Real World Learning Program Manager

Company Description

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.

Job Description

This position is responsible for cultivating positive and productive relationships with employer, community, and civic networks and partners to ensure a steady supply of quality Real World Learning experiences for students and staff. This position is expected to assist teachers and students with career pathways. The RWL manager is a regional team member and will participate in career pathways activities and assist in the promotion and execution of network-wide career, life, and college readiness events.  

PRIMARY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Relationship Development and Management:

• Serve as a liaison to regional real-world learning and workforce development network partners to ensure best practice engagement with employers and equitable student access to a diverse set of employer and community experiences.
• Communicate regularly with internal and external stakeholders to set expectations, understand needs and opportunities, and identify and address issues and barriers to ensure students engage in and benefit from learning activities.
• Coordinate with community leaders and organizations for the purpose of building resources and expanding program capabilities.
• Participate in professional organizations, disseminate information to other professionals, representing the school in a professional and positive manner.
• Influence current and potential partners and stakeholders to promote real-world learning opportunities within their networks and across the region.
• Partner with school staff and regional partners to identify opportunities to integrate real-world learning into curriculum and facilitate student exploration and engagement in pursuit of market value assets.
• Serve along with KIPP Forward team for career & college readiness programming and works cooperatively with committee members to ensure partnerships and enrichment activities are aligned with school initiatives.
• Provide support to assigned career pathways.

School & Curriculum Support

• Provide support to schools regarding career and technical education curriculum, staff development, instruction, and assessment.
• Develop and deliver resources and training to school staff, students, and partners to ensure quality work-based learning experiences (NOTE: may include direct classroom teaching and facilitating).
• Maintain communication with curriculum representatives regarding standards, assessments practices, and state initiatives related to career and technical education.
• Assist with facilitation to help staff understand and effectively navigate differences in education and employer cultures, values, and operating models.
• Confer with teachers, parents, students, and business/community partners for the purpose of evaluating individual student progress and the development of the overall system to ensure students earn market value assets while in high school.
• Facilitate management of CTE programs and pathway advisory committees, including SMART goal production, for assigned pathways.
• Assist in planning, organizing, and implementing staff development for CTE Pathways and programs.
• Support CTE student organization sponsors (e.g., FBLA, DECA, HOSA, TSA, FCCLA, SkillsUSA, etc.) for the purpose of providing support and sharing information as needed.
• Facilitate sessions for the purpose of developing real world learning curriculum opportunities.

 Marketing and Communications (School/Community Relations)

• Prepare a variety of documents, reports, and written materials for the purpose of communicating information to parents, staff, and business/community partners.
• Assist in the development and evaluates the effectiveness of training, resource materials and other communication materials to ensure they meet the intended purpose and serve school needs.

Operational Support:

• Plan and facilitate meetings involving a range of issues and stakeholders for the purpose of identifying appropriate actions, developing recommendations, supporting other staff, and serving as a school representative.
• Develop and monitor the internal school processes and practices needed to ensure student readiness for real-world learning opportunities.
• Collect input and reports on school data needs related to career pathway activities for the purpose of ensuring the relevance of the program.
• Assist in planning and coordinating career pathway programs.
• Transport students using KIPP van to Real World Learning opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Public Relations, Education, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Minimum five years of industry related experience.
• Experience with sales, business development, or relationship management preferred.
• Knowledge of acceptable career and technical education practices and principles.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent verbal, written and listening communication skills.
• Able to manage complex relationships with multiple stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously
• A current driver license and clean driving record.
• A willingness to complete the Missouri Class E license exam.
• Demonstrated ability in implementing long-range and short-term plans.
• High degree of motivation, responsibility, and confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability in compiling, organizing, and analyzing complex information and data.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Highly collaborative team player.
• Proficiency with software, such as Word, Google, Salesforce, Outlook, etc.)
• Ability to self-initiate areas of opportunity, make recommendations for improvement, and follow up as necessary to achieve desired results.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This job requires that the employee be able to: sit, stand, walk, speak, hear, use hands, fingers, and reach with hands and fingers; bend, stoop, and lift objects of at least ten pounds.

Additional Information

Salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience. Additionally, KIPP KC offers a comprehensive benefits package including health coverage and retirement.

KIPP KC Schools is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. We are strongly committed to hiring a diverse and multicultural staff and encourage applications from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds.

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