Senior Director of Development & External Affairs

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

Job summary

KIPP Baltimore seeks a Senior Director of Development & External Affairs to lead philanthropic revenue, external affairs, and communications in close partnership with the Executive Director. This role oversees a dynamic team, ensures strong donor engagement, and drives strategic growth for the organization and its students.

The SDDEA serves as a public ambassador, coordinates with the board, and champions education equity through strategic campaigns, partnerships, and brand management.

Qualifications

• 8–10 years of progressive leadership in development, advancement, education administration, nonprofit management, or public affairs.
• Proven track record of securing and stewarding major gifts and institutional grants.
• Experience leading multi-functional teams and strategic planning processes.
• Exceptional communication skills and political acumen.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy and execution to meet philanthropic revenue goals and capital campaigns.
• Develop and execute major gifts and institutional giving strategies; cultivate a donor portfolio.
• Oversee development operations including data management and grant reporting (Salesforce).
• Represent KIPP Baltimore in civic and community spaces to build visibility and partnerships.
• Coordinate with the Executive Director to position leaders for high-impact cultivation and solicitation.
• Provide leadership to the Development & External Affairs team and coach staff for excellence.

Skills

Fundraising

Major gifts

Institutional grants

Strategic planning

Communication

Board engagement

Job description

Senior Director of Development & External Affairs

• Full-time
• Start Date: Immediate opening

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

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

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

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.