The mission of all of KIPP Massachusetts schools is to create an environment where students develop the academic skills, intellectual habits, and character traits necessary to maximize their potential in high school, college, and the world beyond. Our program is based on:

• A focus on high-quality instruction supported by rigorous professional development to ensure that our students develop the academic skills necessary to pursue the life they choose.
• High regard for character development to ensure that our students and staff celebrate and develop their character and identity strengths.
• An emphasis on family engagement, because we believe that our students are most likely to be able to maximize their potential when we work in partnership with our students and their families.
• A focus on college readiness for all students so that all students can make choices about their post-secondary education and future.

What We Do

We seek to provide a world-class education for students from educationally underserved communities in Lynn and Boston. Our student demographics mirror those of neighborhood schools in terms of race, socioeconomic status, English Language Learners, and students who receive special education services.

Our promise to families is that their children will enter college and the professional world able to thrive academically due to their literacy, numeracy, and core knowledge in science and social studies. We also promise that our students will develop the zest for learning and grit necessary to persevere as they climb the mountain to and through college and career. Our graduates will be prepared to return to their community as teachers, leaders, and architects of continued growth in Lynn and Boston.

Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity Vision

At KIPP Massachusetts, we believe that Knowledge is Power. Every day, our team and family have the opportunity to either perpetuate systems of oppression or disrupt them. We are compelled by the ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusivity. Therefore, we continuously commit to operating as an anti-racist organization.  Read more at Diversity Equity Inclusivity Vision.

Who We Are

KIPP Massachusetts began enrolling students in 2004. We currently hold two charters, operating two “districts.” Our first district, KIPP Academy Lynn Charter School, is based in Lynn, MA.  Our second district, KIPP Academy Boston Charter School, is based in Mattapan, MA. Each district is housed on one or more “campuses,” which we use to refer to different grade spans, for example, elementary grades, middle school grades, or high school grades.

In Lynn, KIPP Academy Lynn Elementary (serving grades K-4), KIPP Academy Lynn Middle (serving grades 5-8), and KIPP Academy Lynn Collegiate (serving grades 9-12), are all under our Lynn charter.  Admission to any grade in the Lynn district is admission to all remaining grades in the Lynn district K-12. 66% of our students in Lynn are Hispanic, 23% are Black, and 11% are other races/ethnicities.

KIPP Academy Boston(serving grades K-8) operates under our Boston charter. Admission to any grade in the Boston district is admission to all remaining grades in the Boston district, K-8. 68% of our students in Boston are Black, 30% are Hispanic and 2% are other races/ethnicities.

Across both districts, in the school year, 2020-2021 KIPP Massachusetts will serve over 2,100 students.

KIPP National

KIPP Massachusetts is part of the nation-wide KIPP non-profit network of 255 college-preparatory, public charter schools educating more than 100,000 early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school students.

KIPP Massachusetts is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all of our students, families, teachers, staff, and community members.

Grant Writer and Coordinator 

This is a varied and dynamic role, as well as a critical one, within the KIPP MA Development and Communications team. The team is focused on driving and supporting strategy for the organization through revenue generation and strategic partnerships. The team ensures KIPP Massachusetts can provide current and future KIPP MA schools with the resources necessary to educate students and families in underserved communities so that they may lead lives of independence and impact.

Reporting to the Managing Director of Development and Communications, the Grant Writer and Coordinator will identify, define, and develop funding sources to support existing and planned program activities as well as lead the development, writing, and submission of grant proposals to federal, state, and private funding agencies and foundations. 

Primary responsibilities include preparation of proposals and grant applications, and performance of responsible professional and administrative work in researching, identifying, developing, and responding to public and private grant opportunities in areas that support KIPP MA programming. The position is also responsible for collecting, analyzing, and reporting data on the performance of program activities that are funded by federal, state, and private funding agencies and foundations. 

This is an ideal opportunity for an individual who is passionate about education equity and accessibility, has a relentless drive to deliver results, and who is motivated and empowered by the opportunity to serve as an external leader for KIPP MA, galvanizing diverse stakeholders in support of KIPP MA’s mission.

