Associate Director of Development & Communications

Company Description KIPP — the largest nonprofit network of college-preparatory, public charter schools in the nation—has demonstrated, at scale, that all children have the potential to excel academically regardless of race or zip code.
KIPP currently serves over 120,000 students in 270 schools across the country, including Indianapolis.
KIPP Indy Public Schools (KIPP Indy) was founded in 2004 with one class of fifth grade students and has grown to serve 1,400 students across three schools.
Of the students that attend KIPP Indy, 93% qualify for free and reduced lunch, 95% are African American or LatinX, 16% receive special education services, and 15% are designated as Multilingual Learners.
As we continue to grow, our mission remains the same: to create joyful, academically excellent schools in which teachers, students, and families are all united around the same goal of preparing students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose —college, career, and beyond— so they can lead fulfilling lives and create a more just world.
Job Description POSITION OVERVIEW The Associate Director of Development and Communications (AD, DC) will play an integral role in ensuring KIPP Indy has the resources to fulfill its mission.
Reporting to the Chief Partnerships Officer, the AD, DC will play an essential role in the execution of a long-term, sustainable resource-securing program and a communications strategy that amplifies organizational strengths and promotes our students' and community's assets.
As a member of the Partnerships team, this individual will support organizational goals around building strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners in service of our overall mission.
This position will offer broad exposure to multiple aspects of development and strategic communications.
The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with experience in fundraising and nonprofit management and a commitment to education.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Resource Strategy and Partner Stewardship Coordinate with the Chief Partnerships Officer and the Executive Director to ensure the vision for development is consistently executed and supports donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship through effective communication and relationship management Maintain a deep understanding of KIPP Indy’s organizational priorities and strategies as well as the local and state educational landscape to deepen and secure aligned partnerships and resources Research, source, and identify new potential partnerships and resources Lead stewardship communication with current donors and maintain all development files and records Plan and execute major fundraising events with a specific focus on maximizing relationships with corporate sponsors Grant Writing and Management Develop highly competitive proposals for existing and prospective partners, including meeting with relevant internal and external stakeholders to gather additional information and data as well as ensuring all necessary resources are created and collected Ensure systems are in place to accurately track grant deadlines and record all grant materials, communicating needs proactively and early to stakeholders that may be involved Lead the stewardship and renewal strategy for all current competitive grants Strategic Communications Oversee the creation of content and distribution of communication and marketing tools aligned to KIPP Indy’s brand and priorities, including quarterly email newsletters, campaign materials, organizational one-pagers, and any other materials as needed Manage the organization’s website and develop a plan for keeping information accurate and relevant by coordinating with relevant stakeholders on content and functionality and actively managing relationship with external vendor Create and implement a robust social media strategy aligned with KIPP Indy’s core values and organizational priorities Manage and execute media relations with reporters across the city by establishing relationships, managing communication, and identifying strategic touchpoints throughout the year to ensure successful pitches and placements Coordinate media preparation for all stakeholders and manage day-of logistics for media visits and interviews Manage the organization’s branding and build staff capacity on branding norms and policies Team Operations Support with the creation and lead the execution of strategic plans for both Development and Communications areas and ensure progress monitoring performance systems are in place to measure the success of strategies and initiatives Manage donation management software Process donations and execute tax acknowledgments Lead all development team meetings, prioritizing relevant discussion items and updates Order and maintain promotional items and materials used for donor meetings and stewardship Qualifications Unwavering commitment to KIPP Indy’s mission Exceptional organizational, writing, and communication skills Bachelor’s degree 4 years of full-time work experience; preferably at least two years of demonstrated successful non-profit fundraising experience Experience with media relations and management of social media channels COMPETENCIES NEEDED Writes clearly, concisely and persuasively.
Uses correct grammar, vocabulary, and a tone that is appropriate to the message and audience Backwards plans and manages time and resources effectively Takes initiative and follows through on all commitments Seeks to understand the needs of our school community, and makes informed decisions with students' best interests and needs in mind Builds relationships with and gains the trust of key stakeholders Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, and to keep long-term projects on track while flexibly responding to short-term needs Strong leadership skills and an ability to take initiative, solve problems, think strategically, and seek out creative ideas Anticipates reactions and addresses concerns of others to help persuade them to move toward a goal Stimulates others to act and accomplish goals, even when no direct reporting relationship exists Sets team and individual goals with employees that align with the organization’s vision and mission Additional Information COMPENSATION Salary is competitive, commensurate with experience, and includes benefits.
Teachers are also eligible for performance-based bonuses.
KIPP Indy Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.