Manager of Foundational Giving

About KIPP Houston Public Schools

KIPP, the Knowledge Is Power Program, is on a mission to develop in underserved students the academic skills, intellectual habits, and qualities of character necessary to succeed at all levels of pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, college, and the competitive world beyond. Now entering its second decade, KIPP has become a national leader in the movement to provide all children with access to an excellent education. KIPP was founded in Houston, and 21 of KIPP's more than 125 schools are here, modeled after what we started in 1994. While just 40% of low-income students across the nation matriculate to college, KIPPsters boast a 90% college matriculation rate.

Across KIPP Houston Public Schools, we have adopted five core values that are reinforced by our beliefs and operating norms. In our work and lives, we seek to honor, commit, persist, excel, and enjoy.

Role Overview

The Manager of Foundational Giving will be responsible for maintaining communication and relationships with current and prospective donors in the foundation and corporate segments in order to fundraise for KIPP Houston's annual general operating needs. The Manager of Foundations and Corporate Giving will regularly submit grant applications to various current, new, and lapsed foundations, develop and cultivate the pipeline for corporate donors, and provide tours of KIPP Houston's campuses for current and prospective donors as appropriate.

This position furthers the mission of KIPP Houston by seeking financial donations that provide funding to offset KIPP's annual operating deficit and position KIPP Houston for future growth.

Major Responsibilities and Duties

The Manager of Foundational Giving will:

1. 1. Author and submit grant proposals
   1. Identify prospective donors for KIPP Houston by using various databases and internal research
   2. Gain a thorough understanding of the local philanthropic and education reform communities
   3. Regularly submit grant proposals to new, current, and lapsed foundations
   4. Develop a target list for corporate donors and cultivate the pipeline, eventually writing and submitting proposals
   5. Complete grant reports, working with other members of the Development Team, as well as members of the Academic and Finance Teams, to accurately account for specific grant funds, to show how funds are being used throughout KIPP Houston, and to describe results generated by grants
   6. Follow up on declined proposals to find out why grant proposals were not accepted and determine whether or not it is appropriate to reapply for grants

1. Support donor stewardship by maintaining relationships with KIPP donors and keeping them informed about special events and news at KIPP Houston

1. 2. Communicate regularly with KIPP Houston donors
   1. Identify current and prospective foundation and corporate donors to receive annual appeal and stewardship letters
   2. Keep donors apprised of the latest developments at KIPP Houston through emails, face-to-face meetings, and phone calls
   3. Identify opportunities for leaders and Board members of KIPP Houston to contribute to development through communications as necessary with prospective donors
   4. Organize and lead events such as the "Lunch and Learn" series, a lecture and lunch program for prospective donors which includes an information session about KIPP, followed by a campus tour and lunch with KIPP students

1. 3. Participate in Development team meetings
   1. Understand team priorities, share updates from ongoing efforts and progress against goals and targets
   2. Contribute perspective on team challenges and suggestions for individual and team effectiveness

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Knowledge:

• Bachelor's degree, plus 5+ years of non-profit grant-writing or development experience
• Experience with a variety of fundraising methods and techniques including direct mail campaigns, capital campaigns, and government grants is helpful, but not required
• Basic marketing/branding knowledge
• Basic accounting knowledge
• Knowledge of Texas Education Agency charter laws and PK-12 education is preferred

Skills:

• Articulate, professional demeanor with strong self-confidence and initiative
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Ability to manage long-range deadlines and everyday details
• Proven written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational and planning skills
• Experience with prospective donor research
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
• Proficiency in Raiser's Edge fundraiser and donor software
• Proficiency using computers, printers, copy machines, and fax machines
• Frequent travel between KIPP Houston campuses is required