Job Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools (KPPS) seeks an ambitious self-starter to join the Strategy and Planning team as the External Affairs Manager (EAM). The EAM will operate with a deep understanding of the KIPP Philadelphia brand and will serve as one of the lead ambassadors of our brand, ensuring that a variety of stakeholders across Philadelphia are clear on and feel connected to our mission, approach, and priorities. The EAM will build brand awareness by managing our social media platforms, building relationships with local elected officials, engaging with KPPS alumni, and leading our communications and media strategy.  The EAM will oversee and manage the marketing of KPPS 5-year strategic plan. The EAM reports directly to the Managing Director of Strategy and Planning (MDSP).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

This role will ultimately require an understanding of local Philadelphia politics, strong relational skills, and a passion for communications and branding. Special projects and tasks as expected include, but are not limited to:

SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGY AND MANAGEMENT:

• Maintain KIPP Philadelphia Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn accounts by posting frequently, interacting with followers, and working to gain followers
• Create a social media strategy that increases applications for talent recruitment, increases parent and alumni engagement, and maintains a positive brand and robust online presence for KIPP Philadelphia
• Create monthly Medium blog posts to share interesting stories about KIPP Philadelphia
• Manage the KIPP Philadelphia website

LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS AND COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT:

• Maintain an up-to-date understanding of local education advocacy efforts, positions of local and state officials, and the Philadelphia School Board and brief the CEO and MDSP as needed
• Attend all School District of Philadelphia board meetings on behalf of KIPP Philadelphia
• Attend advocacy forums (e.g. Philadelphia Education Forum) on behalf of KIPP Philadelphia
• Maintain a relationship with state and local elected officials
• Host local elected officials for school tours and meetings with the CEO
• Maintain a relationships with local business organizations in North and West Philadelphia

_ _COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA MANAGEMENT:

• Support the CEO and MDSP with media relations, including drafting media advisories and press releases, and serving as a media point of contact as needed
• Support the MDSP with drafting talking points and short speeches for the CEO

 ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT:

• Build a KIPP Philadelphia Young Alumni association to keep alumni engaged in both advocacy and development for KIPP Philadelphia

Qualifications

The ideal candidate must be a relationship builder who is creative, informed, and highly responsive. They must be willing to take risks and to seek out great stories to get KIPP Philadelphia’s name out in the local community. Although this is a manager-level position, this person manages the day-to-day for all communications, media relations, and advocacy to maintain the external brand of KIPP Philadelphia. A penchant for understanding the local education politics in Philadelphia is essential as well.

The following key competencies are a must for this position:

• STRONG WRITTEN AND ORAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS: understands persuasive and informative writing, and is able to use writing and oral communication to convey KIPP Philadelphia’s key messages; comfortable with speaking publicly on behalf of KIPP or willing to build this skill
• SOCIAL MEDIA SAVVY: is comfortable and confident actively managing social media accounts, setting social media strategy, and designing brand-aligned graphics and content; strong design eye is a must!
• PROACTIVE COMMUNICATOR: keeps leadership in the loop on progress, barriers, and needs, and understands the value of proactive communication; knows when to get input and feedback from peers and supervisor before moving forward
• HIGHLY EFFICIENT: understands that media stories are of-the-moment and must be pursued quickly and efficiently to get our voice in the story and shape the narrative
• CREATIVE RISK-TAKER: is excited about getting the word out about the amazing things going on at KIPP and is willing to think outside the box to get our messages across and connect with a diverse audience
• TEAM PLAYER: is able to work across teams with other individuals to build stories, collect data, and further the mission of KIPP Philadelphia
• GROWTH MINDSET: is willing and eager to learn from others; takes an active role in own professional development ensuring critical skills and competencies are continuously sharpened; comfortable giving and receiving feedback
• FLEXIBLE: enjoys a role where no day is the same, as this role includes a diverse range of responsibilities

 In addition, the candidate must have the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree (required)
• Commitment to the belief that all students can learn and to the mission of educational equity; model’s KIPP Philadelphia’s values at all times
• Outstanding organizational skills and high attention to detail
• Comfortable and confident navigating and actively using social media platforms: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn
• Ability to manage ambiguity and multiple priorities inherent in an entrepreneurial environment
• Proactive problem solver who demonstrates initiative
• Professionalism, discretion, and diplomacy
• Strong follow-up and follow-through skills with a focus on results
• Strong work ethic coupled with and enthusiastic and passionate approach to one’s work
• Willingness to travel locally in between schools and to meetings throughout the day
• Complete all required criminal and child abuse background checks:
  • PA State Police Clearance
  • PA Child Abuse Clearance
  • Cogent Federal Fingerprinting

Additional Information

COMPENSATION

• The salary range for this role starts at $60,000 and is commensurate with experience.
• All KPPS staff members have access to comprehensive health benefits for themselves and their families, a 403B matching program, and free financial advising services