KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) is a national network of free, open enrollment, college preparatory schools dedicated to preparing students in underserved communities for success in college and in life. 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 eleven KIPP schools including five primary schools, five middle schools, and one high school, as well as KIPP Forward which supports students on their journey “to and through” college. The Support Team provides strategic, financial, and operational support and oversight to all KIPP Metro Atlanta schools and drives initiatives designed to strengthen the schools’ academic programming and outcomes.

Reporting directly to the Chief Impact Officer, the Director of Advocacy + Partnerships will work with the Chief Impact Officer to set the strategic direction for advocacy at KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools and advise the Executive Team on the development and implementation of growth-related goals and strategies. The Director will also lead efforts to engage with community partners, manage parent advocacy, and support schools to develop family leadership structures within their schools. The Director will also lead Strategic Partnerships and Grassroots Advocacy activities on behalf of the organization and develop and maintain collaborative relationships with government officials and other advocacy organizations to ensure the success of KIPP’s policy programs, advocacy goals, and growth plans.  The Director will also advise leadership on political matters and coach and develop several dotted-line and part-time engagement employees.

As a Director of Advocacy + Partnerships, your core responsibilities include:

Advocacy

• Lead the advocacy functions of the organization under the direction of the CIO; Create and oversee the management of the organization’s advocacy coalition; establish and maintain collaborative relationships with local coalitions, and other advocacy organizations to advance the organization’s policy and advocacy goals
• Expand KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools' voice, influence, and impact on key issues facing the communities we serve
• Identify opportunities and develop ways to strategically maximize collaboration and coordination with external partners
• Identify opportunities for capacity-building activities around advocacy at the state level and work directly with state-based organizations to develop strategies to build momentum for action
• Represent KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools community and the broader organization as an ambassador, advocate, and partner within public forums and events
• Proactively engage with current and potential KIPP Metro Atlanta families and communities, as critical advocates and ambassadors for KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools
• Coordinate Advocacy Committee events and participate in Development Committee events as appropriate
• Develop advocacy materials including researching and drafting fact sheets, talking points, and other materials as required
• Represent the organization at advocacy-related events and conferences 

Strategic Partnerships

• Build relationships and partnerships with key community leaders in the neighborhoods we currently serve as well as those we plan to serve
• Lead and enthusiastically build relationships with Atlanta’s major stakeholders and constituencies, including the media, community groups, elected officials, community leaders, and other influencers.
• 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.
• Establish and maintain a sophisticated state and local political contact network
• 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
• Develop and maintain working coalitions with trade associations and other partners to ensure collaboration on key initiatives
• Educate community leaders, advocates, and elected officials about our schools through relationship building, school visits, community events

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Coach and develop school-based parent engagement personnel through dotted-line management relationships
• Lead and manage 2-4 local community quarterbacks in support of grassroots advocacy objectives
• Work with legal counsel to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations
• Work with Executive Team to identify and analyze regional public policy and advocacy priorities 
• Provide strategic counsel to the CIO and Executive Team on policy and legislative issues
• Serve as a strategic thought partner during regional growth conversations and help inform growth decisions
• Serve as a liaison to the Advocacy Committee of the KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools Board of Directors
• Work collaboratively with the Development & Communications Team to create marketing materials and publicize advocacy activities and initiatives 
• Inform regional and school staff, principals, and parents about coalition activities, as appropriate

Grassroots Advocacy

• Inform regional and school staff, principals, and parents about coalition activities, as appropriate
• Work with the CIO to establish and build a grassroots network of students, parents, and community leaders in support of the organization’s growth plans and legislative priorities
• Work collaboratively with the Family Engagement Specialist to develop a grassroots strategic plan for mobilizing parents; coordinate training and other events
• Work collaboratively with the Family Engagement Specialist to direct field activities when grassroots action is necessary to influence legislation
• Develop local and federal grassroots advocacy campaigns including recruitment, training, engagement, and retention of advocates
• Drive advocate action in the form of email and text campaigns, manage technology applications to track advocate action
• Identify key grassroots allies in local communities (including neighborhood associations, NPUs, civic organizations, etc.) and explore opportunities for deepening our relationships
• Attend external events and plan and host school tours and internal events to build and support relationships with parents, community leaders, and influential supporters

•  
• Bachelor’s degree required,
• Advanced degree preferred
• Minimum 5 years of experience in education, public policy, advocacy, communications, marketing, political campaigns, or lobbying
• Strong political and legislative experience
• Knowledge of, personal ties to the greater Atlanta community
• Strong strategic and critical thinking skills and good judgment 
• Experience working in politically sensitive environments
• Flexible and able to adapt quickly to new, difficult, and/or shifting circumstances
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; confidence in communicating across a wide variety of platforms, including digital, written, and in-person presentations to small and large audiences
• Meticulous attention to detail with an ability to produce high-quality work in a dynamic environment
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to develop relationships with a diverse group of key stakeholders
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, demanding environment
• Team player capable of working both collaboratively and independently
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) 

Compensation:

We offer a competitive salary that depends on prior experience, as well as a benefits package including

• Healthcare (medical, vision, and dental) 
• Life and Long-term Disability
• Additional Voluntary Supplemental Insurance 
• Enrollment in the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia (mandatory for all employees)  

Statement of Non-Discrimination:

KIPP Metro Atlanta is committed to a policy of equal treatment for all individuals applying. KIPP Metro Atlanta does not discriminate based on race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.