KIPP St. Louis is a growing network of free, open-enrollment, public charter schools offering a choice to families and a college-preparatory education to children in St. Louis city. Our mission is to serve as a catalyst for education reform by establishing and supporting a world class network of public schools that develop in all of our students the knowledge, skills, character, and pursuit of excellence necessary to succeed in high quality high schools and colleges and the world beyond. 

KIPP St. Louis currently serves over 2,300 students and at full growth, we will serve nearly 3,500 students and hundreds of alumni. Today, our St. Louis network is comprised of two middle schools, three elementary schools, and a high school:

• KIPP Inspire Academy, founded in 2009

• KIPP Victory Academy, founded in 2014

• KIPP Triumph Academy, founded in 2015

• KIPP Wisdom Academy, founded in 2015

• KIPP St. Louis High School, founded in 2017

• KIPP Wonder Academy, founded in 2019

Position Overview

Every day, it’s great people at KIPP that prove the possible with our students. At KIPP St. Louis, we believe in our understanding of how our identities shape our approach to this work and how we experience power and privilege. We know the work of equity and inclusion in a diverse, multi-site, student-facing organization is fundamental to our success and takes everyone’s commitment. As such, the Vice President of Equity shapes our strategy and guides our efforts; this person will compel us to reflect, and provide encouragement and direction while making us accountable. They will work to eliminate systemic organizational marginalization while promoting inclusion and anti-racist practices that will be evidenced through our structures, policies, and leadership. We do not outsource our equity and inclusion efforts to the Vice President of Equity, but we look to him/her for leadership, alignment, support, and accountability.  This position will report directly to the Executive Director.

Responsibilities:

Develop & Oversee Implementation of Strategic Plan: 

• Oversee the development and implementation of a strategic plan for Racial Justice rooted in our mission, theory of action, and vision for Racial Justice. 

• Provide flexibility with the implementation of the strategic plan which is viable for school setting as well as the Regional Office setting.  

• Develop organization-wide systems to collect input, analyze data (both qualitative and quantitative), and monitor/report on progress. 

• Collaborate with key team leaders to develop a scope and sequence of high-quality DEI professional learning experiences for all staff.

• Manage relationships with external partners as needed to deliver training and support to achieve our plan. 

Support & Influence Colleagues to Operationalize Racial Justice Vision: 

• Provide leadership, collaboration and support to teammates to differentiate our organizational vision for Racial Justice into role-specific actions and performance management/ accountability systems; and to ensure that our Racial Justice vision is infused into the DNA of the organization through its systems, tools, policies, structures, and practices. 

• Partner with the Executive Team, President of Academics and school-facing teams to support schools in closing achievement gaps that resulted from racial and/or cultural divides.

• Partner with the Executive Team & Vice President of HR & Talent to achieve zero gaps in policies, procedures, and programs that could adversely impact staff based on race, ethnicity, and gender while maintaining compliance to regulations and supporting KIPP initiatives.

Serve as Trusted Advisor and Thought Partner to Colleagues: 

• Serve as an active member of the Executive team leading and advocating for systems and practices that enhance DEI across the KIPP St. Louis region.

• Serve as KIPP’s internal DEI consultant/coach to team leaders and managers as needed (e.g professional development, one-on-one conversations) in support of their work to operationalize and implement relevant components of the DEI strategic plan

Communication & Progress Monitoring

• Develop consistent communication and feedback mechanisms to ensure we are able to identify, discuss and address equity issues impacting our students, schools and staff.

• Stay abreast of research and best practice in equity and inclusion and infuse into our KIPP culture. Develop communication systems to share best practices, highlight bright spots, and keep staff apprised of key initiatives and activities. 

Team Management and Leadership

• Serve as a member of the Executive Team and lead the Regional DEI Committee (KIPP CommUNITY). 

• Supervise the Family Engagement Coordinator to support the region in re-imagining the mode and strategies for family and community engagement and investment. 

• Effectively manage and develop direct reports with an assets-based approach, cultivating a collaborative and inclusive team culture that seeks to coach and empower direct reports.

Additional duties within reason may be assigned; such duties must be considered as beneficial and impactful to the mission of the organization

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree required. Advanced degree preferred. 

• A proven track record of navigating complex issues of race, class and intersectionality while managing multiple stakeholders, making decisions, and driving strong results. The ability to work across teams and with diverse leaders is essential.

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a diversity/equity/inclusion role

• Project management experience preferred

• Strong background of managing change throughout a distributed system of entities and teams 

• Creating/designing adult learning and teaching of the content and skills associated with operating with an equity lens 

• Deep content knowledge of the diversity, equity, and inclusiveness research base and best practices for organizations striving to become more diverse, equitable, and inclusive 

• Demonstrated track record in challenging and influencing peers to approach all work with an equity lens 

• Proven track record of success engaging with African American and Latinx communities 

• Strong management expertise; Exceptional leadership skills  (influencing the way staff think as it relates to DEI)

• Ability to engender trust and respect 

Physical demands/mental demands/environmental factors:

• Operate a computer and office equipment on a daily basis including Google Suite

• Do occasional moderate lifting, pushing and pulling

• Frequently move about inside the office/school to access materials and equipment

• Occasionally position self to interact with students

• Maintain emotional control under stress

• Interpret policy, procedures and data

• Communicate effectively (verbal and written)

Compensation: Starts off at $90,000; pay commensurate with experience

At KIPP St. Louis we take care of our employees. We provide competitive salaries, and a full slate of benefits including best-in-class medical coverage, dental, vision, and, life insurance, short-term disability and an optional 403b as a supplement to our retirement pension program. Benefits are subject to change year to year.

KIPP St. Louis is committed to a policy of equal treatment for all individuals applying for employment at our school. KIPP St. Louis does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.