KIPP Capital Region is a part of a national network of high-performing public Charter Schools committed to creating joyful, academically excellent, and prepared students with the skills, ability, and confidence to pursue their paths to college, career, and beyond.

Located in both Albany and Troy, NY, KIPP Capital Region serves 2, 500 students in grades K-12 across seven schools. We believe every individual walks through the doors of schools bearing gifts. Talent. Perspective. Drive. Inspiration. So at KIPP Capital Region, we support every student and educator to see those gifts, then build the skills and confidence they need to thrive.

We are committed to furthering anti-racism, equity, and racial justice in all our efforts, and expect all of our stakeholders to participate in this work so that we can create a future without limits for our students, together.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director of KIPP Forward will be responsible for setting the strategic vision for KIPP Forward and ensuring that all KIPP Capital Region students and alumni receive comprehensive and effective post-secondary advising and support. This role focuses on providing exposure, guidance, and assistance to students and their families as they explore and plan their best post-secondary pathways.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Development and Execution:

• Execute the KIPP Forward strategy and vision in alignment with the organizational goals, collaborating closely with the high school Principal and Regional Leadership.
• Design and implement a strategic plan for the KIPP Forward program that drives college matriculation, persistence, and career services.
• Set annual goals for the KIPP Forward team in partnership with school leadership to enhance student outcomes.
• Develop and implement persistence strategies to ensure that alumni graduate within 4-6 years and lead successful, fulfilling lives.

Alumni Support and Programming:

• Engage in O3s conversations with KIPP alumni about academics, finances, and socio-emotional well-being.
• Conduct home visits with alumni and their families as necessary for support and mentoring.
• Work with the KIPP Forward team to develop and refine strategies that support alumni in their post-secondary pathways.
• Manage post secondary scholarships and grant funds, ensuring accurate financial reporting and accountability.
• Oversee career persistence programming during the summer months and support alumni in navigating challenges related to post-secondary success.
• Manage student and alumni events throughout the year, ensuring engagement and support for their post-secondary journeys.

Communication and Stakeholder Relations:

• Collaborate with other directors and regional leadership on strategic initiatives and cross-functional projects.
• Maintain consistent communication with high school Leadership and staff regarding resources available to support students through college.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with college/university staff, admissions offices, and various partner organizations to address barriers for KIPP students.
• Communicate effectively with key stakeholders, including students, parents, faculty, staff, and board members, to foster engagement and support for college completion initiatives.

Team Management and Professional Development:

• Lead, manage, and develop the KIPP Forward team, including KIPP Forward Associate Directors, College Counselors, and Seminar Instructors, to ensure excellent outcomes for students and alumni.
• Provide ongoing management, professional development, and feedback to the KIPP Forward staff.
• Plan and lead quarterly professional development for KIPP Forward teammates to enhance their effectiveness.

Data Management and Analysis:

• Collect, analyze, and monitor data from partner institutions to determine best practices for supporting KIPP alumni.
• Manage the entry of student and college data into the Alumni Database and Overgrad and create data reports on persistence and degree attainment for regional and school leaders.
• Track and maintain records of alumni contacts, benchmarks, and enrollment verifications.

Program Development and Partnerships:

• Develop strategic partnerships with colleges and organizations to provide academic, social, and career support for students.
• Oversee KIPP Forward initiatives focused on college readiness, access, persistence, completion, and career readiness.
• Promote and manage scholarship applications, including those for KIPP Foundation Scholarships and other competitive programs.

KIPP Capital Region:

• Perform other duties as outlined by the HS Principal, MD of Schools, and Chief of School to ensure the success of all students in their postsecondary journeys.
• Committed to furthering anti-racism, equity, and racial justice in all our efforts, and expect all our stakeholders to participate in this work so that we can create a future without limits for our students together.
• Complies with all charter, federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including the NYS Department of Education, Department of Health, and NYS Office of Children and Family Services
• Adheres to organization policies and procedures; promotes and supports mission, vision, and values, including developing and participating in internal surveys and data collection for continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Commitment to anti-racism and equity
• Strong DEI lens with exceptional creative power in leading anti-racist practices
• Thrives in a fast-paced, team-oriented, mission-driven culture
• Demonstrates a growth mindset and a desire to continually improve through feedback
• Strong work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit, and flexibility to accommodate the high level of responsibility, multiple priorities, and rapidly changing environment
• Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams in a rapidly changing environment.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule outside of regular business hours.
• Ability to create and work within an inclusive environment that honors and supports a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives.
• Take a Criminal Background Check

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited College or University required.
• 3-5 years experience in college access work, including student advising, academic advising, college counseling, college access, college admissions, school counseling, college advising, college persistence, and/or 3 years experience teaching.
• Preferred experience working directly with students, preferably required in the charter, private, or public school environment.
• Prior experience working in schools and urban communities is preferred but not required.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule outside of regular business hours.
• Aptitude to create and work within an inclusive environment that honors and supports a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives.

Additional Information
WORK PERKS
When you join KIPP Capital Region, you are joining in on our promise to families 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 a passion for learning and the drive 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 the Capital Region. And while the biggest perk to working at KIPP Capital Region is doing work that makes a lifelong difference in the lives of our students, you'll find that's not the only benefit we offer:

• Generous time-off
• Industry-leading medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Aggressive employer 403(b) contribution match
• Childcare benefits
• Unparalleled work/life integration
• Casual dress code
• Relocation stipend (conditions apply)
• And so much more! For more information on the benefits of joining KIPP Capital Region, please view our Employee Benefits Summary .

Learn More:
KIPP Capital Region offers a competitive salary ranging from $109, 300 to $120, 800 for this exempt role.

Salaries are determined using an equitable compensation scale that accounts for years of experience relevant to the role and longevity within the KIPP network. KIPP Capital Region will evaluate and determine the step/level a new hire will be placed within our grade salary scale at point of hire.

All staff and educators at KIPP Capital Region are committed to anti-racism and inclusion, are part of a close-knit diverse community, and are encouraged to show up authentically, inspiring our children to do the same. Learn more about what it's like to work at KIPP Capital Region: kippcapital.org/join-our-team/

This role is located at KIPP Capital Region schools in Albany, NY.