Director of Family Engagement and Advocacy

Organizational Overview:

KIPP Metro 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 Metro 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.

Job Overview:

The Director of Family Engagement and Advocacy is charged with galvanizing community support for KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools. Reporting to the Managing Director of Development and Engagement, the Director of Family Engagement and Advocacy manages regional strategies for family engagement across KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools. The Director of Family Engagement & Advocacy further develops and implements strategies to garner public support for KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools.

Job Responsibilities:

• Set, direct, and execute the advocacy, and family engagement strategy at KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools to expand KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools' voice, influence, and impact on key issues facing the communities we serve
• Develop benchmarks for success and track and maintain comprehensive data as a source for developing and improving upon existing systems and structures supporting advocacy, and family engagement.
• Provide strategic counsel to the MD, CIO and Executive Team on policy and legislative issues
• Coordinate Advocacy Committee of Board of Director meetings, events and participate in Development Committee events as appropriate

• Create and oversee the management of the organization’s advocacy coalition, establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with local coalitions, and other advocacy organizations to advance the organization’s policy and advocacy goals
• Identify opportunities and develop ways to strategically maximize collaboration and coordination with external partners
• Represent KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools community and the broader organization as an ambassador, advocate, and partner within public forums and events
• Engage with key charter school partners and coalitions to support education reform issue advocacy; lead engagement with local charters and other allied organizations to develop coalitions and working groups
• Identify key grassroots allies in local communities (including neighborhood associations, NPUs, civic organizations, etc.) and explore opportunities for deepening our relationships

• Create and oversee strategy, programs, and services aimed towards increased parent and community engagement; and strengthen the partnership among parents, community, and schools to improve student academic achievement and school success
• Proactively engage with current and potential KIPP Metro Atlanta families and communities, as critical advocates and ambassadors for KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools
• Identify opportunities and develop ways to strategically maximize collaboration and coordination with families to amplify voices and expand impact

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree required, Master’s Degree preferred
• Minimum 5 years public policy, advocacy, communications, marketing, political campaigns, or lobbying teachers, prior school leadership experience preferred
• Knowledge of greater Atlanta community with ties to communities preferred
• Experience with delivering high-quality professional learning, leading cohort based learning, and a track record of developing others knowledge and skills
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to solve complex problems and implement solutions, an ability to manage both the big picture and the details, and a strong sense of judgment
• Proven track record of meeting deadlines and the ability to be flexible and adapt to changing priorities, multi-task, work in a fast-paced demanding environment, operate effectively with ambiguity, and willing to learn and take on new responsibilities
• Excellent customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills and ability to build meaningful relationships quickly
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to develop relationships with a diverse group of key stakeholders

Compensation & Benefits:

Compensation for this role is between $85,000 and $95,000. The starting pay will depend on various factors that may include but are not limited to professional experience, education, training, and certifications. KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• 19 days of Paid Time Off, in addition to identified holidays and regular school breaks including Fall Break, Thanksgiving Break, Mid-Winter Break and Spring Break.
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical and dental), life insurance and optional short and long term disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Participation in Georgia retirement plan and an optional 403(b) retirement plan

Location & Work Conditions:

This position requires candidates to be based in Atlanta and regularly be in schools and able to attend in person meetings and events. Additional in person time may be necessary based upon organizational needs.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit an application online.

Statement of Nondiscrimination:

KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.