Executive Director

What You'll Do

The Executive Director (ED) will serve as the chief leader of the KIPP region and will be responsible for the strategic, operational, and academic leadership of the schools in the region. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED will ensure the schools' sustainability and scalability, foster a cohesive culture, manage regional leadership teams, and lead the financial health of the organization.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Strategic Vision and Leadership:

• Develop and execute the region's long-term vision and strategic plan in alignment with KIPP's mission.
• Set academic, operational, and financial goals and manage them to ensure the organization's growth and sustainability.
• Adapt strategies to meet changing internal and external conditions, fostering innovation in leadership and instructional practices.

Instructional Leadership and Academic Results:

• Provide oversight and leadership in the development and implementation of high-quality academic programs across all schools.
• Ensure curriculum, assessment, and data management systems are aligned to achieve strong student outcomes.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring academic excellence and character development are at the core of every KIPP school.

Team Leadership, Culture, and Talent Development:

• Build and maintain a high-performing regional leadership team, including school leaders, administrative staff, and operations teams.
• Create a culture of accountability and transparency across all levels of the organization. Foster a "One KIPP" culture of collaboration, equity, and inclusion across schools and teams.
• Build trust and transparent communication within and across regional and school teams.
• Recruit, retain, and develop talent within the organization, ensuring a diverse and inclusive team of high-performing leaders.

Operational/Financial Management and Fundraising:

• Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and compliance to ensure the region operates efficiently and sustainably.
• Develop fundraising strategies and cultivate relationships with local and national donors, philanthropic organizations, and government agencies to ensure diverse revenue streams.
• Ensure the efficient management of school facilities, human resources, vendor contracts, and information technology systems.

Community and External Relations:

• Serve as the public face of the region, building strong partnerships with local community leaders, parents, school districts, and other key stakeholders.
• Engage with the broader KIPP network to participate in national initiatives, ensuring the region remains aligned with the network's goals and values.
• Actively engage in advocacy efforts to support charter schools and expand educational opportunities for underserved communities.

Board Engagement:

• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to define the strategic direction and goals of the organization.
• Provide the Board with regular updates on the organization's performance and strategic initiatives.
• Work closely with the Board Chair to strengthen Board engagement and recruit new Board members.

Who You'll Work With

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will oversee the management of school leaders and regional staff and represent the region in the broader KIPP network.

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree or advanced certification preferred
• 10+ years of leadership experience in education, public charter systems, or non-profits with at least 5 years in a leadership role, with a proven record of success in leading complex organizations or networks
• Experience in fundraising and working with Boards of Directors in nonprofit or educational settings
• Experience leading systems to fast academic growth and achievement
• Demonstrated success in driving academic, operational, and cultural excellence through others
• Strong understanding of charter school governance and educational policy
• Strategic and Visionary Leadership: Demonstrated ability to develop and articulate a clear vision for the future, driving innovation while ensuring alignment with KIPP's mission
• Results-Driven: Proven track record of setting and achieving ambitious goals, particularly in challenging or high-growth environments
• Talent Development: Strong background in recruiting, developing, and managing high-performing teams, with a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment
• Relationship Building: Exceptional ability to build trust with stakeholders, including students, parents, community partners and leaders, donors, and staff.
• Financial Acumen: Experience overseeing financial operations, ensuring long-term sustainability through diversified revenue streams and sound financial planning.

The Executive Director will work from schools 3 - 4 days each week. Travel is expected between KIPP NC's three geographies (Charlotte, Durham, and Halifax/Gaston). The ED must live in North Carolina; Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill is ideal given the area's equal distance from our schools in Charlotte, Halifax, and Gaston.

KIPP North Carolina does not and shall not discriminate on the race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, disability, source of income, or status as a veteran in any of its activities or operations.