KIPP KC is part of a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory charter schools with a track record of preparing students in educationally underserved communities for success in college and in life.  

Together with families and communities, KIPP Kansas City Public Schools works to create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence they need to pursue the paths they choose - college, career, and beyond - so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world. We are a Pre-K through 11th grade school located in the historical 18th and Vine District. We are part of a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory charter schools with a track record of preparing students in educationally underserved communities for success in life. KIPP KC opened its first school, KIPP Endeavor Academy, in 2007 with approximately 31 fifth grade students. Today, KIPP Kansas City has grown to serve students in Pre-Kindergarten through 11th grade and is currently educating approximately 850 students.

The KIPP Forward in Kansas City team provides robust support to students as they prepare for and select the right pathway into their career of highest aspiration based on their interests, passions and aptitudes. After high school, KIPP Forward helps alumni navigate the academic, social, and financial challenges they might encounter while in those pathways and adulthood in general. You can learn more about the KIPP Forward model here.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Postsecondary Reengagement Coordinator is a grant-funded two-year position that will be responsible for ensuring that KIPP Kansas City alumni not currently enrolled in or graduated from universities, two-year colleges, career technical education (CTE) programs, apprenticeships or the military receive the guidance and support needed to successfully enroll in a post-secondary pathway if they so choose. This role includes extensive student outreach to schedule advising sessions and promote exposure opportunities. In addition, this role will be responsible for building partnerships for students to access programs and resources. This position will be housed within the KIPP Forward department and will report to the Access and Persistence Manager in Kansas City. This position will also receive weekly coaching and professional development from the KIPP Foundation Reenrollment Management Support Specialist for the duration of the project.  

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Alumni Support and Engagement

• Serve as an advisor for a caseload of KIPP Kansas City alumni and monitor their progress toward enrollment or reenrollment;

• Devise a strategic intervention plan and carry out direct outreach to disengaged or unenrolled students and assist with educational reentry
  • Reach out to students and parents using phone calls, emails, in-person meetings, social media, etc;
• Maintain a caseload of recently enrolled students to ensure persistence in their pathway of choice. 
• Cultivate partnerships with community agencies, technical/vocational programs and college and university departments to optimize pathways for KIPP alumni that will lead to not only matriculation, but persistence and graduation
• Guide students through aptitude and achievement assessments to help students evaluate their interests, skills, and connect their interest with potential careers;
• Offer individualized support around social and emotional issues and connecting them with mental health and other community resources when appropriate; 
• Assist each student with each step of the college/CTE/vocational enrollment process, including application, orientation, registration and financial aid verification (review and accept awards, loan counseling, SAP eligibility, etc.).

• Help students develop soft skills, such as 
  • Mindsets and soft skills since as self-advocacy, problem-solving, interviewing, networking, etc.;
  • Effective college and scholarship essays, strong resumes, submitting financial aid applications, and other items important for college persistence, internships and jobs;
  • Personal finance (money management, budgeting, building credit, etc.)
• Write effective recommendations for students for scholarships, college applications, summer programs, internships and jobs;
• Recommend and support eligible students to apply for a KIPP Forward Microgrant Fund

Research and Data

• Track and maintain records of student contact, advising meetings, pulse-checks, benchmarks and verification of enrollments of alumni using the Alumni Database (Salesforce);
• Update the Reenrollment Tracker weekly to showcase outreach efforts, intended goals and progress towards those goals and outcomes; 
• Research and stay current on higher education and pathway programs, trends and issues with student impact and make recommendations based on best practices and research;
• Prepare marketing, publicity materials and reports as needed;
• Track Budget expenses and ensure expenditures remain within budgetary limits.
• Propose and implement an incentive program to support in accomplishing the objectives of the grant period

KIPP Forward

• Meet weekly with the Access and Persistence Manager to discuss progress, thought partner, and problem solve;
• Meet weekly with the KIPP Foundation Reenrollment Management Support Specialist to discuss progress,  thought partner, and problem solve;
• Attend meetings, retreats, and conference calls relevant to the assigned caseload, including but not limited to: National Microgrant Fund; KIPP Forward quarterly trainings (virtual and/or in person); Inside Track professional development; and regional professional development opportunities; 
• Develop positive, appropriate relationships with fellow KIPP KC and KIPP Foundation staff members and teachers, viewing each other as teammates and professional colleagues;
• Other duties assigned by the Director of KIPP Forward

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE PREFERENCES:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited 4-year college or comparable experience;
• Prior experience working with students and/or young adults and helping them achieve academic and personal  success, primarily with first-generation, minority, and low-income students; 
• Experience with Kansas City area colleges, CTE, apprenticeship programs and/or military programs; 
• Experience in career counseling with young adults;
• Demonstrated ability to successfully organize and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

• Strong active listening (i.e. seeks to understand the needs and motivations of students) and motivational coaching skills;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Demonstrates knowledge of and respect for the cultures of the community served;
• Demonstrates a growth mindset with the ability to inquire and be open to feedback;
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision;
• An excellent team player;
• Relentless drive to follow up and stay connected with students in order to help them succeed; 
• Outstanding project management skills, with an ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously and meet agreed upon deadlines in a fast-paced environment;
• Proven ability to collaborate and build relationships with stakeholders across functional and organizational lines;
• A current driver license and a willingness to complete the Missouri Class E license exam;
• Demonstrates a high proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Drive, and has previous experience utilizing a database, i.e. Salesforce and Microsoft Excel

Salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience. Additionally, KIPP KC offers a comprehensive benefits package including health coverage and retirement.