Director of Fundraising & Development

Position Overview:

Every member of the Team & Family at KIPP KC plays a critical role in ensuring our students are on the path toward college, career, and beyond. Our employees  are passionate advocates for our students and families, working tirelessly to connect them with access to opportunity for lives of power and choice. The Director of Fundraising and Development at KIPP Kansas City leads the design and execution of a comprehensive fundraising strategy to sustain and grow the region’s impact. This role is responsible for securing philanthropic support that advances KIPP KC’s mission to prepare students with the academic skills and character strengths needed to succeed in college, career, and life. The Director partners closely with the Executive Director, Regional Leadership Team, and Board to build a high-performing development function grounded in equity, community engagement, and results.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Fundraising Leadership

• Develop and execute a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned to KIPP KC’s strategic plan and growth goals.
• Set and manage annual revenue targets across major gifts, grants, corporate partnerships, and events.
• Partner with regional leadership to align fundraising priorities with academic programming, facilities, and student support initiatives.

Major Gifts and Donor Stewardship

• Build and manage a portfolio of individual donors, with a focus on cultivating and securing major gifts.
• Design and implement a stewardship model that authentically engages donors in KIPP KC’s mission and impact.
• Lead personalized donor communications, including impact reports, school visits, and engagement events.

Grants and Institutional Funding

• Identify, pursue, and secure foundation and institutional funding aligned to KIPP KC priorities.
• Oversee grant writing, submission, and reporting in collaboration with program and finance teams.
• Build long-term relationships with local and national funders committed to educational equity.

Corporate and Community Partnerships

• Develop strategic partnerships with Kansas City-based corporations and community organizations.
• Secure sponsorships and in-kind support for regional initiatives, student experiences, and events.
• Position KIPP KC as a key partner in workforce development and college-to-career pathways.

Events and Campaigns

• Lead the planning and execution of high-impact fundraising events (e.g., annual gala, community campaigns, giving days).
• Drive annual fund strategies that increase participation from families, staff, alumni, and community supporters.
• Ensure events reflect KIPP KC’s brand, student voice, and community-centered values.

Board Engagement and Regional Visibility

• Partner with the KIPP KC Board to strengthen fundraising capacity and engagement.
• Equip board members with tools and strategies to serve as effective ambassadors and fundraisers.
• Represent KIPP KC externally to build awareness, credibility, and philanthropic investment in the region.

Systems, Data, and Compliance

• Build and maintain strong development systems, including donor database management and reporting tools.
• Track and analyze fundraising performance, using data to refine strategy and improve outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with all fundraising regulations and KIPP Foundation guidelines.

Team Leadership and Culture

• Build and manage a high-performing development team (staff and/or consultants).
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and mission alignment.
• Partner cross-functionally with regional and school leaders to elevate storytelling and impact.