Organization Overview

KIPP is a national network of free, open‐enrollment, college‐preparatory public schools in under‐resourced communities throughout the United States. There are currently 281 locally‐run KIPP regions in more than 25 states and Washington, DC, and nationally KIPP serves approximately 80,000 students. More than 80 percent of KIPP students come from low‐income households, and more than 95 percent are African American or Hispanic/Latino.  Through high expectations for students and staff, world‐class teachers and principals, more time in school, autonomy over budget and curriculum, and a focus on results, KIPP schools prepare traditionally underserved students for success in college and in life. KIPP schools have been widely recognized for their success in doing so, and today nearly 85% of KIPP alumni nationally have matriculated to college. 

All KIPP schools share a core set of operating principles, known as the Five Pillars, that KIPP believes help to lay the foundation for students to perform at the highest academic levels: High Expectations, Choice & Commitment, More Time, Power to Lead, and a Focus on Results.

KIPP Minnesota Overview

Who we are: KIPP Minnesota Schools is a network of high-performing college-preparatory public charter schools. Next year, we will serve over 700 students in grades K through 2 and grades 5 through 8 at two co-located schools (primary and middle) in north Minneapolis. KIPP Minnesota Schools is a fast-growing, entrepreneurial organization with significant growth plans in the coming years.

What we do: We do whatever it takes to help our students develop knowledge, skills, and strong character. We work relentlessly so that every one of our students has the opportunity to attend college and has access to the life of choice and opportunity that college provides. The KIPP Minnesota Regional Team supports our schools, school leaders/ principals, and staff through organizational and academic alignment, business management, strategic planning, and back office functions.

How we do it: There are no shortcuts to success. Outstanding educators, rigorous lessons, more time in school, and strong school culture support our students as they climb the mountain to college. We work as a team, use data, and constantly reflect to improve our practice. We believe all of our KIPPsters can make it to and through college and we stay with them every step of the way.

Why it matters: In our communities, approximately 1 in 10 students earn a college degree. We believe that this is unjust and unacceptable and, most importantly, can be changed. Nationwide, over 85% of KIPP middle school alums matriculate to college.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director of Development position is a critical role in the  KIPP MN community. This position develops, organizes, and implements all KIPP Minnesota’s fundraising strategies, including the major gifts program, donor relations, annual fund, planned giving, events, campaigns, and grants. They foster and advance positive external relationships with potential and existing funders and donors through regular community outreach and engagement. The Director partners closely with, and reports to the VP of External Relations in all development and fundraising endeavors. This is a full-time position, entrusted to showcase the KIPP Minnesota mission throughout the community and lead the development strategy to a fundraising success by meeting the annual goals established on the strategy.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage, cultivate, and steward relationships with current donors and new prospects, traveling as needed for networking opportunities.
• Manage and maintain SalesForce donor list, including establishing and tracking new prospects and fundraising dashboard. 
• Lead achievement of fundraising annual goal in collaboration with the VP of External Relations.
• Partner with the VP of External Relations and Board Development Committee on the strategic development of KIPP’s annual development strategy. 
• Work with the VP of External Relations to implement the specific fundraising goals, prospect development, and annual events. 
• Identify and prioritize prospects to set achievable annual and multi-year goals based on fundraising priorities. 
• Lead logistics for the KIPP Minnesota Annual Gala, in partnership with the VP of External Relations and Director of Marketing and Communications, and establish Event Planning Committee.
• Oversees the planning and execution of fundraising events with the support of volunteers and the External Relations team. 
• Draft, manage, and oversee the writing and reporting of all grants. 
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships and communications at all levels of the organization. 
• Other duties as assigned

DESIRED EXPERIENCE 

Required 

• Bachelor’s Degree with at least 5 years of experience in fundraising, development, and grant writing.
• Experience in nonprofit fundraising preferred.
• Ability to effectively communicate with and engage donors.
• Patient, motivated, well organized, with exceptional communication skills

Highly Preferred 

• Experience working in historically educationally underserved communities and communities of color

COMPENSATION

Salary: $55,000-65,000

*In order to establish equitable salary practices; the compensation package is derived from the Regional KIPP Minnesota pay scale and benefits package, which includes medical, dental, life, long-term disability and retirement benefits as well as an annual salary review and revision.

How to Apply 

We are committed to hiring a diverse and multicultural leadership team and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented backgrounds. Please apply online here. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

KIPP:MN is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: KIPP:MN is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all candidates and  employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on our business need, job requirements and required qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by ​​protected by federal, state or local laws. KIPP:MN will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.”

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation and training.