Project Manager

About KIPP Bay Area Schools

In the San Francisco Bay Area, KIPP schools are closing the achievement gap between low-income students and their more advantaged peers. These free, college-preparatory, middle and high schools are located in Bayview Hunters Point and the Western Addition in San Francisco, East San Jose, San Lorenzo, and West Oakland. Our mission is to operate high achieving public schools in educationally underserved communities, developing in our students the knowledge, skills and character essential to thrive in college, shape their futures, and positively impact the world. KIPP Bay Area Schools ranks in the top 10 percent of all public school districts in California. All 5 of our middle schools have been recognized as California Distinguished Schools, and both high schools are in the top 10 percent of all high schools in California, regardless of demographics. KIPP Bay Area Schools is launching a growth phase beginning in 2013, with a vision of more than doubling the number of students served by 2020, and significantly increasing the number of low-income students from the communities we serve who graduate from college. KIPP (The Knowledge is Power Program) began in 1994 in Houston, Texas. Today, there are 109 KIPP schools in 20 states and Washington, D.C. serving more than 32,000 students. KIPP Bay Area Schools is the regional entity comprised of the seven KIPP schools in the Bay Area and a Regional Support Office. KIPP Bay Area Schools serves 2,500 students, has 220 employees, and an annual operating budget exceeding $23M.

Position Overview

The Project Manager will join KIPP Bay Area Schools’ Regional Office team for four months during a critical juncture as we prepare for expansion. Reporting to our Director of Growth, this position will support and manage multiple facilities projects and provide strategic input on several marketing, finance, and growth initiatives.

The Project Manager must have excellent skills in research and analysis, relationship building, strategic thinking, and project management. The role will be a combination of strategic critical thinking as we plan our growth, as well as tactical day‐to‐day operations to meet immediate, operational needs. Eagerness to learn and embody the KIPP mantra “Work Hard. Be Nice.” are essential for success. This role will be based out of our Regional Office in downtown Oakland (BART accessible) with occasional travel to our local schools/ school communities.

This is a four month position, running from April 2012 – July 2012.

Primary Responsibilities Include:

(our world moves fast, so this could shift somewhat!)

1. New Schools Strategy
   1. Assist in charter submittal process for new KIPP schools. Manage project timeline and keep application process running smoothly; support in community and relationship building by researching potential connections, attending meetings and managing follow-up;
   2. Support creation of strategy to meet critical growth milestones as identified in the new schools’ business plans.
   3. Support research of facilities for two new KIPP schools in San Francisco and San Jose, including identifying potential locations, researching background on co‐location with district schools, identifying and researching partner agencies and visiting sites as appropriate (new schools to open Fall 2013);
2. Campus Expansion Support
   1. Assist in budget management for $11M construction project to build a new KIPP high school campus in the East Bay. Process invoices, create monthly reports and ensure accurate processes are in place for audits by State entities;
   2. Provide support for Owner, Architect & Contractor meetings as needed;
   3. Generate summary materials to share with key stakeholders about the construction project – (newsletters and memos to school neighbors, parents/families, Board members, etc.).
3. Facilities
   1. Research, analyze, and make recommendations for next steps in pursuing state rehabilitation financing for co‐located KIPP middle school/ high school in the East Bay;
   2. Other facilities support as assigned (i.e., supporting campus or office moves, liaising with vendors or support teams).
4. Knowledge Management
   1. Work with a small cross‐functional team to create and implement a new vision for storing and sharing documents internally within our Regional Office.

   Skills and Qualifications

• Unquestioned integrity and commitment to KIPP Bay Area Schools’ mission and values;
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to motivate and engage a diverse group of
• leaders, vendors and partner agencies;
• Ability to quickly and effectively build relationships with staff, vendors, partner agencies and
• community stakeholders;
• Skilled at analyzing, interpreting, and using data to collaborate, identify best practices and areas
• for improvement, and drive results;
• Ability to self‐direct and prioritize among competing goals, exhibit flexibility, and drive results in
• a fast‐paced, entrepreneurial environment;
• Adept at thinking strategically, translating plans into action, and exhibiting excellent judgment;
• Excellent written, verbal communication, and presentation skills with keen attention to detail;
• Bachelor’s degree required

Salary & Benefits

Salary range is $1,000 – $1,150/week depending on skills and experience.

This is a temporary, four month position, without benefits.

To Apply

Please send your resume and a detailed cover letter demonstrating your interest in working for KIPP Bay Area Schools and your unique qualifications for the position, to hr@kippbayarea.org with “Project Manager” in the subject line and directed to Tracy Hanna, Director of Growth in the body of the message. Resumes submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.

KIPP Bay Area 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 under–‐represented backgrounds.