Managing Director of KIPP Forward

Organizational Overview:

KIPP Atlanta Schools is part of the KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) national network of free, open enrollment, college-preparatory schools dedicated to ensuring that every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities. There are 280 KIPP schools in 21 states and the District of Columbia serving more than 175,000 scholars and alumni. KIPP Atlanta currently operates 11 schools including five primary schools, six middle schools and one high school, as well as KIPP Forward which supports scholars on their journey to a choice-filled life. We are a social justice organization and our vision and mission require the work of dedicated, bold and skilled leaders, educators, and support staff who are committed to serving as the catalyst for joyful, academically excellent schools and the foundation for building a more just and equitable world for our scholars. 

What We Value:

• Good Decision-Making: “I make thoughtful decisions in alignment with my school’s and organization’s values.”
• Peer Accountability: “I hold all Big KIPPsters accountable to our schools’ and organization’s values, standards, and expectations.”
• Excellence Always: “I do all aspects of my work with excellence - the big and the little things, the parts being monitored as well as those not monitored.”
• Communication is Key: “I communicate with both honesty and love. How I communicate nurtures courage, belonging, partnership, and progress toward our promise to KIPPsters and families.”
• Scholars Over Everything: “I put our scholars first, 100% of the time, without fail. I quickly resolve any and all adult-centered concerns and qualms to reserve my individual and our collective time and attention for our KIPPsters.”
• Walk Trumps Talk: “I chose this social justice career. And so, I behave in alignment with my choice. My behaviors match our promise to our scholars and families.”
• “Us” Only: “I belong to every member of our organization, and every member of our organization belongs to me. I choose unity always - in both the good times and hard times.”

Job Summary:  

The Managing Director of KIPP Forward  is responsible for setting the strategic vision of KIPP Forward and ensuring that all KIPP Atlanta students and alumni are benefiting from strong and strategic college counseling and college persistence support promoting college completion.  The MD Forward will oversee the development and implementation of robust programming for students and alumni in each phase of high school and college in order to maximize the number of KIPP Metro Atlanta alumni to matriculate to college and graduate within six years. The MD Forward will manage the Director of College Advisement, the Director of High School Placement, the College Persistence team, and support staff. Reporting to the Managing Director of External Relations, the MD Forward will ensure alignment between the Forward program and KIPP Metro Atlanta’s school leadership and regional leadership, the KIPP Network, and other external partners in order to best support KIPP Metro Atlanta’s students and KIPP alumni on their journey to and Forward.

The aim of KIPP Forward is to ensure that college graduation is an option for all KIPP Atlanta students. All KIPP Forward team members are responsible for ensuring that students (and their families) are provided with early college access; understand the admissions and financial aid process; and are supported through their transition into college and while enrolled in college.  Additionally, the KIPP Forward team advocates for college access, greater support for low-income, underrepresented and/or first generation college students to help eliminate barriers to college matriculation and graduation. 

Job Responsibilities:

• Set the Forward vision and lead the department strategy to ensure all KIPP students and alumni are benefiting from strong and strategic college counseling and college persistence support promoting college completion
• Coordinate annual Forward team goal setting focused on college match, college persistence, college completion, and talent development
• Actively monitor progress towards team and individual goals throughout the year and ensure team members have the resources and support needed to achieve ambitious goals
• Ensure all Forward programming is executed with quality and in alignment to our regional values and beliefs
• Manage the Director of College Advisement, the Director of High School Placement, the College Persistence team and support staff
• Plan and facilitate regular Forward team meetings and both provide and connect team members to professional development opportunities relevant to their role and growth
• Encourage participation from all members of the team in ways that feel most comfortable to their team, and seeks feedback and ideas from team members at all levels in operating as a leader 
• Recruit, mentor, and support a diverse and exceptional team of professionals 
• Seek opportunities for professional development, acting as a coach and sounding board, and serves as an organizational role model in cultivating a culture of high expectations and support 
• Thoughtfully considers the impact of decisions, and facilitates resolutions that protect the organization’s interests and prioritizes student needs when conflict or disagreements arise 
• Oversee proper management of student and alumni college and career data in the KIPP Alumni Database and the coordination of data between other relevant systems (e.g., Salesforce, Naviance, etc.)
• Manage the Forward budget to ensure accurate financial reporting and responsible budget development
• Other duties as assigned

