFW students for college
• Analyze KTC data (spanning both Climb to High School and KTC), quantify current outcomes and future demands, map current dosage and duration of services, and develop a clear vision of how the KIPP DFW region is supporting the "to and through" mission
• Manage the KTC budget and collaborate with the KIPP DFW executive director and director of finance & operations to ensure accurate financial reporting and responsible budget development
• Lead the planning and execution of the KIPP Foundation's Program for College Completion, College Partnership Initiative, and College Connections Initiative for KIPP DFW
• Manage KTC communication, events, and services focused on college readiness, college access, college persistence, college completion, and career readiness
• As KIPP DFW expands, work with KIPP middle school and high school staff (within a feeder pattern) to prepare students for high school, both academically and socially
• Cultivate and maintain critical relationships with colleges, universities, outreach programs, and scholarship organizations
• Assist other members of the KTC office and the school support team with projects as they arise
• As appropriate and necessary, assists in mentoring alumni or providing high school, college, and financial aid counseling
• Act as point person for all regional communication around KTC programming, initiatives, and new developments
• Other duties as assigned by the executive director

Requirements

• 5 to 7 years of work experience in high-growth, entrepreneurial charter school environment or a similar organization strongly preferred
• Demonstrated passion for and commitment to the support of underserved student populations strongly preferred
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited 4-year college; master's degree preferred
• Experience helping educationally underserved students and their families navigate college admission, financial aid, and scholarship application procedures
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to exercise excellent judgment in decision-making; facilitate various size working groups, work collaboratively, and; gather and analyze data, compile information, and prepare reports
• Flexible and able to multi-task within an ambiguous, fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment, while also driving toward clarity and solutions
• Proficient in MS Office, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Demonstrated ability to lead multiple high-profile and complex projects simultaneously and a strong ability to multi-task, prioritize effectively, and manage time well to accomplish goals and drive change
• Bilingual applicants strongly encouraged to apply (Spanish)
• Successful candidates will be
  • Self-motivated with the ability to thrive under pressure and meet multiple deadlines
  • Team-player capable of working both collaboratively and independently
  • Able to effectively manage other people, both directly and indirectly
  • Highly organized and resourceful, with strong attention to detail
  • Proactive, continually looking for ways to avert problems and improve systems
  • Outstanding communicators (written and oral) with highly developed interpersonal skills
  • Articulate, with a professional demeanor and strong self-confidence and initiative
  • Flexible, creative, and collaborative with a sense of humor and unquestioned commitment to KIPP DFW's mission and values

General Sign-off: The employee is expected to adhere to all company policies. Duties may be changed at the discretion of KIPP DFW at any time.

Statement of Non-Discrimination: KIPP DFW is committed to a policy of equal treatment for all individuals applying for employment. KIPP DFW does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.