Regional Office: Chief Development Officer - Greater Boston (2024-2025) - KIPP Massachusetts Public Charter Schools

Our Mission

The mission of all of KIPP Massachusetts schools is to create an environment where students develop the academic skills, intellectual habits and character traits necessary to maximize their potential in high school, college and the world beyond. Our program is based on:

• A focus on high-quality instruction supported by rigorous professional development to ensure that our students develop the academic skills necessary to pursue the life they choose.
• A high regard for character development to ensure that our students and staff celebrate and develop their character and identity strengths.
• An emphasis on family engagement, because we believe that our students are most likely to be able to maximize their potential when we work in partnership with our students and their families.
• A focus on college readiness for all students so that all students can make choices about their post-secondary education and future.

What We Do

We seek to provide a world-class education for students from educationally underserved communities in Lynn and Boston. Our student demographics mirror those of neighborhood schools in terms of race, socioeconomic status, Multilingual Learners (MLL), and students who receive special education services.

Our promise to families is that their children will enter college and the professional world able to thrive academically due to their literacy, numeracy, and core knowledge in science and social studies. We also promise that our students will develop the zest for learning and grit necessary to persevere as they climb the mountain to and through college and career. Our graduates will be prepared to return to their community as teachers, leaders, and architects of continued growth in Lynn and Boston.

Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity Vision

At KIPP Massachusetts, we believe that Knowledge is Power. Every day, our team and family have the opportunity to either perpetuate systems of oppression or disrupt them. We are compelled by the ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusivity. Therefore, we continuously commit to operating as an anti-racist organization.  Read more at Diversity Equity Inclusivity Vision.

Who We Are

KIPP Massachusetts began enrolling students in 2004. We currently hold two charters, operating two “districts.” Our first district, KIPP Academy Lynn Charter School, is based in Lynn, MA.  Our second district, KIPP Academy Boston Charter School, is based in Mattapan, MA. Each district is housed on one or more “campuses,” which we use to refer to different grade spans, for example, elementary grades, middle school grades, or high school grades.

In Lynn, KIPP Academy Lynn Elementary (serving grades K-4), KIPP Academy Lynn Middle (serving grades 5-8), and KIPP Academy Lynn Collegiate (serving grades 9-12), are all under our Lynn charter.  Admission to any grade in the Lynn district is admission to all remaining grades in the Lynn district K-12. 66% of our students in Lynn are Hispanic, 23% are African American and 11% are other races/ethnicities.

In Boston, KIPP Academy Boston Elementary (serving grades K-4), and KIPP Academy Boston (serving grades 5-8), are both under our Boston charter.  Admission to any grade in the Boston district is admission to all remaining grades in the Boston district, K-8. 68% of our students in Boston are African American, 30% are Hispanic and 2% are other races/ethnicities.

Across both districts, KIPP Massachusetts will serve over 2,200 students.

KIPP National

KIPP Massachusetts partners with the KIPP Foundation, or KIPP National, which is a non-profit national network of college-preparatory public charter schools serving elementary, middle and high school students.  KIPP National has a 25-year track record of preparing our students in educationally underserved communities for success in college and life.

There are 242 KIPP schools in 20 states plus the District of Columbia educating over 100,000 students on their path to and through college and career.  We believe that excellent academic, safe and structured schools, empowered teachers, an emphasis on character development and support through college are the foundation for student success, and we strive to provide this for every student.

All KIPP schools, whether they are in Massachusetts or in other states, are part of the free public school system in their respective states and enrollment is open to all students.  KIPP public charter schools are given more academic and budgetary flexibility than traditional public schools, and in exchange commit to deliver high-quality academic results for students.

Chief Development Officer

This is a varied and dynamic role, as well as a critical one within the KIPP MA Leadership and Development team. The team is focused on driving and supporting strategy for the organization through revenue generation and strategic partnerships. The team ensures KIPP Massachusetts can provide current and future KIPP MA schools with the resources necessary to educate students and families in underserved communities so that they may lead fulfilling lives.

The role will include reaching key milestones of the team’s multi-layered fundraising plan, including annual and long term fundraising goals, planning for key events, and supporting specific regional strategies. As the sole member of the Development team, you will develop specific donor strategies, prepare initial prospect research and ensure effective stewardship practices, and grow our fundraising results with minimal help, demonstrating a high degree of autonomy and initiative.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Chief Development Officer will be primarily responsible for front-line fundraising, cultivating and maintaining investor and partner relationships, identifying new KIPP MA supporters, leading the KIPP MA development strategy, and deepening relationships with established KIPP MA champions. This role requires aligning fundraising needs with the overall strategic goals of the organization to maximize impact.

This is an ideal opportunity for an individual who is passionate about education, equity and accessibility, has a relentless drive to deliver results, and who is motivated and empowered by the opportunity to serve as an external leader for KIPP MA, galvanizing diverse stakeholders in support of KIPP MA’s mission.

