Executive Director

KIPP, the Knowledge Is Power Program, is a national network of free, open enrollment, college preparatory public schools dedicated to preparing students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose.

There are 278 KIPP schools in 21 states and the District of Columbia, serving more than 120,000 students. Nationally, KIPP students are nearly twice as likely to persist and graduate from a four-year college compared to their peers.

About the Organization

KIPP North Carolina is a network of eight tuition-free, college-preparatory public charter schools educating approximately 3,000 students in grades K-12 in Durham, Halifax, Northampton and Mecklenburg counties. At KIPP NC, we are committed to improving the life outcomes of North Carolina’s children through the delivery of culturally relevant curricula that are grounded in research, and clearing the paths that our students choose to follow by ensuring that they have the roadmaps and guideposts they need to arrive at success – however they define it.

KIPP North Carolina is also committed to building the pipeline of the state’s most talented and effective teachers and leaders through competitive compensation, integrated professional development led by coaches and mentors, and resources they need to succeed, all rooted in core values that articulate our collectively designed organizational beliefs:

Core Values

Pursue Excellence: We uphold high standards for our staff, and are committed to providing the necessary resources, training, mentorship and feedback to help each staff member not only meet, but exceed, expectations. We believe excellence is a habit and a sustained pursuit, not an endpoint.

Build Knowledge: We offer our educators robust school-based, regional and external professional development opportunities, before the start of and during the school year, designed to empower them with the latest teaching strategies and technology integration techniques. School Leaders and a statewide teacher development team provide professional coaching for school-based staff and foster collaborative learning, encouraging the exploration of effective teaching strategies and best practices.

Fight Injustice: As a staff, we dismantle the white supremacy within our institution and deepen our own learning and understanding of anti-racism and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) through providing organization-wide regular workshops designed to holistically guide us through the redesign of our workplace culture through the lens of liberation. Additionally, we train and prepare our educators to deliver culturally responsive curricula that respect learners’ cultures and prior experiences, and acknowledge and value the legitimacy of different cultures, not just the dominant culture of a society.

Spark Joy: We believe in publicly and privately acknowledging and celebrating the outstanding contributions of our staff, and recognize exceptional individuals across the region. We also understand the importance of fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. We organize monthly school-based staff outings to provide an opportunity for our team to unwind, socialize, and engage in activities that promote camaraderie and a sense of community.

Rise Together: We create space for our region to assemble and celebrate all successes – a space in which we strengthen community by embracing each other’s unique identities, and honoring the contributions that will allow us to lift as we rise in the years ahead. We believe Team always beats Individual.

About the Role

What You’ll Do

The Executive Director (ED) will serve as the chief leader of the KIPP region and will be responsible for the strategic, operational, and academic leadership of the schools in the region. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED will ensure the schools’ sustainability and scalability, foster a cohesive culture, manage regional leadership teams, and lead the financial health of the organization.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Strategic Vision and Leadership:

• Develop and execute the region’s long-term vision and strategic plan in alignment with KIPP’s mission.
• Set academic, operational, and financial goals and manage them to ensure the organization’s growth and sustainability.
• Adapt strategies to meet changing internal and external conditions, fostering innovation in leadership and instructional practices.

Instructional Leadership and Academic Results:

• Provide oversight and leadership in the development and implementation of high-quality academic programs across all schools.
• Ensure curriculum, assessment, and data management systems are aligned to achieve strong student outcomes.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring academic excellence and character development are at the core of every KIPP school.

Team Leadership, Culture, and Talent Development:

• Build and maintain a high-performing regional leadership team, including school leaders, administrative staff, and operations teams.
• Create a culture of accountability and transparency across all levels of the organization. Foster a “One KIPP” culture of collaboration, equity, and inclusion across schools and teams.
• Build trust and transparent communication within and across regional and school teams.
• Recruit, retain, and develop talent within the organization, ensuring a diverse and inclusive team of high-performing leaders.

Operational/Financial Management and Fundraising:

• Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and compliance to ensure the region operates efficiently and sustainably.
• Develop fundraising strategies and cultivate relationships with local and national donors, philanthropic organizations, and government agencies to ensure diverse revenue streams.
• Ensure the efficient management of school facilities, human resources, vendor contracts, and information technology systems.

Community and External Relations:

• Serve as the public face of the region, building strong partnerships with local community leaders, parents, school districts, and other key stakeholders.
• Engage with the broader KIPP network to participate in national initiatives, ensuring the region remains aligned with the network’s goals and values.
• Actively engage in advocacy efforts to support charter schools and expand educational opportunities for underserved communities.

Board Engagement:

• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to define the strategic direction and goals of the organization.
• Provide the Board with regular updates on the organization’s performance and strategic initiatives.
• Work closely with the Board Chair to strengthen Board engagement and recruit new Board members.

Who You’ll Work With

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will oversee the management of school leaders and regional staff and represent the region in the broader KIPP network.

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or advanced certification preferred
• 10+ years of leadership experience in education, public charter systems, or non-profits with at least 5 years in a leadership role, with a proven record of success in leading complex organizations or networks
• Experience in fundraising and working with Boards of Directors in nonprofit or educational settings
• Experience leading systems to fast academic growth and achievement
• Demonstrated success in driving academic, operational, and cultural excellence through others
• Strong understanding of charter school governance and educational policy
• Strategic and Visionary Leadership: Demonstrated ability to develop and articulate a clear vision for the future, driving innovation while ensuring alignment with KIPP’s mission
• Results-Driven: Proven track record of setting and achieving ambitious goals, particularly in challenging or high-growth environments
• Talent Development: Strong background in recruiting, developing, and managing high-performing teams, with a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment
• Relationship Building: Exceptional ability to build trust with stakeholders, including students, parents, community partners and leaders, donors, and staff.
• Financial Acumen: Experience overseeing financial operations, ensuring long-term sustainability through diversified revenue streams and sound financial planning.

Benefits

• Healthcare (medical, vision, and dental) at no cost to individual employees and deep discounts for dependents
• Health Reimbursement Account for additional medical and health and wellness expenses up to $1,200-$1,700
• Paid time off for all major national holidays (including Fall Break, Winter Break, Spring Break)
• 4-8 weeks of Paid Parental Leave for childbirth, adoption and foster care
• Enrollment in a retirement program with employer match up to 6% of annual wages
• 23-30 days of additional Personal Time Off and Sick Leave annually depending upon tenure
• All FTEs provided $25,000 in Basic Life & AD&D Insurance; additional Voluntary Life & AD&D coverage available
• Short and Long Term Disability, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity coverages available

Additional Details

The Executive Director will work from schools 3 – 4 days each week. Travel is expected between KIPP NC’s three geographies (Charlotte, Durham, and Halifax/Gaston). The ED must live in North Carolina.

Equal Opportunity Employment

KIPP North Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KIPP North Carolina is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment. We commit to partnering with local businesses and hiring talent from within the neighborhoods we serve when developing and maintaining our schools. By prioritizing these connections, we strengthen economic opportunities, foster long-term investment, and ensure that our schools reflect all members of the communities they are built to support.