Director of KIPP Forward

Company: KIPP Foundation
Location: Nashville
Posted on: February 17, 2026

Job Description:

KIPP Nashville Public Schools is a network of high-performing, free, open-enrollment K-12 schools that has been committed to positively affecting student outcomes in Nashville since 2005. KIPP Nashville is part of the acclaimed KIPP Network, which educates 100,000 students nationwide and supports students from Pre-Kindergarten through college, career and beyond. Through the KIPP Forward program, our team helps students identify their career of highest aspiration and develop the skills and confidence to chase their dreams. KIPP Nashville currently operates 4 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 2 high schools and educates over 3,000 students in the Nashville metropolitan area. The mission of KIPP Nashville is together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence they need to pursue the paths they choose - college, career and beyond - so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world. Our core values are GROWTH, TEAM, and SHINE. If you share in these beliefs and values, if you have a proven willingness to do what it takes for students to be their best, if you thrive in an environment that is both collaborative and entrepreneurial, then you are already a KIPPster. Job Description Key Responsibilities: The Director of KIPP Forward Nashville is responsible for setting the strategic vision of KIPP Forward and ensuring that all KIPP Nashville students and alumni are benefiting from strong and strategic post-secondary counseling and support. The Director of KIPP Forward will oversee the development and implementation of robust programming for students and alumni success in high school, post-secondary programs, and career. As a Director of KIPP Forward Nashville, your core responsibilities include: Execute KIPP Forward Strategy and Vision Design and implement a strategic plan for the KIPP Forward program based on the organizational-wide vision, in partnership with the high school Principals, Chief of Equity, Leadership and Student Experience (CELSE), and Chief of Schools (COS). Set annual goals for the KIPP Forward team, in partnership with the high school Principals, CELSE and COS to drive college matriculation and persistence, and career services Develop strategic partnerships with organizations that can help prepare alumni for success in high school, post-secondary programs, and career, including providing academic support, social support, summer opportunities, and career exploration opportunities Determine and execute career integration strategies for all students Drive the development of the KIPP Nashville Career Services program\ Collaborate with the high school Principals and leadership team in order to meet the KIPP Forward vision Creates, and manages KIPP Forward budget and approval process for KIPP Forward team members Drive Results Through KIPP Forward Management and Development Lead, manage and develop the KIPP Forward Team (which includes College Counselors, College Persistence Advisors, and Career Counselors) Oversees all college knowledge and career exploration curriculum and post secondary preparation and career success initiatives Ensure KIPP Nashville meets the KIPP Foundation’s goals for College Completion and College Partnerships Oversees KIPP Forward communication, events, and services focused on college readiness, college access, college persistence, college completion, and career readiness Manage the KIPP Forward budget to ensure accurate financial reporting and responsible budget development Manage & support the entry of student and college data in the Alumni Database As appropriate and necessary, assists in mentoring alumni or providing high school, college, and financial aid counseling Stakeholders Relations Develops and manages college partnerships and other partnerships meant to improve the graduation rates of KIPP Nashville alumni from college at rates that exceed the six-year graduation rates for underrepresented students with the intent of graduating KIPP Nashville alumni at rates equal to their top quartile peers Manage and promote opportunities for KIPP Forward and KIPP alumni including, but not limited to summer programs, job placement, scholarships, test preparation, college selection process, networking opportunities, and general well-being Communicate with key stakeholders – students, parents, faculty and staff, community, and board members – to proactively engage all stakeholders in working towards college completion Collaborates with other Directors, Managing Directors, Principals, and Chiefs regarding strategic planning, implementation of key initiatives, and cross-functional projects Serve as a member of the Leadership Teams for KIPP Nashville Collegiate High School and the new high school opening in 2023 People Management Supervises and professionally develops KIPP Forward Team to ensure that all KIPP Nashville scholars are on track to pursue the best post-secondary path to the career of their choice Qualifications Bachelor’s degree (required); Master’s degree preferred Minimum of 7 years of experience working with high school students and families, and/or in the college admissions field At least 3 years of formal managerial experience Knowledge of national, state, and local educational goals and objectives in alignment with college and university entrance requirements Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Ability to exercise excellent judgment in decision-making; facilitate various size working groups, work collaboratively, and; gather and analyze data, compile information, and prepare reports Flexible and able to multi-task within an ambiguous, fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment, while also driving toward clarity and solutions Proficient in Salesforce, MS Office, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Naviance experience is desirable Uphold the core values of KIPP Nashville Additional Information Compensation Starting Salary is $80-120,000 based on experience. Our comprehensive compensation package includes life insurance and long-term disability coverage provided by KIPP Nashville, voluntary medical and dental plans, in addition to retirement benefits and an annual salary increase. To establish equitable salary practices, the compensation package is derived from the regional KIPP Nashville Public Schools pay scale. This position is exempt and will follow a 12-month schedule.

Keywords: KIPP Foundation, Murfreesboro , Director of KIPP Forward, Administration, Clerical , Nashville, Tennessee