Responsibilities: 

Donor Acquisition

• Play a critical role in the acquisition of new donors and supporters for KIPP MA’s work in Massachusetts, including identifying and researching new prospects, crafting engagement plans, and cultivating relationships
• Securing major gifts for both the Annual Fund and Campaigns
• Cultivate champions for KIPP MA and our students and families through advocacy and raising awareness around educational inequity in MA and across the US, KIPP MA, our mission, and track record of results
• Support the team in cultivation of new donors through timely follow up with visitors and other key stakeholders/prospects
• Develop positive and purposeful prospect and donor relations through closely tracking, observing and reflecting on all prospect contact and engagement

Donor Relationship Management, Engagement, and Stewardship

• Oversee annual fundraising of $1,000,000 
• Plan and execute a campaign of $10,000,000 
• Serve as main point of contact for investors and partners in your portfolio (top 100 donors for KIPP MA)
• Work with the Executive Director to develop and implement relationship building activities and execution on donor portfolio 
• Monitor progress of annual giving fundraising program and prepare analysis and reports to development team with outcomes;
• Support the planning and execution of events and visits, including school based, board member, and philanthropic
• In coordination and partnership with Director of Communications, determine a calendar of annual appeals to reach all donors 
• Execute said calendar (via direct mail, electronic mail, phone solicitations) with defined messaging and segmentation strategies for each
• Own all in person tours with current and prospective donors (including foundation leaders) and include key stakeholders (MD, Chiefs, ED) as necessary
• Execute donor research in advance of visits and prospect meetings; generate briefing for ED in advance of donor meetings
• Create and provide meaningful stewardship efforts quarterly for our top-tier donors, and to your portfolio of donors, that impress them and help them see how impactful their support of KIPP is. 
• Lead the KIPP MA Development Committee on the Board of Trustees and manage KIPP MA Board giving

Foundation Management

• Serve as the main point of contact and liaison for all private and public grant opportunities and foundation relationships 
• Manage and generate grant revenue for all KIPP MA programs through timely submission of well-researched, well written and well-documented grant proposals 
• Oversee all grant tracking and grant reporting

Development Strategy

• Together with the Executive Director, Chief of Staff, and Director of Communications, plan and execute the regional fundraising strategy, including to envision, develop and execute specific donor engagement and giving opportunities
• Ensure alignment of fundraising priorities with key organizational priorities
• Align fundraising efforts to key priorities and imperatives of KIPP MA
• Establish a close feedback loop between key donor prospects and KIPP MA leadership
• Provide critical input into collateral, including investment proposals and decks, grant proposals, appeals and the annual report
• Provide critical input into senior stakeholder engagement
• Create and maintain strong systems and infrastructure to track and strengthen our donor database, including data analysis and management
• Created dashboard and pipelines based on donor database

External Relations

• Serve as a liaison and point of contact for all external stakeholders - including donors, foundations, legislatures, and other key stakeholders
• Build and maintain relationships with corporate partners to establish volunteer opportunities at schools, in-kind donations, and potential funding opportunities for KIPP MA
• Provide excellent written and verbal communication with stakeholders

Administrative: Donor Recognition, Database, and Mailings Management 

• Manage Raiser’s Edge database, mailing lists, and mailings
• Lead data input of new donors and contacts, gifts and actions
• Manage donor recognition process, including thank you packages, plaques, personal notes/calls from the team, and other forms of recognition within one week of gift receipt 
• Reconcile gifts and run weekly and monthly data reports to share progress 
• Lead 1:1 monthly meetings with ED to review data and required follow up actions
• Maintain health of the database by performing monthly health checks for duplicates, open actions, and open pledges.

Qualified candidates have the following:

Experience and Knowledge

• Experience in fundraising for non-profit organizations
• Proven track record of a successful campaign
• At least 5 or more years of raising 3 million dollars or more annually
• Proven ability and track record of soliciting and closing five and six figure gifts
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, appropriate and compelling for a senior, external audience
• Self-starter with an intense focus on results and the ability to persevere through challenges to reach goals
• A Bachelor’s degree
• Ability to problem solve, navigate and lead through complexity
• Demonstrates a growth mindset and a desire to continually improve through feedback, coaching, and professional development
• Ability to model KIPP’s values at all times
• Competency in donor database management, Raiser’s Edge experience a plus
• Previous experience with advocacy and community engagement a plus
• Previous experience in the charter realm a plus

Skills and abilities

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, appropriate and compelling for a senior, external audience
• Self-starter with an intense focus on results and the ability to persevere through challenges to reach goals
• Ability to work effectively under pressure
• Detail-oriented, responsive, and organized professional 
• Ability to problem solve, navigate and lead through complexity
• Demonstrates a growth mindset and a desire to continually improve through feedback, coaching, and professional development
• Ability to model KIPP’s values at all times
• Competency in donor database management, salesforce experience a plus
• Previous experience with advocacy and community engagement a plus
• Previous experience in the charter realm a plus
• COVID-19 vaccination required, unless medically or religiously exempt

Attitudes

• A belief in the mission and values of KIPP
• Committed to the belief that all students can learn and achieve at high levels
• Passion for education equality and access
• Motivated by a fast-paced, diverse, collaborative working environment
• A flexible can-do approach, self-motivation, resilience and a willingness to adapt to the changing needs and priorities in the team and across the organization
• Considerable tact and discretion in dealing with highly confidential information
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity 

General Requirements and Responsibilities

• Embody KIPP MA’s Code of Conduct by acting with integrity, leading with humanity, centering self-awareness and critical consciousness, taking personal responsibility, and engaging productively
• Participate and engage in regional professional development and community events as required

KIPP MA staff are supported in their demanding work by experienced and dedicated leadership and staff who have themselves proven successful in their role. Our KIPP MA Executive Leadership Teams maintain consistent systems and procedures designed to permit staff to do their best work. 

In addition to the responsibilities listed above, there will occasionally be other duties as assigned that staff will engage in to help promote a positive and safe learning environment and culture.

KIPP MA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe in the importance of being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization that enables all of our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building an exceptional team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. We also strive to ensure an inclusive community by creating a space for meaningful dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students. We hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability

What We Offer

The minimum salary range for this exempt position is $150,000 to $180,000 (per 1.0 FTE/45 hours per week). The role includes a $1,000 signing bonus—and an annual $2,000 retention bonus in subsequent years, as well as other bonuses, when eligible. For more about what we offer, how to apply and more about KIPP MA, please visit this link HERE.