About KIPP
KIPP Public Schools is a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools committed to partnering with students and families to disrupt systemic educational inequity and create a future without limits. Over 120,000 students attend one of the 280 KIPP schools that operate in 27 regions across the United States. KIPP Philadelphia Schools Public Schools (KPPS) is a part of the national KIPP Public Schools network and currently leads seven schools serving approximately 2,800 students in North and West Philadelphia. By 2030, KPPS will lead ten schools serving approximately 4,000 students.
Our Mission
Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students to pursue the paths they choose—college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world.
Life at KIPP Philly
We know that talented, committed, culturally competent teachers and leaders have the power to amplify our children’s potential by creating a school experience that affirms their identities, values their individuality, and challenges them each day. We’re all about creating a professional environment full of joy, candor, care and community where excellent educators can be their authentic selves, receive top-notch development and grow alongside peers who are equally committed to the work. Educators at KIPP –
- Are committed to anti-racism, equity and inclusion
- Are rewarded for their impact and hard work through performance bonus pay structures
- Have access to upward mobility and career growth through our strategically designed, research based leadership pathway programming.
- Are part of a close-knit, diverse community of educators working together in service of children
- Show up as their authentic selves, inspiring our children to do the same
- Believe school should be a joyful, affirming space for both children and adults
- Believe that strong relationships and precise preparation are critical to increasing learning outcomes
- Are supported as a “whole person” – mentally and professionally – through 1:1 coaching, high quality professional development and strong team relationships.
- Enjoy a competitive, comprehensive health benefits package, a 403B retirement matching program, tuition reimbursement to pursue certification, and free access to financial advising services
Job Description
Do you have a knack for building strong, meaningful relationships and creating systems that inspire employees to thrive? Are you a visionary who’s passionate about fostering an engaging, empowering workplace culture? If so, we want YOU to join us as the Director of Employee Engagement at KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools!
In this exciting and influential role, you’ll lead the charge in shaping the experience of nearly 400 employees, helping them feel connected, motivated, and aligned with our mission and core values every step of the way. You’ll be the architect of innovative engagement programs, ensuring that our team members are not just satisfied, but truly energized and invested in their work—from their very first day with us to their ongoing growth throughout their career.
As a strategic and relational leader, you’ll design and implement dynamic systems that promote employee satisfaction, productivity, and well-being. You’ll also be the trusted coach who guides school leaders and team members through important conversations and decision-making moments—whether it’s about employee policies, performance, or personal development.
Working alongside the Managing Director of Staff Engagement and Talent Development, as well as Heads of Schools and School Leaders, you’ll help us create an environment where every employee feels valued, heard, and supported. You’ll play a key role in driving a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
If you’re ready to use your leadership and expertise to help us build a high-energy, high-impact workplace where employees are empowered to give their best, we want to hear from you!
Key Responsibilities
Initial Employee Experience
- Onboarding Excellence: Partner with Human Resources and the Recruitment team to ensure that every new hire experiences a welcoming and aligned onboarding process that reflects our vision and sets them up for success.
- New to KIPP Orientation: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to envision, plan, and execute an engaging and impactful New to KIPP Orientation, helping new team members feel connected to our mission from day one.
- Mid-Year Hires: Work closely with school teams to ensure a seamless and supportive onboarding experience for school-based hires joining mid-year, helping them integrate quickly and effectively into the KIPP community.
Continuous Employee Engagement
- Data-Driven Engagement: Use insights from engagement surveys, TNTP surveys, turnover data, and exit interviews to design tailored programs, resources, and coaching that elevate employee engagement and enhance the overall experience.
- Strategic Communications: Partner with the KPPS external impact team to create and execute a thoughtful and effective employee communications strategy that keeps our team informed and engaged.
- Engagement Programming: Develop and manage a dynamic calendar of employee engagement events and initiatives, ensuring employees feel celebrated, connected, and motivated throughout the year.
- Recognition Programs: Lead Rewards and Recognition initiatives focused on celebrating outstanding contributions that directly impact students and exemplify our core values.
- Staying Ahead of Trends: Keep a pulse on the latest best practices in employee experience and retention, using that knowledge to continuously improve our offerings.
- Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement strategic initiatives that enhance the attraction and retention of underrepresented groups, ensuring our workforce is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
Employee Policy Management
- Policy Updates: Partner with the Managing Director of Employee Engagement and Development to annually review and update the Employee Handbook, incorporating feedback from employees and leadership to ensure policies remain relevant and effective.
- Policy Education: Work closely with Heads of Schools and School Leaders to facilitate staff understanding and application of policies, ensuring consistent and equitable implementation across the organization.
- Policy Support: Serve as a trusted resource in the implementation of employee policies, partnering with the HR Director to offer guidance and support to both leaders and employees.
- Resource Sharing: Provide School Leaders with the tools, resources, and ongoing support they need to uphold and enforce policies effectively within their schools.
Employee Relations
- Consistency & Fidelity: Collaborate with Heads of Schools and School Leaders to maintain high standards of fidelity and consistency in the application of employee policies, ensuring fairness and transparency.
- Investigations: Conduct thorough, unbiased investigations into employee grievances or infractions, ensuring that all voices are heard and that issues are addressed promptly and appropriately.
- Resolution Support: Document all employee relations conversations and investigations, clearly communicating outcomes to affected parties, and offering guidance and support to both employees and leadership throughout the resolution process.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree with ideally 5 years of equivalent work experience
- Experience in diagnosing, designing, developing, implementing, and evaluation strategic employee engagement and retention strategies
- Project Management Skills
- Proven ability to facilitate change in a complex environment
- Subject matter support in staff retention and engagement
- Manage multiple high-level programs and projects
- Strong data analysis and critical thinking skills
- Strong research skills
- Maintain a professional demeanor in all interactions
- Handle sensitive situations with tact, diplomacy, and appropriate confidentiality
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary $90,000 - $105,000, commensurate with experience.
- All full-time team members at KPPS enjoy a comprehensive health benefits package (including vision and dental, a telehealth option, and flexible spending accounts) for themselves and their families as well as a 403B matching program for retirement savings and free access to financial advising services.
Note To Applicants
KIPP Philadelphia Schools is an equal opportunity employer. Employees are selected on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law.