Responsibilities of this Role: 

Grant Research, Writing, Report, and General Management:

• Study and understand the history, structure, objectives, programs and financial needs of the organization
• Research grants opportunities from government and non-government agencies.
  • Private foundations 
  • Public grants (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)
• Build and establish relationships with grant managers at private foundations and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
• Work with appropriate staff members to research, develop, write and submit letters of inquiry, concept papers and grant proposals
• Maintain primary responsibility for grant schedules and tracking grants
• Coordinate and follow-up on the progress of submitted proposals
• Bring key stakeholders together on a grant application, reporting, and foundation meetings
• Create a grant tracking system that includes relationship management 
• Generate high-quality proposals, narratives, applications and supporting documents in response to solicitations consistent with all policies and procedures of KIPP MA, and the requirements and guidelines of the funding agencies
• Generate revenues (55% of fundraising goal) for KIPP MA programs through timely submission of well-researched, well written and well-documented grant proposals 
• Serve as a liaison and relationship manager to all funding agencies and organizations; which includes scheduling and coordinating visits and meetings with the MD of Development and Communications and KIPP MA Executive Director for grant opportunities over $100,000
• Develop and maintain a master file on pending grants and contracts
• Submit all grant reports on time and files the report in the grant tracking system
• Remain up-to-date on current issues relative to grant proposals
• Meet regularly with Development team to discuss funding needs 
• Respond timely to requests and questions from internal and external stakeholders regarding grant opportunities, submissions, or reports

Administration

• Complete key administrative tasks for annual fund
• Process all major gifts, grants, and donations in KIPP MA fundraising software
• Tracks all gifts 
• Some data processing (data roll ups of monthly fundraising reports, progress to goal, etc.)
• Draft thank you letters for key senior staff to send to major donors 
• Send tax acknowledgement letters and notices to all donors (individual and foundations) 

External Relations:

• Strong technical skills 
• Strong writing skills 
• Strong communication skills

Development Team Strategy:

• Together with the Development teammates, plan and execute the regional fundraising strategy, including to envision, develop, and execute specific donor engagement and giving opportunities
• Align fundraising efforts to key priorities and imperatives of KIPPMA
• Establish a close feedback loop between key grant and foundation prospects and KIPPMA leadership
• Provide critical input into collateral, including investment proposals and decks, grant proposals, appeals and the annual report
• Provide critical input into senior stakeholder engagement

Experience and Knowledge

• A Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum of 1-2 years of professional fundraising or grant writing experience- preferably with an education focus
• Proven ability and track record of soliciting and closing five and six-figure gifts or grants preferred

Skills and abilities

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, appropriate and compelling for a senior, external audience
• Self-starter with an intense focus on results and the ability to persevere through challenges to reach goals
• Ability to work effectively under pressure
• Detail-oriented, responsive, and organized professional 
• Ability to problem-solve, navigate and lead through complexity
• Demonstrates a growth mindset and a desire to continually improve through feedback, coaching, and professional development
• Ability to model KIPP’s values at all times
• Competency in donor database management, salesforce experience a plus
• Previous experience with advocacy and community engagement is a plus
• Previous experience in the charter realm is a plus
• COVID-19 vaccination required, unless medically or religiously exempt

Attitudes

• A belief in the mission and values of KIPP
• Committed to the belief that all students can learn and achieve at high levels
• Passion for education equality and access
• Motivated by a fast-paced, diverse, collaborative working environment
• A flexible can-do approach, self-motivation, resilience, and a willingness to adapt to the changing needs and priorities in the team and across the organization
• Considerable tact and discretion in dealing with highly confidential information
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity 

Regional Responsibilities

• Embody KIPP MA’s Code of Conduct by acting with integrity, leading with humanity, centering self-awareness and critical consciousness, taking personal responsibility, and engaging productively
• COVID-19 vaccination required, unless medically or religiously exempt
• Participate and engage in regional professional development and community events as required

KIPP MA teachers are supported in their demanding work by experienced and dedicated leadership and staff who have themselves proven successful in the teaching role. Our leaders maintain consistent school-wide systems and procedures - academic, behavioral, cultural, logistical - designed to permit teachers to do their best work. 

In addition to the responsibilities listed above, there will occasionally be other duties as assigned that teachers will engage in to help promote a positive and calm learning environment and culture.

Compensation

Compensation is commensurate with experience and includes a comprehensive benefits package.

Application process  

If you do not currently work for the KIPP MA team, please visit our job board at https://careers.smartrecruiters.com/KIPP/massachusetts and complete an online application.

• The KIPP MA Recruitment Team will select candidates to move forward to the video/phone screen interview stage.
• Following the phone interview, the KIPP MA team will invite qualified candidates to interview with KIPP MA School or Regional Office Teams. 

KIPP MA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe in the importance of being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization that enables all of our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building an exceptional team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. We also strive to ensure an inclusive community by creating a space for meaningful dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students. We hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.