Senior Director of Development & External Affairs

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
    • 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
    • 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