KIPP Delta is part of the nation-wide KIPP non-profit network of 242 college-preparatory, public charter schools educating early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school students. KIPP Delta currently serves nearly 1,200 students in Helena and Blytheville, AR.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Development and Communications (DDC) is responsible for all fundraising efforts for the region while also building the structures to support a growing network of schools, meeting aggressive goals. Working closely with other senior leaders and Board members, the DDC will establish and execute against a strategic and diversified development plan, including individual, corporate and foundation sources. In addition, the DDC will have primary responsibility for establishing processes and structures to manage significant fundraising efforts, including implementing processes to  track and monitor all fundraising efforts, identifying areas for operational improvements and efficiencies, implementing effective public relations and communication strategies, and establishing best practices throughout the department. Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Develop, organize, implement, and manage all aspects of KIPP Delta’s annual comprehensive fundraising development plan, covering all aspects of fundraising (Annual and/or Capital) to meet or exceed goals. 

• Develop and manage strategies and activities for ongoing and active cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation to maintain individual, corporate, and foundation donor relations and secure new donors.   

• Research and identify potential donors and sponsors and implement strategies to foster positive relationships. 

• Research grant opportunities for possible funding alignment, prepare grant proposals, and complete timely grant reporting, interfacing with the finance team and program team as needed.  

• Manage and maintain fundraising and media databases.

• Coordinate the work of the Board Development Committee and local development councils to develop strategies to meet ambitious fundraising goals.

• Manage fundraising and PR efforts for the Board of Directors and Executive Director (e.g., arranging presentations, meetings, and correspondence) 

• Develop and conduct fundraising training for board members and other volunteers.

• Conduct monthly audit to check donor files with finance files to ensure alignment. 

• Develop and carry out process of donor recognition and acknowledgement.

• Prepare monthly development reports for the board of directors and local development council. 

• Plan, implement, and execute capital campaigns, as required.

• Plan and implement three high-impact annual events in Little Rock, Blytheville, and  Helena.

• Serve as media liaison for schools and region.

• Serve as liaison to the KIPP Foundation’s development and media teams 

• Unwavering determination to do whatever it takes to help KIPP Delta students achieve their goals

• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written

• Energy, positive attitude, and spirit of celebration

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Self-motivated

• Ability to multi-task, work collaboratively, and maintain focus in a fast-paced environment

• Sets high standards in the pursuit of high goals

• Ability to critically think and problem solve

• Ability to lead and manage teams successfully as well as motivate others to action when no direct reporting relationship exists

• Ability to prioritize

• Minimum of three to five years sales, development, or other related experience preferred

• Experience with database management preferred.

• Availability to travel, work weekends, and evenings. 

• Valid Drivers License

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and social media platforms is required; experience with database management is a plus

KIPP Delta offers competitive salary and benefits packages commensurate with experience.

As an equal opportunity employer, KIPP Delta does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or any other basis made unlawful by applicable federal, state, or local laws or regulations.