Strategic Education Fundraising Director

Company Description

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.

Job Description

Director of Fundraising and Development at KIPP Kansas City leads the design and execution of a comprehensive fundraising strategy to sustain and grow the region’s impact. This role is responsible for securing philanthropic support that advances KIPP KC’s mission to prepare students with the academic skills and character strengths needed to succeed in college, career, and life. The Director partners closely with the Executive Director, Regional Leadership Team, and Board to build a high‑performing development function grounded in equity, community engagement, and results.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Fundraising Leadership

• Develop and execute a multi‑year fundraising strategy aligned to KIPP KC’s strategic plan and growth goals.
• Set and manage annual revenue targets across major gifts, grants, corporate partnerships, and events.
• Partner with regional leadership to align fundraising priorities with academic programming, facilities, and student support initiatives.

Major Gifts and Donor Stewardship

• Build and manage a portfolio of individual donors, with a focus on cultivating and securing major gifts.
• Design and implement a stewardship model that authentically engages donors in KIPP KC’s mission and impact.
• Lead personalized donor communications, including impact reports, school visits, and engagement events.

Grants and Institutional Funding

• Identify, pursue, and secure foundation and institutional funding aligned to KIPP KC priorities.
• Oversee grant writing, submission, and reporting in collaboration with program and finance teams.
• Build long‑term relationships with local and national funders committed to educational equity.

Corporate and Community Partnerships

• Develop strategic partnerships with Kansas City‑based corporations and community organizations.
• Secure sponsorships and in‑kind support for regional initiatives, student experiences, and events.
• Position KIPP KC as a key partner in workforce development and college‑to‑career pathways.

Events and Campaigns

• Lead the planning and execution of high‑impact fundraising events (e.g., annual gala, community campaigns, giving days).
• Drive annual fund strategies that increase participation from families, staff, alumni, and community supporters.
• Ensure events reflect KIPP KC’s brand, student voice, and community‑centered values.

Board Engagement and Regional Visibility

• Partner with the KIPP KC Board to strengthen fundraising capacity and engagement.
• Equip board members with tools and strategies to serve as effective ambassadors and fundraisers.
• Represent KIPP KC externally to build awareness, credibility, and philanthropic investment in the region.

Systems, Data, and Compliance

• Build and maintain strong development systems, including donor database management and reporting tools.
• Track and analyze fundraising performance, using data to refine strategy and improve outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with all fundraising regulations and KIPP Foundation guidelines.

Team Leadership and Culture

• Build and manage a high‑performing development team (staff and/or consultants).
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and mission alignment.
• Partner cross‑functionally with regional and school leaders to elevate storytelling and impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field required; CPA or master’s degree preferred.
• 5–8 years of progressive experience in Fundraising, grant writing, business development, budgeting, or finance leadership.
• Experience in nonprofit, education, or multi‑site organizational finance preferred.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, payroll compliance, budget development, and internal controls.
• Demonstrated experience leading annual budgets and financial planning processes.
• Proficiency with accounting and payroll systems, financial reporting tools, and advanced Excel skills.
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and analytical skills.
• Commitment to KIPP KC’s mission, students, families, and values.
• Relentless focus on results and a commitment to teamwork.
• Deep commitment to educational equity and underserved communities.
• Satisfactory outcome of a background check.

Additional Information

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.
• 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.