SY 26/27 Marketing & Communications Manager

About KIPP Kansas City Public Schools:

KIPP Kansas City Public Schools is part of a nationwide network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory charter schools dedicated to preparing students in educationally underserved communities for success in college and life. Our strength as a region serves as a catalyst for empowerment, change, and hope.

Founded in 2007, KIPP Kansas City Public Schools began with KIPP Endeavor Academy, serving approximately 31 fifth-grade students. Today, we educate approximately 1,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade, with our community continuing to expand. Together with families and communities, we strive to create joyful, academically excellent schools that equip students with the skills and confidence to pursue their chosen paths—whether college, career, or beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and contribute to a more just world.

Position Overview:

The Marketing & Communication Manager plays a pivotal role in shaping the public image and reputation of the organization. This role develops and implements strategic communication plans to increase KIPP KC’s brand awareness,  attract new supporters, drive engagement with the organization’s mission, and support enrollment and recruitment initiatives. The Marketing & Communication Manager manages all internal and external communication channels, serves as the district’s media spokesperson, and ensures consistent, transparent, and proactive messaging across all platforms. Working closely with the School Management, Regional Leadership Team, and the Digital Storytelling Assistant, this position shapes the district's public image, managing crisis communications, and ensuring that families, staff, and community stakeholders feel connected to the district’s mission.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Marketing Strategy & Development:

• Develop and execute strategic marketing plans to achieve organizational goals for fundraising, enrollment, or other advancement initiatives.
• Conduct market research and competitor analysis to identify target audiences and develop effective marketing messages.
• Oversee the creation and management of high-quality marketing materials across various channels (print, digital, social media, etc.).
• Implement data-driven marketing campaigns to track performance and optimize strategies for maximum impact.

Communication Management:

• Develop annual communication plans that align with the district’s strategic goals (e.g., highlighting academic milestones, bond initiatives, or student achievements) and keep stakeholders informed and engaged.
• Oversee the creation and distribution of internal and external communication materials, including newsletters, press releases, and website content.
• Serve as the organization's spokesperson for local, regional, and national media outlets. Prepare talking points for leadership and coordinate press conferences.
• Utilize survey data and community sentiment analysis to refine messaging and outreach strategies.
• Develop and maintain protocols for emergency and crisis communications. Act decisively to provide clear, timely, and reassuring information to stakeholders during challenging events.

Brand Management:

• Protect and promote the district’s brand identity across all media, ensuring consistency in messaging, tone, and visual standards.
• Oversee the organization's website, ensuring it is user-friendly, informative, and up-to-date.
• Manage social media channels, creating engaging content and fostering online communities.
• Track engagement metrics across platforms to identify what resonates with the community and adjust strategies for maximum reach.
• Monitor brand sentiment and address any negative perceptions proactively.

Team Leadership & Collaboration:

• Provide leadership and direction to the marketing and communication team.
• Collaborate with other departments (e.g., People, Schools, and ) to ensure integrated marketing and communication efforts.
• Facilitate partnerships with community organizations, local businesses, and parent groups to strengthen the district's connection to the broader public.
• Manage budgets for marketing and communication activities.

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field 
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in marketing and communication leadership, public relations, corporate communications, and educational marketing
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful marketing campaigns.
• Experience in managing and developing marketing and communication teams.

Skills and Competencies: 

• Commitment:  Upholds KIPP Kansas City’s mission and values, including a deep belief in the potential of all students.
• Writing Excellence: Exceptional copywriting and editing skills; ability to translate complex educational data into accessible, compelling narratives.
• Multimedia Proficiency: Familiarity with digital content tools, such as content management systems (CMS), graphic design software (e.g., Canva or Adobe Creative Suite), and video editing basics.
• Cultural Competence: Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations and ensure all communications are inclusive and accessible.
• Strategic Agility: Proven ability to manage multiple high-stakes projects simultaneously while remaining calm under pressure.
• Public Perception Stewardship: A proactive mindset that anticipates community questions and addresses concerns before they escalate.Strong understanding of digital marketing best practices (SEO, social media marketing, etc.).
• Relationship Building: The ability to build trust with diverse stakeholders, from school board members and district leadership to parents and community leaders.
• Narrative Sophistication: The skill to highlight the "why" behind pedagogical decisions, such as why Project-Based Learning or specific literacy interventions are being implemented in the district.

Physical Requirements: 

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. 

• The person in this position needs to be able to move about inside and outside the school or office throughout the workday.

• The candidate is expected to attend conferences, meetings and training sessions both virtually and in person within the Region. 

Work Environment

• Reports to work Monday-Friday.

• Typical school or office environment with frequent interruptions.

Travel Requirements:

• Ability to travel to work location. 

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary is based on years of experience, educational background, and level of expertise.

As a full-time KIPP Kansas City employee, you are eligible to participate in all KIPP Kansas City benefit plans. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits with competitive rates, including medical, dental, and vision options, as well as life insurance, fertility, and disability plans.

KIPP Kansas City is committed to the professional growth and development of our staff. We provide numerous opportunities for advancement, ongoing professional development, and leadership training to help you achieve your career goals.

KIPP Kansas City provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

Selection Process:

Our application process is grounded in equity and fairness, ensuring a just and unbiased selection process. Below is our standard selection process for regional roles:

Selection Process 

Application Submission + Resume Review 

Phone or Video Interview 

If Applicable (Sample work or Performance Task) 

Committee Interview(s) 

1:1 Chat w/Hiring Manager 

Reference Check 

Offer Terms