Senior Director of Development & External Affairs

KIPP SoCal Public Schools; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 128,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

KIPP Baltimore invites applications for the Senior Director of Development & External Affairs to lead fundraising, external affairs, and communications in support of long-term growth and impact. You will partner with the Executive Director to steward major donors, manage a cross‑functional team, and serve as a public ambassador for the organization.

The role oversees development operations, boards engagement, and brand management, driving equitable outcomes for students and families in Baltimore.

Qualifications

• 8–10 years of progressive leadership in development, advancement, nonprofit management, or public affairs.
• Proven record of securing and stewarding major gifts, institutional grants, and partnerships.
• Experience leading multi‑functional teams and strategic planning processes.
• Exceptional communication skills and political acumen.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for serving as an ambassador for KIPP Baltimore’s mission and values.
• Deep belief in educational equity and the organization’s goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy and execution to meet annual philanthropic revenue goals and multi-year capital targets.
• Develop and maintain major gifts and institutional giving pipelines; cultivate high-impact donors.
• Oversee operations like gift processing, data management (Salesforce), and grant reporting.
• Represent KIPP Baltimore in civic spaces and build strategic partnerships.
• Develop and implement integrated communications plans to elevate visibility and mission understanding.
• Lead and coach a high-performing, equity-centered DevEA team and collaborate cross-functionally.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Fundraising

Communication

Board governance

Donor cultivation

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

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.

Company Description

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.

Job Description

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

Compensation

$128,000-$145,000

Additional Information

Start Date: Immediate

Statement of Non-Discrimination

KIPP Baltimore is committed to the ideal of diversity in its student body and in its faculty and staff. KIPP Baltimore does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, or ethnicity. We are strongly committed to hiring a diverse and multicultural staff and encourage applications from traditionally under‑represented backgrounds.