Director of Strategic Projects

Organizational Overview:

KIPP Atlanta Schools is part of the KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) national network of free, open enrollment, college-preparatory schools dedicated to ensuring that every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities. There are 280 KIPP schools in 21 states and the District of Columbia serving more than 175,000 scholars and alumni. KIPP Atlanta currently operates 11 schools including five primary schools, six middle schools and one high school, as well as KIPP Forward which supports scholars on their journey to a choice-filled life. We are a social justice organization and our vision and mission require the work of dedicated, bold and skilled leaders, educators, and support staff who are committed to serving as the catalyst for joyful, academically excellent schools and the foundation for building a more just and equitable world for our scholars.

What We Value:

• Good Decision-Making: “I make thoughtful decisions in alignment with my school’s and organization’s values.”

• Peer Accountability: “I hold all Big KIPPsters accountable to our schools’ and organization’s values, standards, and expectations.”

• Excellence Always: “I do all aspects of my work with excellence - the big and the little things, the parts being monitored as well as those not monitored.”

• Communication is Key: “I communicate with both honesty and love. How I communicate nurtures courage, belonging, partnership, and progress toward our promise to KIPPsters and families.”

• Scholars Over Everything: “I put our scholars first, 100% of the time, without fail. I quickly resolve any and all adult-centered concerns and qualms to reserve my individual and our collective time and attention for our KIPPsters.”

• Walk Trumps Talk: “I chose this social justice career. And so, I behave in alignment with my choice. My behaviors match our promise to our scholars and families.”

• “Us” Only: “I belong to every member of our organization, and every member of our organization belongs to me. I choose unity always - in both the good times and hard times.”

Job Summary:

The Director of Strategic Projects will bring project management, strategic planning, and implementation support for key organizational initiatives as assigned by the Chief Strategy Officer. This may include conducting research and proposing solutions to improve efficiency and effectiveness across the regional support team, or owning execution of key projects to support our strategic priorities. The Director of Strategic Projects must excel at building relationships across a wide variety of constituencies, be data driven and have a record of driving results. The Director of Strategic Projects will help lead cross-functional projects, help implement accountability structures and ensure effective internal communication so that the key activities across the organization are well coordinated, especially between our schools and within the regional support teams. The Director of Strategic Projects will report to the Chief Strategy Officer, and is a member of the Strategy team.

Job Responsibilities:

Strategy Implementation

40%

• Supports the work of the Chief Strategy Officer in identifying and developing network-wide system improvements to support KIPP Atlanta Schools growth

• Lead the annual planning processes across the regional support teams by establishing tools and alignment for progress monitoring organizational priorities, serving as a thought partner with functional teams as they build monitoring systems and processes

• Thoughtfully considers the impact of decisions, and facilitates resolutions that protect the organization’s interests and prioritizes scholar needs

• Convert new ideas into action; promote efficiency by assessing processes, determining gaps, and offering solutions; generate new ideas; serve as thought partner to leadership and strategic plan initiative owners

• Support the strategic planning process and annual planning process at the regional and school level

• Collaborate with the finance team to establish an annual budget that supports our annual priorities

• Establish and maintain a bar of excellence for translating annual plans into systems for execution (including dashboards, meeting calendars, and communication plans)

• Design and execute internal communications, training, and support to ensure rigorous monitoring of plan implementation

• Support building a set of operating structures (e.g. monthly meetings, team town halls, communication calendars) and operating agreements that enable us to work together effectively as a team.

Cross Functional Project Management

50%

• Providing coordination and oversight in the development of strategic initiatives and special projects for the executive team, support team, and schools

• Performing integrated analysis and strategic consultation on issues impacting the organization

• Preparing briefings, memos, or presentations to communicate findings as appropriate

• Leading cross-functional project teams to achieve specific outcomes on behalf of the organization

• Assisting in screening and selection of consultants on special projects; managing overall relationship to ensure alignment and successful execution

• Working with multiple consultants and external stakeholders weekly to achieve our Strategic Plan

• Hold high standards for project management while empowering others to proactively and creatively problem-solve

• Identify and mitigate impending risks and barriers to successful strategic project implementation

• Create and manage project plans, ensuring all stakeholders meet deadlines, understanding organizational risk, serve as a thought partner when issues arise and bubble up challenges to the leadership team as needed

• Maintain 20% flex capacity to provide support to teams and/or schools to build or execute plans aligned to priorities or provide design support for teams undertaking transformational work

• Facilitate cross-functional team meeting exploring emerging priorities and preparing for the future

Operations Support

10%

• Leverage budget to adequately plan scope of work to include consultants, external support, and school visits; support with all finance processes and requirements

• Support with meeting preparation and facilitation for key meetings including content creation, logistics, documentation, and follow up

• Support with logistics planning and execution aligned to supporting our Strategic Plan (e.g., travel, conference attendance, school visits, partner meetings, etc.)

Required

• Bachelor’s degree

• Minimum 7 years of professional work experience , including at least 5 years of supervisory and management experience

• Outstanding leadership skills; team-builder capable of motivating and developing teams and driving results through collective achievement

• Exceptional strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to solve complex problems, manage both big picture and details, and exercise sound judgment

• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing priorities; ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced, demanding environment; comfortable working with ambiguity

• Exceptional organizational skills; demonstrated ability to develop systems and manage projects and processes

• Track record of leading successful change management across multiple teams or initiatives

• High self-awareness, humility, and integrity; personally driven to learn and grow; values enabling others to succeed and builds relationships grounded in respect and trust

• Strong team player with excellent customer service orientation; ability to communicate, teach, and present effectively to diverse audiences, including senior leaders

• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality while working with sensitive information and decisions

• High level of professional integrity and commitment to KIPP Atlanta’s mission

• Ability to model organizational values and maintain professional relationships with stakeholders across the organization

Preferred

• Experience working in a large, dynamic, mission-driven organization

• Experience using project management tools such as Asana, Monday, or similar platforms

• Experience navigating complex legal, political, or community environments

• Experience communicating or presenting to executive leadership or Board members

Compensation & Benefits:

Compensation is competitive and aligned with KIPP Atlanta Schools’ leadership salary bands. The salary range for this role is $95,000- $160,000 and is based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity. Most new hires are placed in the lower to mid-range of the salary range. Placement near the top of the range is uncommon at hire and reserved for individuals who exceed role qualifications through depth of expertise, leadership maturity, and proven results leading complex initiatives with sustained, organization-level impact. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including health insurance, retirement options, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

KIPP Atlanta Schools offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• 20 days of Paid Time Off, in addition to identified holidays

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical and dental), life insurance and optional short and long term disability

• Counseling and Telehealth Options

• Paid Parental Leave

• Participation in Georgia retirement plan and an optional 403(b) retirement plan.

Location & Work Conditions:

This position requires:

• This role requires schedule flexibility; work hours vary based on campus needs and may include evenings and occasional weekends.

• This position has hybrid flexibility but does require regular presence on campus and in schools and in required meetings around the region; Must be based in Atlanta

• This position requires routine physical activity associated with normal office environments.

• This position may require the ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

• Ability to engage in school-based activities requiring standing, walking, and mobility

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit an application online.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

KIPP Atlanta Schools is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Duties may be adjusted based on school and organizational needs.