Job Description

About KIPP

KIPP Public Schools is a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools committed to partnering with students and families to disrupt systemic educational inequity and create a future without limits. Over 120,000 students attend one of the 280 KIPP schools that operate in 27 regions across the United States. KIPP Philadelphia Schools Public Schools (KPPS) is a part of the national KIPP Public Schools network and currently leads eight schools serving over 3000 students in North and West Philadelphia. By 2030, KPPS will lead ten schools serving approximately 4,000 students. 

Our Mission

Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students to pursue the paths they choose—college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world. 

Life at KIPP Philly

At KIPP Philly, we know that talented, committed, and culturally competent educators are the driving force behind our students' success. By creating a school experience that affirms identities, celebrates individuality, and challenges every student to grow, our teachers and leaders amplify the potential of every child. We are dedicated to building a professional environment grounded in joy, candor, care, and community—a place where educators can bring their authentic selves, receive world-class development, and collaborate with peers equally devoted to the work. Here’s what you can expect:

• Commitment to Anti-Racism and Equity: Join a team deeply dedicated to anti-racism, equity, and culturally responsive practices, working to eradicate systemic barriers and create truly inclusive environments.

• Joyful and Inclusive Community: Be part of a close-knit, diverse network of educators who value authenticity, collaboration, and mutual respect, fostering an environment where both adults and children can thrive.

• Rewarding Impact: Your dedication and hard work will be recognized through competitive compensation structures, including performance-based bonuses that reward meaningful outcomes.

• Unparalleled Career Growth: Gain access to strategically designed leadership pathways, grounded in research and tailored to help you grow professionally. From one-on-one coaching to high-quality professional development, we’re invested in your future.

• Authentic Leadership: Show up as your authentic self every day, modeling for students the power of embracing their identities and inspiring them to do the same.

• Student-Centered Excellence: We believe strong relationships and precise preparation are critical to increasing learning outcomes. Together, we create joyful, affirming spaces where students and educators excel.

• Comprehensive Support: Experience robust whole-person support, including personalized coaching, mental health resources, and team-building initiatives that nurture professional and personal well-being.

• Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy a competitive health benefits package, 403B retirement matching, tuition reimbursement for certification, and free access to financial advising services, so you’re supported at every stage of your career.

Job Description

Position Overview

We are seeking a strategic and creative Director of Marketing and Communications (DMC) to lead and evolve KPPS’s narrative and brand in alignment with KPPS’ 2030 strategic plan. This leader will drive our external voice and visibility, while supporting internal alignment across teams and stakeholders in service of student recruitment, staff recruitment, fundraising, amongst other key functional areas. The DMC will oversee the vision, strategy, and execution of marketing and communications across the organization and drive our organizational storytelling.

This role is ideal for a mission-driven communications leader who is passionate about KPPS’ mission, and has a strong sense of narrative strategy, and thrives in fast-paced, collaborative environments.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communications

• Provide visionary, operational, and strategic leadership to shape compelling narratives that amplify KPPS’ vision, values, and impact to stakeholders including families, donors, staff, and other key external stakeholders 

• Ensure streamlined communication and presentation materials for regional leadership

• Lead the creation of templates for family and other stakeholder communications

• Manage crisis communications and develop and maintain messaging and templates that inspire trust, reflect competence, and provide clarity

• Provide strategic counsel and tools for internal communications (newsletter, emails etc), ensuring staff remain informed and connected

• Support with the execution of KPPS’ advocacy efforts through a values aligned communications strategy across multiple channels

Marketing & Brand Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive, integrated, multi-channel, mission-centered marketing strategy aligned with KPPS’ 2030 strategic plan and Portrait of a Graduate

• Evolve and elevate KPPS’ brand identity—ensuring voice, visuals, and values are cohesive across internal and external communications channels

• Manage digital presence, including website content, SEO, social media, and digital marketing campaigns through researched, data-driven strategies

• Lead all media and public relations efforts, including press releases and story pitching

• Design and implement professional development and training for staff and leaders focused on communications and marketing best practices for family engagement, social media presence, enrollment, and crisis communications

• Design, launch, and maintain brand management systems to ensure brand alignment and consistency for internally created branded materials and collateral

• Manage projects that utilize third-party graphic designers, photographers, and video producers for design, marketing, PR, and other creative support services as time and budget allow

• Manage an annual budget to produce marketing collateral, branded swag, and advertising materials

• Project-manage the development of the KPPS annual report, region-wide marketing collateral, school-based enrollment materials, and talent recruitment materials

Cross-Team Collaboration

• Partner with the Talent, Operations, KIPP Forward, and Development teams to co-design and execute communications, media, and marketing strategies that support teacher recruitment, student enrollment and retention, and fundraising goals

• Collaborate with school leadership to ensure school-level messaging is aligned and supported, while uplifting the uniqueness of each KPPS campus

• Participate in KIPP Foundation professional development and build relationships with colleagues in other KIPP regions for knowledge and resource sharing

• Participate in team activities, including staff meetings, school-based events, professional development conferences and retreats, fundraising events, and other public relations opportunities

Operations & Management

• Track, analyze, and report key marketing and communications metrics to regional leadership teams to inform strategy and decision-making

• Manage and maintain a communications calendar to ensure prioritization and values alignment

• Refine and maintain a stakeholder engagement CRM (Salesforce) system

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required

• A deep commitment to the mission of KIPP and an unwavering belief in the potential of our students

• 5-7 years of relevant experience in marketing, communications, public relations, or brand strategy, preferably in a mission-driven or education-focused organization

•  Proven ability to independently manage complex projects from strategy to execution with exceptional attention to detail, a high bar for quality, and a sense of ownership

• Deep understanding of social media, digital strategy, brand management, and culturally responsive communications practices

• Demonstrated success building trust and working effectively across all levels of an organization—from school-based staff to senior leadership—while balancing feedback and maintaining alignment to goals

• Highly-motivated and self-driven, with the ability to prioritize, problem-solve, and navigate ambiguity

• Creative thinker, exceptional writer and storyteller, who can generate compelling ideas, tailor messaging to different audiences, and connect brand vision with tactical action

•  Experience translating complex information into accessible, engaging communications

• Graphic design experience or proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite/Canva

Additional Information

Compensation

• Salary is commensurate with experience. Ranging from  $105,000-120,000.
• Comprehensive benefits package included, including 100% employer-paid health benefits for employees and their families, a 403b matching program, and access to free financial advising services.

Note to Applicants

KIPP Philadelphia Schools is an equal opportunity employer. Employees are selected on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law. 

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