About KIPP Kansas City Public Schools:

KIPP Kansas City Public Schools is part of a nationwide network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory charter schools dedicated to preparing students in educationally underserved communities for success in college and life. Our strength as a region serves as a catalyst for empowerment, change, and hope.

Founded in 2007, KIPP Kansas City Public Schools began with KIPP Endeavor Academy, serving approximately 31 fifth-grade students. Today, we educate approximately 1,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade, with our community continuing to expand. Together with families and communities, we strive to create joyful, academically excellent schools that equip students with the skills and confidence to pursue their chosen paths—whether college, career, or beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and contribute to a more just world.

Position Overview:

The Senior Director of Student Experiences & Community Engagement at KIPP Kansas City is responsible for fostering student engagement and building strong, collaborative relationships between KIPP Kansas City, students, families, and the broader community. This leader will design and implement innovative programs that enhance student experiences, support family involvement, and promote community partnerships that enrich student learning and growth. Reporting to the Managing Director of Academics and Innovation, this role will work closely with school leaders, students, and families to create a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive school culture.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Student Engagement and Development

  • Lead the development and execution of programs and initiatives that enhance the student experience, including extracurricular activities, clubs, leadership development programs, and community service projects.
  • Collaborate with academic leaders to align student engagement initiatives with KIPP Kansas City’s mission and academic goals, ensuring a holistic approach to student development.
  • Coordinate large-scale student events, such as student leadership conferences, college and career fairs, and cultural events, ensuring alignment with regional priorities and values.

• Family and Community Engagement

  • Establish and cultivate strong relationships with families and community partners to increase family involvement and community support for student success.
  • Design and implement family engagement programs that educate, empower, and involve families in their child’s educational journey.
  • Collaborate with community organizations, local businesses, and public agencies to create partnerships that provide resources, mentorship, and enrichment opportunities for students and families.

• Program Development and Strategic Planning

  • Develop a strategic plan for student experiences and community engagement, setting annual goals and outcomes aligned with the regional vision.
  • Collaborate with school leaders and teams to assess the effectiveness of student engagement programs and community initiatives, using data to guide program improvements.
  • Create systems to track participation, measure program impact, and ensure equitable access to all student and family engagement opportunities.

• Professional Development and Team Support

  • Provide training and resources to school leaders, teachers, and staff to support student and family engagement strategies across campuses.
  • Develop and implement professional development programs that focus on culturally responsive engagement practices and effective communication with diverse families and communities.
  • Act as a mentor and leader to support staff involved in student experiences and community engagement roles.

• Advocacy and Stakeholder Communication

  • Represent KIPP Kansas City in local forums, community events, and public relations activities to promote student success and engagement initiatives.
  • Actively engage with local, state, and national stakeholders to advocate for policies and resources that support KIPP Kansas City’s students and families.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for community organizations and external partners, fostering an inclusive and collaborative approach to community engagement.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, Public Relations, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in student services, family/community engagement, or education program leadership, with demonstrated experience in building community partnerships and managing programs.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences and build consensus across stakeholder groups.
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines

Skills and Competencies: 

• Commitment to KIPP KC’s mission and values
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse environment
• Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Fosters an inclusive environment for students, staff, and families
• Works effectively with colleagues and stakeholders
• Builds strong relationships within the KIPP KC community
•  Ability to develop and execute strategic plans that enhance student and community engagement aligned with the organization's vision
• Strong skills in building and maintaining collaborative partnerships with families, local organizations, and community members
•  Ability to collect, analyze, and use data to inform program decisions and demonstrate the impact of student and family engagement initiatives
• Deep commitment to creating an inclusive environment that respects and values the diversity of students, families, and communities
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with experience in coordinating large-scale events and initiatives

Physical Requirements: 

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. 
• The person in this position needs to be able to move about inside and outside the school or office throughout the workday.
• The candidate is expected to attend conferences, meetings and training sessions both virtually and in person within the Region. 

Work Environment

• Reports to work Monday-Friday and some weekends. 
• A typical school or office environment with frequent interruptions.

Travel Requirements:

• Ability to travel to work location. 

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary is based on years of experience, educational background, and level of expertise.

As a full-time KIPP Kansas City employee, you are eligible to participate in all KIPP Kansas City benefit plans. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits with competitive rates, including medical, dental, and vision options, as well as life insurance, fertility, and disability plans.

KIPP Kansas City is committed to the professional growth and development of our staff. We provide numerous opportunities for advancement, ongoing professional development, and leadership training to help you achieve your career goals.

KIPP Kansas City provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.