Chief External Affairs Officer - KIPP DC

 

Job Summary

The Chief External Affairs Officer (CXO) is a vital member of the senior leadership team, serving as the primary strategist and leader for all external-facing activities of KIPP DC. This role is responsible for leading and developing the 14 member team responsible for building and maintaining positive relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, government officials, community members, businesses, and media outlets. The CXO provides strategic direction and oversight for communications, marketing, development, fundraising, government relations, and community outreach efforts. This role reports to the President and supervises the Director of Communications and Media Relations, the Director of Development, and the Director of Marketing.

The starting salary range for this role is $201,674-$222,902.This role has occasional flexibility (up to 20% remote) with an anticipated start date of February 2025 or ASAP.  
 

About KIPP DC

By 2025, KIPP DC will build upon two decades of proven results to develop into a more impactful, innovative, and inclusive school system that provides joyful, identity-affirming learning experiences so that all students and alumni achieve extraordinary outcomes.

Our work is grounded in a commitment to excellence, equity, and justice. We believe all students have the right to rigorous, relevant, and joyful learning experiences led by exceptionally talented and diverse educators who promote student achievement and a sense of belonging. We believe students and teachers best succeed when surrounded by an ecosystem of supports, including our central headquarters team that supports KIPP DC’s 20 schools and two programs, 7,500 students, and 1,300 teachers, leaders, and staff members dedicated to this mission.

About the team
The Chief External Affairs Officer is a crucial member of KIPP DC’s executive team and leads KIPP DC’s Advancement team. The executive team is comprised of experienced and talented leaders who lead KIPP DC 's functional areas and set the vision and priorities for the organization. The Advancement team is the team responsible for pushing KIPP DC forward by fundraising, partnerships, marketing, communications and more - all through building strong relationships and unleashing joy. It is the spark that keeps KIPP DC’s engine running!  


Location and Type of Work
As a headquarters team that is focused on being responsive to our schools and meeting the needs of our students and families, we approach our work in a way that reflects these priorities. Schools operate in person and our students and families rely on us for in-person support, and this position will regularly provide on-site support to school teams, frequently partner with other headquarters teams, regularly work  in multiple locations, or meet with other key stakeholders, potential funders, and partners. Because of the nature of the work, this role allows for occasional flexibility. This role will have approximately 20% flexibility to work remotely from home. 

Responsibilities

• Organizational Leadership and Strategy (40%)
  • Develop vision, strategy and goals to cultivate a culture of collaboration, innovation, and high performance within the Advancement team.
  • Mentor and develop staff, providing opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
  • Champion a data-driven approach to decision-making, utilizing metrics to track progress and measure impact.
  • Lead as a strategic member of the executive leadership team, contributing to the overall strategic direction of KIPP DC.
• Communications, Marketing, and Branding (20%)
  • Support team members to develop and spearhead comprehensive strategies for communications, media relations, marketing, and branding that advance KIPP DC's mission, vision, and values.
  • Provide strategic guidance and empower the Directors of Communications and Marketing in the execution of these strategies.
  • Ensure consistent messaging and branding across all channels.
  • Forge strategic alliances with key media outlets, journalists, and community stakeholders.
  • Lead market research and analysis to inform strategies.
  • Manage crisis communications and reputation management.
• Development and Fundraising (20%)
  • Support team members to develop and spearhead a comprehensive development and fundraising strategy to secure resources to support KIPP DC's priorities.
  • Provide strategic guidance and empower the Director of Development in the execution of fundraising campaigns, grant writing, alumni relations, and donor cultivation.
  • Identify and pursue new funding opportunities from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies.
  • Cultivate relationships with major donors and philanthropic organizations.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable fundraising regulations.

• Government and Community Relations (10%)
  • Develop and implement strategies for government relations, advocacy, and community engagement to advance KIPP DC's mission and policy priorities.
  • Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, government agencies, community groups, and other key stakeholders.
  • Monitor legislative and regulatory developments.
  • Represent KIPP DC at public hearings and meetings.
  • Oversee community engagement initiatives and partnerships.
  • Serve as a liaison between KIPP DC and community organizations.
  • Manage and respond to community concerns and feedback.

Requirements & Preferences
Benefits & Compensation [edited this section for your role]

KIPP DC offers an extremely competitive compensation and benefits package:

• The anticipated starting salary range for this position is $201,674-$222,902. At KIPP DC we strive for clarity, equity, and to be highly competitive. When determining salaries we look at benchmarks in the education and non-profit sector.  
• KIPP DC offers a robust benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurances; various voluntary benefits; and employer paid benefits such as short term disability, long term disability, life insurance, and a membership to One Medical.
• KIPP DC also offers a 403(b) retirement account with a 3% employer contribution and a 3% match with vesting after three years.
• Currently, individuals in this role have up to 15 paid time off days, up to 10 paid sick days, and 12 paid holidays. This is subject to change and your exact schedule will be shared in your offer letter.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

KIPP DC Public Schools does not discriminate against, or tolerate discrimination against, employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis or protected class including, but not limited to, actual or perceived race, color, national origin, immigration status (except as necessary to comply with federal, DC, state, or local law), religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity or expression), marital status (including domestic partnership status), genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, family responsibilities, personal appearance, veteran status, uniform service member status, status of being unemployed, status of victim a survivor of domestic violence, sexual offense or stalking, matriculation or any other protected class under federal, state, DC, or local law.

Click here or here to review KIPP DC’s non-discrimination policy and KIPP DC’s Title IX Coordinator’s contact information.

Please Note: If you encounter difficulties submitting your application or fail to receive a confirmation email after applying, kindly reach out to Danica Cunningham at danica.cunningham@kippdc.org. Please include your name, resume, and specify the role you are applying for in your email. We appreciate your understanding and apologize for any inconvenience caused.

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