[2024 – 2025] Grant Program Specialist

Organizational Overview

Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) North Carolina, is a network of eight tuition-free, college-preparatory public charter schools educating approximately 3,000 students in grades K-12 in Durham, Halifax, Northampton and Mecklenburg counties. At KIPP NC, we are committed to improving the life outcomes of North Carolina’s children through the delivery of culturally relevant curricula that are grounded in research, and clearing the paths that our students choose to follow by ensuring that they have the roadmaps and guideposts they need to arrive at success – however they define it.

KIPP North Carolina is also committed to building the pipeline of the state’s most talented and effective teachers and leaders through competitive compensation, integrated professional development lead by coaches and mentors, and resources they need to succeed, all rooted in core values that articulate our collectively designed organizational beliefs:

Pursue Excellence – 

We uphold high standards for our staff, and are committed to providing the necessary resources, training, mentorship and feedback to help each staff member not only meet, but exceed, expectations. We believe excellence is a habit and a sustained pursuit, not an endpoint.

Build Knowledge – 

We offer our educators robust school-based, regional and external professional development opportunities, before the start of and during the school year, designed to empower them with the latest teaching strategies and technology integration techniques. School Leaders and a statewide teacher development team provide professional coaching for school-based staff and foster collaborative learning, encouraging the exploration of effective teaching strategies and best practices.

Fight Injustice –

As a staff, we dismantle the white supremacy within our institution and deepen our own learning and understanding of anti-racism and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) through providing organization-wide regular workshops designed to holistically guide us through the redesign of our workplace culture through the lens of liberation. Additionally, we train and prepare our educators to deliver culturally responsive curricula that respect learners’ cultures and prior experiences, and acknowledge and value the legitimacy of different cultures, not just the dominant culture of a society. 

Spark Joy – 

We believe in publicly and privately acknowledging and celebrating the outstanding contributions of our staff, and recognize exceptional individuals across the region. We also understand the importance of fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. We organize monthly school-based staff outings to provide an opportunity for our team to unwind, socialize, and engage in activities that promote camaraderie and a sense of community.

Rise Together – 

We create space for our region to assemble and celebrate all successes – a space in which we strengthen community by embracing each other’s unique identities, and honoring the contributions that will allow us to lift as we rise in the years ahead. We believe Team always beats Individual. 

The Grant Program Specialist is a varied and dynamic role, as well as a critical one, within the KIPP NC External Affairs team. The team is focused on driving and supporting strategy for the organization through revenue generation and strategic partnerships. The team ensures KIPP NC can provide current and future KIPP NC schools with the resources necessary to educate students and families in underserved communities so that they may lead lives of independence and impact.

Reporting to the Chief External Affairs Officer (CXO), the Grant Program Specialist will research, identify, define, and develop funding sources to support existing and planned program activities as well as lead the development, writing, and submission of grant proposals to private and family foundation funders. The Grant Program Specialist will also occasionally write or support the writing of federal, state and local grants. 

Primary responsibilities include preparation of proposals and grant applications, and performance of responsible professional and administrative work in researching, identifying, developing, and responding to private and public grant funding opportunities in areas that support KIPP NC programming. The position is also responsible for collecting, analyzing, and reporting data on the performance of program activities that are funded by federal, state, and private funding agencies and foundations. 

This is an ideal opportunity for a grant professional who is passionate about education equity and accessibility, has a relentless drive to deliver results, and who is motivated and empowered by the opportunity to serve as an external leader for KIPP NC, galvanizing diverse stakeholders in support of KIPP NC’s mission.

Responsibilities of this Role: 

Grant Research, Writing, Report, and General Management:

• Generate revenues (40-50% of annual fundraising goal) for KIPP NC programs through timely submission of well-researched, well written and well-documented grant proposals 

• Study and understand the history, structure, objectives, programs and financial needs of the organization

• Research grants opportunities from government and non-government agencies using resources like Foundation Directory Online by Candid and other: 

  • Private foundations 

  • Public grants (e.g., Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)

• Work with the Chief External Affairs Officer to build and establish relationships with program managers at private foundations 

• Work with appropriate KIPP NC leadership and staff members to research, develop, write and submit letters of inquiry, concept papers and grant proposals

• Maintain primary responsibility for grant schedules and tracking grants

• Coordinate and follow-up on the progress of submitted proposals

• Work with Chief External Affairs Officer to create a grant tracking system that includes relationship management 

• Generate high-quality proposals, narratives, applications and supporting documents in response to solicitations consistent with all policies and procedures of KIPP NC, and the requirements and guidelines of the funding agencies

• Develop and maintain a master file on pending grants and contracts

• Submit all grant reports on time and files the report in the grant tracking system

• Remain up-to-date on current issues relative to grant proposals

• Meet regularly with CXO to discuss funding needs 

• Respond timely to requests and questions from internal and external stakeholders regarding grant opportunities, submissions, or reports

Administration

• Tracks all gifts 

• Some data processing (data roll ups of monthly fundraising reports, progress to goal, etc.)

• Work with Director, Advancement for Annual Giving to draft thank you letters for key senior staff to send to major donors 

• Work with Director, Advancement for Annual Giving to send tax acknowledgement letters and notices to all donors (individual and foundations) 

External Relations:

• Strong technical skills 

• Strong writing skills 

• Strong communication skills

Experience and Knowledge

• A Bachelor’s degree

• Minimum of 3-5 years of professional fundraising or grant writing experience, preferably with an education focus

• Proven ability and track record of soliciting and closing five and six-figure gifts or grants preferred

Skills and abilities

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, appropriate and compelling for a senior, external audience

• Entrepreneurial-minded professional with an intense focus on results and the ability to persevere through challenges to reach goals

• Ability to work effectively under pressure

• Detail-oriented, responsive, and organized 

• Ability to problem-solve, navigate and lead through complexity

• Demonstrates a growth mindset and a desire to continually improve through feedback, coaching, and professional development

• Ability to model KIPP’s values at all times

• Competency in donor database management, Blackbaud product experience a plus

• Previous experience with advocacy and community engagement is a plus

• Previous experience in the charter realm is a plus

Attitudes

• A belief in the mission and values of KIPP

• Committed to the belief that all students can learn and achieve at high levels

• Passion for education equality and access

• Motivated by a fast-paced, diverse, collaborative working environment

• A flexible can-do approach, self-motivation, resilience, and a willingness to adapt to the changing needs and priorities in the team and across the organization

• Considerable tact and discretion in dealing with highly confidential information

• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity and a liberatory approach to the work

Additional Information

• This role will have to travel between our 3 geographies – Charlotte, Durham, and Gaston/Halifax, so being willing and able to travel is required
• This is a 12 month role and may work after hours outside of normal working hours

Compensation

This role is a Salary Band 2, ranging from $68,000 – $78,000 based on years of relevant experience, educational attainment, and proficiency in the role.

In addition, all RST members receive the following benefits:

• Healthcare (medical, vision, and dental) at no cost to individuals and deep discounts for dependents
  • with a $1200 HRA that is replenished annually
• Optional enrollment in a 403b retirement program with employer match up to 3%
• On-going professional development opportunities
• Generous time off:
  • Paid Time Off  (17 days PTO & 6 days sick leave annually)
  • Time off for all major national holidays (including Fall Break, Winter Break, and Spring Break)