• 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
• Develop and manage college partnerships and other partnerships meant to improve the graduation rates of KIPP Metro Atlanta alumni from college at rates that exceed the six-year graduation rates for underrepresented students with the intent of graduating KIPP Metro Atlanta alumni at rates equal to their top quartile peers
• Communicate with key stakeholders – students, parents, faculty and staff, community, and board members – to proactively engage all stakeholders in working towards college completion
• Participate actively in the KIPP Network’s community of practice for Forward Program Directors and communicate about Forward’s program successes, challenges, and needs and advocate for support and resources as needed

• Manage Forward communication, events, and services focused on college readiness, college access, college persistence, and college completion
• Act as point person for all regional communication around Forward programming, initiatives, and new developments

• Provide guidance and direction for the Forward College Readiness Team
• Oversee the implementation of a rigorous college access curriculum
• In collaboration with the Director of College Advisement, ensure Forward College Readiness Team is providing parent and family education necessary to support college-going behaviors
• Accountable to the college application and match rates for all KIPP Metro Atlanta students

• Provide guidance and direction for the Forward College Persistence Team
• Support the College Persistence Team in planning and executing college completion strategies that impact the long-term success of high school and college alumni
• Accountable to the persistence and college graduation rates for all KIPP Metro Atlanta alumni

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum of 7 years of professional work experience, including at least 3 years of supervisory and management experience
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage high-performing teams
• Ability to lead teams across multiple locations or in geographically dispersed environments
• Ability to lead, influence, and hold others accountable to high standards of excellence
• Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and effectively manage stakeholders
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Proven ability to proactively solve problems, exercise sound judgment, and make decisions quickly
• Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure, including during challenging conversations with scholars, families, and staff
• Demonstrated flexibility with strong prioritization and multi-tasking abilities
• In-depth proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional growth
• Unwavering commitment to KIPP’s mission and willingness to go above and beyond to support scholars, families, and staff
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team

Preferred:

• Master’s degree 
• Experience working within a large, dynamic, mission-driven organization
• Experience supporting first-generation college students and families through college admissions, financial aid, and scholarship processes
• Experience leading diverse teams and fostering inclusive, high-performing environments

Compensation & Benefits:

Compensation for this role is aligned to Level 7 within the KIPP Atlanta compensation structure. Starting pay will depend on various factors, including but not limited to professional experience, education, training, and certifications. The current Level 7 band is $120,000- $158,000. Most offers are in the lower to mid range and are at the company’s sole discretion, based on the candidate's experience aligned with the role expectations. This allows us to provide a fair and equitable approach to compensation when setting pay and maintaining internal pay equity. New hires should not expect to come in at the top of the band. 

A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including health insurance, retirement options, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. 

KIPP Atlanta Schools offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• 20 days of Paid Time Off, in addition to identified holidays
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical and dental), life insurance and optional short and long term disability
• Counseling and Telehealth Options
• Paid Parental Leave 
• Participation in Georgia retirement plan and an optional 403(b) retirement plan.

Location & Work Conditions:

This position requires:

• This role requires schedule flexibility; work hours vary based on organization needs and may include evenings and occasional weekends.
• This position has hybrid flexibility but does require regular presence at KIPP Atlanta Schools, and in schools and in required meetings around the region; Must be based in Atlanta
• This position requires routine physical activity associated with normal office environments. 
• This position may require the ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to engage in school-based activities requiring standing, walking, and mobility

KIPP Atlanta Schools is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Duties may be adjusted based on school and organizational needs.