Managing Director of Strategic Planning & Execution

Job Description

Job Description

Managing Director of Strategic Planning & Execution

Job Summary

The Managing Director of Strategic Planning & Execution is the lead owner of KIPP DC's strategic plan — its launch, ongoing progress monitoring, and cross-functional execution — within the Strategy, Impact, and Transformation function. The starting salary range for this role is $137,746-$152,245. This is a full-time, with occasional flexibility role based at KIPP DC HDQ with an immediate start date.
About KIPP DC

For 25 years, KIPP DC has partnered with students, families, and the community to create joyful, academically excellent schools across the nation’s capital. Today, our network of 22 schools educate more than 7,500 students in grades PreK3-12, supported by 1,500 dedicated teachers, leaders, and staff.

Our work is grounded in five pillars–Academic Excellence, Joy & Sense of Belonging, Highly Effective Teachers and Leaders, Safe, Structured, and Nurturing Learning Environments, and Commitment to College Readiness–which ensure every student is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue success in college, careers, and beyond. Our schools combine high expectations with joyful, affirming environments that nurture academic success and personal growth for students and staff alike.

As part of the national KIPP network, we share best practices and innovations while maintaining deep roots in Washington, D.C. Together, we strive toward a future without limits for our students, alumni, and community.

About the Role
The Managing Director of Strategic Planning & Execution plays a pivotal role in successfully launching and driving KIPP DC's strategic plan to results. Reporting to the Head of Strategy, Impact, and Transformation, this position leads strategic planning, execution, and implementation and the cross-functional management required to translate KIPP DC's strategic vision into disciplined, system-wide action. An additional portion of the role sustains the organizational culture, change management, and team-building work that supports that execution.

Location and Type of Work

Occasional flexibility (4 days per week onsite)

As a headquarters team that is focused on being responsive to our schools and meeting the needs of our students and families, we approach our work in a way that reflects these priorities. Schools operate in person and our students and families rely on us for in-person support, and this position will regularly provide on-site support to school teams, frequently partner with other headquarters teams, or regularly work in multiple locations. Because of the nature of the work, this role allows for occasional flexibility and will be required to be onsite 4 days per week.

Responsibilities
The percentages for each key responsibility are estimates, and other duties may be assigned. Flexibility and responsiveness are encouraged to accommodate organizational needs.

Strategic Planning and Execution (45%)

• Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing monitoring of KIPP DC's strategic plan, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission, vision, and 2030 strategy.
• Manage the annual operational planning cycle, translating strategic priorities into actionable plans with clear owners, milestones, and accountability structures.
• Own KIPP DC's system-wide strategic planning cadences, ensuring school and HDQ alignment on priorities and progress.
• Lead the development and ongoing monitoring of the data infrastructure required to successfully implement and track progress against the strategic plan.
• Supervise the director of strategic initiatives in conducting research and analysis, and monitoring progress toward strategic goals.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to achieve strategic goals and objectives, serving as an integrating force across the Strategy, Impact, and Transformation function.
• Manage budget alignment for strategic priorities and track initiative progress and reporting.

Change Management for Strategic Plan Execution (25%)

• Lead the planning and implementation of change management initiatives, ensuring that new ways of working are adopted with fidelity across school and HDQ teams.
• In partnership with the external affairs team, develop and execute communication strategies that support change management efforts and organizational coherence.
• Build leader change capability, equipping senior and school-based leaders with tools and frameworks to lead their teams through transition.
• Design and facilitate learning experiences for senior leaders, school leaders, and all staff — from strategic planning sessions to all-staff convenings — that build shared understanding of the plan and drive alignment behind it.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of change initiatives, adjusting approaches based on evidence.
• In partnership with the Head of Strategy, Impact and Transformation, coordinate support for the School Leader Advisory including content design, facilitation, and communication.

Cross-Functional Collaboration (15%)

• Partner with leaders across functions and schools to establish KIPP DC's annual system operating rhythm, creating structured opportunities for alignment, implementation feedback, and informed executive decision-making.
• Ensure effective and transparent information flow across the organization.
• Supervise the director of strategic initiatives in managing cross-functional projects, executive priorities, board relations, and communications.
• Support the development of governance materials and executive communications as needed.

Team Leadership and Function Building (10%)

• Lead and develop a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment within the strategy and culture portfolio.
• Directly supervise the associate director of events and culture and the director of strategic initiatives, providing regular feedback and coaching to support professional growth.
• Delegate effectively and build capacity in team members to take ownership of their work.
• Own the monitoring of functional team data and progress against strategic plan milestones, assessing performance and providing recommendations to course-correct and keep the plan's project management on track.
• Manage the budget and corresponding Workday Financials functions for the strategy and culture portfolio within the Strategy, Impact, and Transformation function.
• Build the function's capacity over time, identifying opportunities to strengthen systems, workflows, and team impact as the school system's needs evolve.

Organizational Culture, Convenings & Events (5%)

• Champion KIPP DC's values and lead efforts to foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing organizational culture, including meaningful professional development opportunities that build leader capability across the system.
• Design and execute the annual calendar of system-wide convenings, ensuring alignment across school and HDQ teams.
• Ensure the execution of organization-wide events that build community, celebrate achievement, and reinforce staff belongingKIPP DC's culture.
• Manage the culture and events team in developing and implementing strategies to enhance employee engagement, onboarding, and retention.

Requirements & Preferences

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• 10 years of professional work experience, with 5 years of progressively responsible experience in people management or leadership

Preferred Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience in organizational strategy, change management, organizational leadership, or strategic plan leadership preferred 

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand frequently