Director, Special Projects & Internal Communications

About KIPP NYC

KIPP NYC Public Schools is a nonprofit charter school network that was established in 1995. The organization operates 18 free public schools across the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, and partners with families and communities to build joyful, academically strong schools where students are prepared to shape their own futures.

Beginning with KIPP Academy in the Bronx, the network has grown to include eight elementary schools, nine middle schools, and one high school. Students receive a well-rounded education that includes academics, arts, athletics, and social-emotional learning to support success in college, career, and beyond.

Support continues after graduation through KIPP Forward, which helps alumni navigate college, work, and life in ways that align with their goals and sense of purpose. Across the network, KIPP NYC serves more than 9,400 students, supports 4,700 alumni, and employs over 1,100 team members.

About the Executive Office

The Executive Office is a newly created team led by the Chief of Staff, built to expand leadership capacity and keep cross-functional work aligned. Team members manage their own ongoing portfolios while also stepping into high-priority initiatives that require strong project management and additional operational support.

KIPP NYC is hiring three leaders for this function: Senior Director, Project Management & Office Operations; Senior Director, Project Management & Strategy Operations; and Director, Special Projects & Internal Communications. This role is best suited to someone who operates with an enterprise-wide mindset and enjoys both planning and execution.

Role Overview

Reporting to the Senior Director, Project Management & Strategy Operations, the Director, Special Projects & Internal Communications will lead work across internal communications, governance operations, and intranet development and oversight, which together make up about 60% of the role. The remaining 40% involves supporting urgent cross-functional projects and special initiatives as needed.

Success in this position depends on a mix of internal communications expertise, operational discipline, and strong project management. The right candidate can comfortably move between executive messaging, coordinating communication workflows, supporting governance processes, and creating systems that improve clarity across the organization.

Work Arrangement and Travel

This is a full-time position with a hybrid schedule. A minimum of three in-person days per week is required at the Midtown Manhattan office. The role may also require travel to KIPP NYC campuses in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, with the frequency set by leadership.

Internal Communications

• Design, organize, and run the internal communications function, including an editorial calendar that reflects the rhythm of the school year.
• Coordinate content workflows with the Marketing and Communications team to ensure alignment with KIPP NYC brand standards.
• Work with HR, IT, Operations, and other leaders to share timely, relevant updates with staff.
• Convert organizational priorities and initiatives into clear internal messages and companion materials for employees.

Digital Workplace and Intranet Operations

• Manage the rollout and implementation of the intranet platform from planning through adoption and long-term operations.
• Handle the non-technical side of intranet implementation, including information structure, user assistance, and staff training.
• Create publishing rules, maintenance routines, and coordination processes that keep the intranet current, accessible, and valuable as an organization-wide resource.
• Support change management efforts and encourage sustained staff use of the platform.
• Track engagement, adoption, and usage data to guide ongoing improvements.

Governance Operations

• Develop and maintain systems and documentation practices that support governance coordination and reliable handling of board-related information.
• Prepare, organize, archive, and distribute governance documents such as minutes, resolutions, agendas, and supporting materials.
• Coordinate the filing, posting, and upkeep of governance records across internal tools and external-facing platforms.

Qualifications and Professional Requirements

The organization is looking for someone who shares its commitment to partnering with communities and families to create equitable, joyful opportunities for children across New York City. The ideal candidate is comfortable managing logistics, leading projects, facilitating communication, and supporting executive-level operational work.

• At least 5 years of progressively more complex experience in project management, internal communications, or operational execution in fast-moving environments; project management training or certification is an advantage.
• Proven ability to lead multi-stakeholder initiatives from planning through delivery; experience with project management tools such as Asana is required.
• Strong communication abilities, including creating polished slide decks, drafting communications, and producing effective graphic design.
• Experience with web platforms, content management systems, intranets, collaboration tools, or employee portals is preferred.
• Excellent presentation, public speaking, and meeting facilitation skills.
• Sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion when handling sensitive information and executive-level work.
• A proactive mindset for building systems that create structure and bring clarity to ambiguity.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with colleagues from varied backgrounds and experiences.
• Personal qualities aligned with the organization’s values, including zest, grit, hope, social intelligence, gratitude, and humor.

Additional Information

A bachelor’s degree is required.

Compensation for this position ranges from $115,360 to $144,200 annually. Salaries are standardized by role level and function, and final offers are based on relevant experience, role scope, and internal equity within the salary band.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 50% employer match after 6 months.
• Generous time off aligned with the school calendar.
• Up to 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave.
• Backup child and elder care through Bright Horizons.
• Employer-paid life insurance and short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Employee perks including an 8-week paid sabbatical after 10 years, annual professional development funding, and tuition reimbursement.

Important Notes

This job summary is meant to describe the nature of the work for this role and is not a complete list of every duty or responsibility. The position is based in New York City, requires in-person work, and includes travel to schools. If an employee relocates outside a commutable distance or outside New York State, continued employment may be reviewed and could end in separation. Employees are expected to inform HR of any move or planned relocation.

KIPP NYC LLC does not provide visa sponsorship or work authorization support. The organization is committed to a welcoming workplace with employees from diverse backgrounds and experiences, and it is an equal opportunity employer that follows equal employment opportunity principles for all employees and applicants.