KIPP Foundation, Executive Director Fellow

Edgility Search • New York, NY

13d • Hybrid

About The Position

The KIPP Executive Director Fellowship is a year-long leadership development experience intended to prepare exceptional candidates to lead a KIPP region as an Executive Director. Fellows take part in a rigorous program combining immersive learning, executive coaching, mentoring, applied leadership experiences, and a capstone strategic project aligned to the KIPP Executive Director Excellence Rubric. The program develops participants’ ability to drive student outcomes, build high-performing leadership teams, steward regional strategy, and lead through complexity.

The Fellowship is KIPP’s primary pipeline for identifying, preparing, and assessing future Executive Directors. Fellows should be willing to pursue opportunities beyond their fellowship site; placement decisions depend on regional needs, leadership readiness, and organizational fit. Successful completion does not guarantee placement, though graduates become competitive candidates for Executive Director opportunities across the KIPP network.

This cohort-based, one-year development program uses a hybrid learning model that combines in-person and virtual engagement. Fellows remain employed by their home region if they are internal candidates, or participate under terms established for external candidates. The role involves approximately 20–30% travel during the Fellowship, including a one-week Academy, three in-person Intersessions, residency or internship experiences, and applicable national KIPP meetings and learning opportunities.

Requirements

• Be a current KIPP regional leader with a demonstrated record of strong performance, or an exceptional external candidate with experience leading organizations that improve educational outcomes.
• At least 10 years of demonstrated success leading teams and achieving measurable results.
• Evidence of improving academic, operational, and/or organizational performance.
• Commitment to equity and educational opportunities.
• Ability to influence multiple stakeholders without relying solely on formal authority.
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Demonstrated readiness for executive leadership responsibilities through prior leadership experiences and performance.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred experience as a campus leader.
• Advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Engage fully in Fellowship learning experiences, including the Leadership Academy, Intersessions, monthly learning sessions, coaching, and mentoring.
• Demonstrate growth against the KIPP Executive Director Excellence Rubric through reflection, feedback, and applied practice.
• Complete an Executive Director internship or residency alongside an accomplished KIPP Executive Director.
• Lead a high-impact strategic project addressing a significant regional or network priority and demonstrating executive-level leadership.
• Participate in performance assessments, simulations, and developmental feedback throughout the Fellowship.
• Build meaningful relationships across the national KIPP network and contribute to a collaborative learning community.
• Demonstrate readiness for Executive Director responsibilities through evidence of leadership impact, systems thinking, talent development, and instructional leadership.
• Participate in Executive Director selection processes as opportunities become available.

Benefits

• 25 holidays and 18 additional flexible PTO days; flexible PTO increases to 23 days for years 3 and 4 and 28 days for years 5 and beyond.
• 100% paid parental leave.
• 100% coverage of employee medical, dental, and vision plan premiums, and 75% coverage for employee-plus-family premiums.
• Wellness benefits, including fitness reimbursements, discounted tickets to theme parks and attractions, backup care support for children and adults or elders, and an employee assistance program.
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% match.
• Employer-sponsored legal plans.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive