Director of Employee Engagement - KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools

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About KIPP

KIPP Public Schools is a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools committed to partnering with students and families to disrupt systemic educational inequity and create a future without limits. Over 120,000 students attend one of the 280 KIPP schools that operate in 27 regions across the United States. KIPP Philadelphia Schools Public Schools (KPPS) is a part of the national KIPP Public Schools network and currently leads seven schools serving approximately 2,800 students in North and West Philadelphia. By 2030, KPPS will lead ten schools serving approximately 4,000 students. 

Our Mission

Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students to pursue the paths they choose—college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world. 

Life at KIPP Philly

We know that talented, committed, culturally competent teachers and leaders have the power to amplify our children’s potential by creating a school experience that affirms their identities, values their individuality, and challenges them each day. We’re all about  creating a professional environment full of joy, candor, care and community where excellent educators can be their authentic selves, receive top-notch development and grow alongside peers who are equally committed to the work. Educators at KIPP –

• Are committed to anti-racism, equity and inclusion
• Are rewarded for their impact and hard work through performance bonus pay structures 
• Have access to upward mobility and career growth through our strategically designed, research based leadership pathway programming.
• Are part of a close-knit, diverse community of educators working together in service of children 
• Show up as their authentic selves, inspiring our children to do the same
• Believe school should be a joyful, affirming space for both children and adults
• Believe that strong relationships and precise preparation are critical to increasing learning outcomes
• Are supported as a “whole person” – mentally and professionally – through  1:1 coaching, high quality professional development and strong team relationships.  
• Enjoy a competitive, comprehensive health benefits package, a 403B retirement matching program, tuition reimbursement to pursue certification, and free access to financial advising services

The Director of Employee Engagement will work to continuously improve systems and structures to maximize engagement of nearly 400 KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools employees in fulfilling our mission and embodying our core values.  The ideal candidate possesses the ability to lead the design and implementation of employee engagement programs that considers the employee tenure from the moment an employee begins their relationship with KPPS and throughout their career.  The Director of Employee Engagement will also be comfortable engaging in and coaching others in crucial conversations.  The Director of Employee Engagement reports to the Managing Director of Staff Engagement and Talent Development and will be a critical partner to Heads of Schools and School Leaders in employee engagement activities, in day-to-day interpretation and implementation of organizational policies, as well as participation in employee accountability conversations and communications.

Key Responsibilities

Initial Employee Experience

• Collaborate with Human Resources and the Recruitment team to ensure initial communication meets our vision for staff onboarding.
• Collaborate with cross functional teams in the vision setting, planning, and execution of New to KIPP Orientation.
• Collaborate with school teams on successful onboarding of mid-year school based hires.

Continuous Employee Engagement

• Utilize data from engagement surveys and other team feedback to provide programs, resources, and coaching to leaders and employees on strategies to build engagement and enhance the employee experience (engagement measures, TNTP survey, turnover, and exit interviews).
• Partner with KPPS external impact team on an employee communications strategy.
• Create calendar/programming for employee engagement events and initiatives.
• Facilitate Rewards and Recognition programs centered around student impact and our core values.
• Stay up to date with the latest best practices in employee experience and staff retention.
• Collaborate with cross functional teams in creating strategic initiatives to enhance attraction and retention of under-represented groups.

Employee Policy Management

• Partner with the Managing Director of Employee Engagement and Development to annually update and improve Employee Handbook, engaging leadership and incorporating data from continuous employee engagement.
• Partner with Heads of Schools and School Leaders to support staff education and understanding of policies so that they can be executed equitably.
• Partner with Human Resources Director to be Employee Resource in Employee Policy implementation.
• Shares resources and provides support to School Leaders so that they can successfully uphold policies in their buildings. 

Employee Relations 

• Partner with Heads of Schools and School Leaders to hold high standards of fidelity and consistency to employee policies.
• Consistently conduct company investigations in instances when an employee grievance and infractions are reported.
• Document employee relations conversations once investigations complete, communicating results to affected parties, and supporting employees and leadership in final resolution.

Employee Experience while Ending the Employee Relationshi

• Collaborate with Human Resources to ensure final communication meets our vision for staff offboarding.
• Conduct Exit Interviews, compiling information to seek areas of existing strength in employee engagement and opportunities for continued improvement.

Qualifications & Credentials

• Bachelor’s degree with ideally 5 years of equivalent work experience
• Experience in diagnosing, designing, developing, implementing, and evaluation strategic employee engagement and retention strategies
• Project Management Skills
• Proven ability to facilitate change in a complex environment
• Subject matter support in staff retention and engagement 
• Manage multiple high-level programs and projects
• Strong data analysis and critical thinking skills
• Strong research skills
• Maintain a professional demeanor in all interactions
• Handle sensitive situations with tact, diplomacy, and appropriate confidentiality

Describe your perks and culture