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.