What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief of Staff position at KIPP?
Company Description
KIPP Public Schools is a non-profit network of college-preparatory, public charter schools serving elementary, middle and high school students. Our schools are part of the free public school system and enrollment is open to all students in Baltimore City. KIPP Baltimore was founded in 2002 with the opening of KIPP Ujima Village Academy middle school. In 2009, KIPP Harmony Academy was launched, and they now collectively serve more than 1,500 kindergarten through eighth grade students each day. Both schools are operated by KIPP Baltimore, whose mission is together with families and communities, to create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose —college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world.
In addition to the high-quality academic opportunities that students receive while attending KIPP Harmony Academy and KIPP Ujima Village Academy, KIPP Baltimore also makes a long-term investment in our students both while they are at KIPP schools and beyond through the KIPP Forward program. KIPP Forward supports and guides students to gain admission to college-preparatory high schools and supports them on pathways to post-secondary success. KIPP Baltimore is part of a non-profit network of 255 college-preparatory, public charter schools educating early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school students.
Job Description
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Chief of Staff is a critical member of KIPP Baltimore’s senior leadership team, working cross-functionally as an organizational leader to bring KIPP Baltimore into its next chapter of growth and innovation. KIPP Baltimore’s Chief of Staff manages functions critical to the region’s success, including finance, HR, risk and our KIPP Forward program.
This is an ideal opportunity for seasoned professionals with a track record of building systems in organizations that have moved from start-up to long-term sustainability. The incoming KIPP Baltimore Chief of Staff is people- and community-oriented in their approach to ensuring KIPP Baltimore’s schools, families, and teams have the resources to thrive.
Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Partnership:
As a member of the senior leadership team, act as a thought partner to the Executive Director, helping to shape the organization’s strategic priorities and ensuring alignment across teams.
Assist in the development and execution of strategic plans and organizational goals, ensuring they are achieved efficiently and effectively.
Serve as an ambassador for the Executive Director in internal and external meetings, and support the coordination of key events or stakeholders.
Act as a liaison between the Executive Director and senior leadership team, ensuring clear communication, alignment, and smooth execution of key initiatives.
Direct the planning and implementation of special initiatives, such as new programs, policy changes, or school expansion efforts.
Cross-Functional Operational Support:
Design and facilitate cross-functional team meetings to ensure effective collaboration and accountability across all departments.
Streamline internal processes and workflows to increase efficiency, and manage day-to-day operations to ensure optimal functioning across the organization.
Work closely with the leadership team to identify and address operational challenges or bottlenecks.
Oversee management of key data and reporting, ensuring key metrics are tracked, reviewed, and utilized in decision-making.
Finance, HR, and Risk Leadership:
Develop and execute the strategic financial vision for KIPP Baltimore.
Oversee strategic financial planning that reflects educational priorities and sustainability.
Partner with the Executive Director to develop and execute a growth strategy for a new school’s model for Baltimore schools, while maintaining the financial health of the organization through the lens of facility acquisition and financing.
Supervise organization-wide accounting practices to ensure continuous compliance in all aspects of financial reporting.
Lead region-wide management of insurance, and other risk management strategies.
Direct the preparation of reports to meet the compliance needs of government agencies, grants, and bank covenants.
Manage HR & Finance staff responsible for payroll, accounts payable and receivable, bank reconciliations, and petty cash.
Support Principals and School Operations Leaders with the training, tools, and supervision needed to effectively manage school-level financial operations.
Support strong grant management.
Supervise the management of human resource functions (benefits administration, onboarding, employee relations, compliance, outplacement counseling, exit interviews, etc.).
Direct the implementation of strong performance management systems that result in consistent feedback, coaching and development of staff.
Board Support:
Lead the preparation of materials for Board meetings, including drafting and gathering reports, synthesizing key information, and ensuring proper follow-up.
Serve as a key resource for Board members and help facilitate communication between the Board and senior leadership.
Staff Leadership and Development:
Manage Regional Operations Manager and Director of KIPP Forward, serving as coach and accountability partner, fostering a culture of professional development and growth.
Promote organizational values and lead by example to cultivate an inclusive and supportive work environment.
Qualifications
Education & Experience:
A bachelor’s degree in education, business, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
At least 5-7 years of experience in a leadership role, preferably in education, nonprofit, or public sector settings.
Proven experience in project management, operational efficiency, and cross-functional team leadership.
Skills & Attributes:
Strong strategic thinker with the ability to prioritize, problem-solve, and execute at a high level.
Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages for different audiences.
High level of emotional intelligence and ability to navigate complex relationships.
A commitment to KIPP’s mission and values, and a deep understanding of the challenges facing underserved communities.
Additional Information
KIPP Baltimore Compensation & Benefits
At KIPP Baltimore, we are committed to providing competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that supports the well-being and growth of our employees.
Salary Range: $145K - $165K (based on experience and qualifications)
Our benefits package includes:
Health & Wellness
Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
Employer-paid life insurance, short-term, and long-term disability coverage
Access to mental health resources and employee assistance programs (EAP)
Time Off & Leave
Paid Time Off (PTO), plus scheduled school breaks
Paid parental leave
Retirement & Financial Benefits
401(k) retirement plan with a 4% employer match that requires no vesting period
Additional Perks
Bonusly employee recognition program
Access to discounts and wellness perks through our benefits providers
A strong, mission-driven culture
For more information about this position, please contact Hilarie Yoffe, Recruitment Manager, at [email protected] or 410-564-9241
Statement of Non-Discrimination: KIPP Baltimore is committed to the ideal of diversity in its student body and in its faculty and staff. KIPP Baltimore does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, or ethnicity. We are strongly committed to hiring a diverse and multicultural staff and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented backgrounds.
Salary : $145,000 - $165,000
