Managing Director of Strategic Planning & Execution

Managing Director of Strategic Planning & Execution

Job Summary

The Managing Director of Strategic Planning & Execution is the lead owner of KIPP DC's strategic plan - its launch, ongoing progress monitoring, and cross-functional execution - within the Strategy, Impact, and Transformation function. The starting salary range for this role is $137,746-$152,245. This is a full-time, with occasional flexibility role based at KIPP DC HDQ with an immediate start date.

About the Role
The Managing Director of Strategic Planning & Execution plays a pivotal role in successfully launching and driving KIPP DC's strategic plan to results. Reporting to the Head of Strategy, Impact, and Transformation, this position leads strategic planning, execution, and implementation and the cross-functional management required to translate KIPP DC's strategic vision into disciplined, system-wide action. An additional portion of the role sustains the organizational culture, change management, and team-building work that supports that execution.

Location and Type of Work
Occasional flexibility (4 days per week onsite)

As a headquarters team that is focused on being responsive to our schools and meeting the needs of our students and families, we approach our work in a way that reflects these priorities. Schools operate in person and our students and families rely on us for in-person support, and this position will regularly provide on-site support to school teams, frequently partner with other headquarters teams, or regularly work in multiple locations. Because of the nature of the work, this role allows for occasional flexibility and will be required to be onsite 4 days per week.

Responsibilities
The percentages for each key responsibility are estimates, and other duties may be assigned. Flexibility and responsiveness are encouraged to accommodate organizational needs.

Strategic Planning and Execution (45%)

• Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing monitoring of KIPP DC's strategic plan, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission, vision, and 2030 strategy.
• Manage the annual operational planning cycle, translating strategic priorities into actionable plans with clear owners, milestones, and accountability structures.
• Own KIPP DC's system-wide strategic planning cadences, ensuring school and HDQ alignment on priorities and progress.
• Lead the development and ongoing monitoring of the data infrastructure required to successfully implement and track progress against the strategic plan.
• Supervise the director of strategic initiatives in conducting research and analysis, and monitoring progress toward strategic goals.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to achieve strategic goals and objectives, serving as an integrating force across the Strategy, Impact, and Transformation function.
• Manage budget alignment for strategic priorities and track initiative progress and reporting.

Change Management for Strategic Plan Execution (25%)

• Lead the planning and implementation of change management initiatives, ensuring that new ways of working are adopted with fidelity across school and HDQ teams.
• In partnership with the external affairs team, develop and execute communication strategies that support change management efforts and organizational coherence.
• Build leader change capability, equipping senior and school-based leaders with tools and frameworks to lead their teams through transition.
• Design and facilitate learning experiences for senior leaders, school leaders, and all staff - from strategic planning sessions to all-staff convenings - that build shared understanding of the plan and drive alignment behind it.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of change initiatives, adjusting approaches based on evidence.
• In partnership with the Head of Strategy, Impact and Transformation, coordinate support for the School Leader Advisory including content design, facilitation, and communication.

Cross-Functional Collaboration (15%)

• Partner with leaders across functions and schools to establish KIPP DC's annual system operating rhythm, creating structured opportunities for alignment, implementation feedback, and informed executive decision-making.
• Ensure effective and transparent information flow across the organization.
• Supervise the director of strategic initiatives in managing cross-functional projects, executive priorities, board relations, and communications.
• Support the development of governance materials and executive communications as needed.

Team Leadership and Function Building (10%)

• Lead and develop a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment within the strategy and culture portfolio.
• Directly supervise the associate director of events and culture and the director of strategic initiatives, providing regular feedback and coaching to support professional growth.
• Delegate effectively and build capacity in team members to take ownership of their work.
• Own the monitoring of functional team data and progress against strategic plan milestones, assessing performance and providing recommendations to course-correct and keep the plan's project management on track.
• Manage the budget and corresponding Workday Financials functions for the strategy and culture portfolio within the Strategy, Impact, and Transformation function.
• Build the function's capacity over time, identifying opportunities to strengthen systems, workflows, and team impact as the school system's needs evolve.

Organizational Culture, Convenings & Events (5%)

• Champion KIPP DC's values and lead efforts to foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing organizational culture, including meaningful professional development opportunities that build leader capability across the system.
• Design and execute the annual calendar of system-wide convenings, ensuring alignment across school and HDQ teams.
• Ensure the execution of organization-wide events that build community, celebrate achievement, and reinforce staff belongingKIPP DC's culture.
• Manage the culture and events team in developing and implementing strategies to enhance employee engagement, onboarding, and retention.

Requirements & Preferences

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• 10 years of professional work experience, with 5 years of progressively responsible experience in people management or leadership

Preferred Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience in organizational strategy, change management, organizational leadership, or strategic plan leadership preferred

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand frequently
• Ability to travel across campuses and other locations as needed
• Prolonged periods of sedentary work

Demonstrated Excellence in the Following Areas:

• Commitment to Students and Schools: Demonstrates commitment to education reform, believing in every child's potential for success and prioritizing students, schools, and the essential role of families.
• Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving: Finds creative solutions to challenges that achieve broader goals of team and organization.
• Project Management: Sets a high bar for own work and supports others to achieve desired team outcomes.
• Communications and Influence: Demonstrates adept communication skills and influence to advance work by adjusting content and style.
• Teamwork: Contributes to a supportive team culture, fostering diverse work styles and maintaining a high performance standard.
• Trust and Collaboration: Establishes and nurtures effective relationships with a diverse set of stakeholders to support the best outcomes for our work.
• Cultural Humility: Advances KIPP DC's commitment to anti-racism by creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all stakeholders.
• Continuous Learning: Commits to continuous learning through feedback, self reflection, humility, and action.

Benefits & Compensation [edited this section for your role]
KIPP DC offers an extremely competitive compensation and benefits package:

• The anticipated starting salary range for this position is $137,746-$152,245. At KIPP DC we strive for clarity, equity, and to be highly competitive. When determining salaries we look at benchmarks in the education and non-profit sector.
• KIPP DC offers a robust benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurances; various voluntary benefits; and employer paid benefits such as short term disability, long term disability, life insurance, and a membership to One Medical.
• KIPP DC also offers a 403(b) retirement account with a 3% employer contribution and a 3% match with vesting after three years.