Senior Director of Development & External Affairs

Role Overview

The Senior Director of Development & External Affairs (SDDEA) is a key leader on KIPP Baltimore's leadership team, charged with advancing the organization's strategic priorities through philanthropic revenue, external affairs, public-private partnerships, and communications. In close partnership with the Executive Director, the SDDEA serves as a chief architect of KIPP Baltimore's long-term growth and impact strategy. The SDDEA leads the Development & External Affairs (DevEA) team, supports Board engagement, stewards the organization's brand, and cultivates mission-aligned investment. They serve as a thought partner in cross-functional strategic planning and act as a public ambassador for KIPP Baltimore.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Fundraising & Capital Growth (50%)

• Lead strategy and execution to meet and exceed annual philanthropic revenue goals and multi-year capital campaign targets, ensuring long-term financial sustainability for KIPP Baltimore.
• Develop and execute individual strategies to engage top donors in the region.
• Develop and maintain a robust major gifts and institutional giving pipeline; personally cultivate and steward a portfolio of high-impact individual, corporate, and institutional donors.
• Partner with the Executive Director to position senior leaders, board members, and campaign committee members for high-impact cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.
• Oversee development operations, including gift processing, data management (Salesforce), prospect research, and grant reporting to ensure excellence and accountability in all fundraising activities.

External Affairs & Strategic Partnerships (25%)

• Represent KIPP Baltimore in civic, philanthropic, and community spaces to build and strengthen relationships that advance organizational visibility, alignment, and mission impact.
• Actively participate in formal and informal coalitions, working groups, and strategic partnerships to position KIPP Baltimore as a leader and advocate in key areas, including: public education and equity in Baltimore, Maryland, and beyond; charter management organization advocacy; and career and college pathway access for students and alumni.
• Cultivate mission-aligned corporate, civic, and philanthropic partnerships to expand access to resources, networks, and opportunities for students, families, and staff.
• Collaborate across departments to design authentic, high-quality engagement experiences for donors, volunteers, and partners that reflect community voice and organizational priorities.

Communications & Brand Management (15%)

• Develop and implement an integrated communications plan that elevates KIPP Baltimore's visibility, strengthens public understanding of its mission, and advances organizational goals.
• Serve as editor-in-chief and brand steward; oversee the creation and execution of collateral, campaigns, digital media, and storytelling strategies that inspire investment and advocacy.
• Act as primary media liaison and ensure crisis communication protocols are in place, safeguarding and strengthening KIPP Baltimore's reputation.

Organizational Leadership, Board, and Team Management (10%)

• Provide leadership and partnership to KIPP Baltimore's Board of Directors, including: serving as staff lead for the Development Committee and co-lead for the Governance Committee; partnering with volunteer leaders to set annual goals, manage donor engagement strategies, and build a sustainable pipeline of prospective board members; and coordinating volunteer leadership activities and ensuring board members are equipped to be effective fundraisers and ambassadors.
• Lead a high-performing, equity-centered Development & External Affairs team, setting clear expectations, providing coaching, and fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and growth.
• Contribute to cross-functional strategy, planning, and decision-making to ensure alignment of development, communications, and external affairs with organizational priorities.
• Drive organizational consistency and alignment on messaging, advancement goals, and long-term external engagement vision.

Qualifications

• At least 8–10 years of progressive leadership in development, advancement, education administration, nonprofit management, or public affairs
• Proven record of securing and stewarding measurably impactful partnerships, major gifts, and institutional grants
• Experience leading multi-functional teams and strategic planning processes
• Exceptional communication skills and political acumen
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for serving as a visible ambassador and advocate for KIPP Baltimore's students, alumni, staff, community, vision, and values
• Deep belief in educational equity and the mission of KIPP Baltimore

Pay

$128,000-$145,000