Manager of KIPP Forward

About KIPP Kansas City Public Schools:

KIPP Kansas City Public Schools is part of a nationwide network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory charter schools dedicated to preparing students in educationally underserved communities for success in college and life. Our strength as a region serves as a catalyst for empowerment, change, and hope.

Founded in 2007, KIPP Kansas City Public Schools began with KIPP Endeavor Academy, serving approximately 31 fifth-grade students. Today, we educate approximately 1,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade, with our community continuing to expand. Together with families and communities, we strive to create joyful, academically excellent schools that equip students with the skills and confidence to pursue their chosen paths—whether college, career, or beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and contribute to a more just world.

Key Responsibilities: 

Program Management and Student Support:

• Support the Director of KIPP Forward in the implementation of the college and career readiness program.

• Manage a caseload of students, providing individualized postsecondary counseling to support college applications, financial aid, and career readiness.

• Organize and lead postsecondary access programming, including college visits, career exploration trips, guest speaker events, and family engagement workshops.

• Ensure students receive consistent counseling support by scheduling and managing regular 1:1 student-counselor meetings.

• Maintain relationships with colleges, universities, and career programs to expand opportunities for students.

• Assist in the execution of KIPP Forward’s "Match Strategy," ensuring that students are matched with best-fit postsecondary institutions or career pathways.

Family and Community Engagement:

• Engage families by organizing workshops and events related to college admissions, financial aid, and career options.

• Communicate regularly with families to keep them informed about their student’s progress and postsecondary options.

• Serve as a liaison between families and external partners, such as college admissions representatives and scholarship organizations.

• Coordinate and manage events such as College Nights, Financial Aid Nights, and Career Fairs.

Team Collaboration:

• Work closely with the Director of KIPP Forward and the high school counseling team to execute the KIPP Forward strategy.

• Attend weekly team meetings and contribute to discussions about data, goals, and student progress.

• Assist in the coordination of training and professional development for college and career counselors.

• Support the Director in providing feedback and coaching to the KIPP Forward team

• Plan and facilitate professional development workshops for staff to ensure all stakeholders are aligned on how to support students' postsecondary journeys.

Data Tracking and Reporting:

• Track student progress in postsecondary readiness, including application submissions, college acceptances, financial aid awards, and career program enrollment.

• Monitor and report on key metrics related to postsecondary outcomes.

• Regularly report data on student progress to the Director of KIPP Forward, school leadership, and regional leadership.

• Assist with preparing data reports for internal and external stakeholders, including the KIPP Foundation and college admissions offices.

Postsecondary Pathway Expertise:

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge on postsecondary education, including college admissions, financial aid, and alternative career pathways (e.g., technical education, military, gap year programs).

• Advise students on various postsecondary options, ensuring they are aware of all potential pathways that align with their interests and aspirations.

• Stay informed about trends in postsecondary education, particularly those affecting underserved and special populations (e.g., undocumented students, students with IEPs).

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Counseling, Education, or a related field preferred.

• At least 3-5 years of experience in college counseling, career readiness, or a related field.

• Experience working with underserved populations and/or first-generation college students.

• Demonstrated success in improving student postsecondary outcomes, particularly for underserved populations.

Skills and Competencies: 

• Commitment to KIPP KC’s mission and values

• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse environment

• Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

• Fosters an inclusive environment for students, staff, and families

• Works effectively with colleagues and stakeholders

• Builds strong relationships within the KIPP KC community

• Deep understanding of college admissions, financial aid processes, and alternative postsecondary pathways.

• Proven ability to lead, manage, and inspire a team of counselors and staff to achieve ambitious outcomes.

• Strong skills in building and maintaining relationships with external partners, including colleges, universities, and scholarship organizations.

Physical Requirements: 

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. 

• The person in this position needs to be able to move about inside and outside the school or office throughout the workday.

• The candidate is expected to attend conferences, meetings and training sessions both virtually and in person within the Region.

Work Environment

• Reports to work Monday-Friday and some weekends. 

• A typical school or office environment with frequent interruptions.

Travel Requirements:

• Ability to travel to work location. 

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary is based on years of experience, educational background, and level of expertise.

As a full-time KIPP Kansas City employee, you are eligible to participate in all KIPP Kansas City benefit plans. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits with competitive rates, including medical, dental, and vision options, as well as life insurance, fertility, and disability plans.

KIPP Kansas City is committed to the professional growth and development of our staff. We provide numerous opportunities for advancement, ongoing professional development, and leadership training to help you achieve your career goals.

KIPP Kansas City provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.