Director, Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Strategy

Newark, NJ, United States

Director, Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Strategy Full-time

Start Date: Next year opening

Department: Regional Support and Leadership

About KIPP TEAM & Family

KIPP TEAM & Family is our network office that includes support teams - such as Leadership Development, Recruitment, Advocacy, Facilities, Finance, HR and more - dedicated to empowering our schools and ensuring the success of KIPP students throughout New Jersey and Miami. Our schools are part of the nationally recognized “Knowledge Is Power Program” network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools dedicated to preparing students for success in college and in life. The first KIPP New Jersey school opened in Newark in 2002 and since then our school network has expanded to educate 8,135 students in grades K-12. By 2025, KIPP New Jersey will provide a world-class education to over 10,300 students across fifteen schools in Newark and five in Camden.

In 2018, we grew our KIPP community in response to a need for high-quality school options for students in Greater Miami’s Urban Core communities. That led to the creation of KIPP Miami, which currently educates more than 1,000 students in four schools, with plans to reach 5,800 students by 2025. By offering highly effective educators with strong bonds to families, more time in school learning, services that support a variety of student needs, and a culture focused on achievement, our students in New Jersey and Miami are on the path to and through college, career, and choice-filled lives.

Here's what you need to know:

KIPP Team & Family is seeking a Director, Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Strategy to join our dynamic network office team. This leadership role is dedicated to harnessing the power of AI technology to impact both academic and administrative functions within our schools, working cross-functionally with the Teaching & Learning, Data, Technology, KIPP Forward, and other support teams. Serving the KIPP New Jersey and Miami communities, this position aims to enhance productivity, foster creativity, and support our commitment to providing a world-class education. The first six months of the role will primarily be the research, planning and fundraising part of the work, after which the focus of the role will shift to piloting and implementing solutions. This will be a hybrid role, based in either Newark, Camden, or Miami.

Here's what you'll be doing:

Fundraising and Resource Development:

Lead fundraising efforts to secure funding for the research and development of AI initiatives.

Engage with donors, write grant proposals, and partner with external organizations to support AI projects.

Lead the development and execution of an AI fundraising campaign that aims to raise a minimum of $500,000 and a stretch goal of $1,000,000 in the 2024-2025 school year.

Identify and cultivate relationships with potential donors, including foundations, corporations, and individual philanthropists, to secure funding for AI initiatives.

In collaboration with the AI Innovation and Strategy Associate, write compelling grant proposals ensuring alignment with the strategic goals of KIPP Team & Family; develop and manage a portfolio of grant opportunities, including tracking deadlines, submission requirements, and reporting obligations.

Use AI tooling to improve fundraising processes and systems, enhancing efficiency in donor engagement and grant management.

Coordinate fundraising events, webinars, and other initiatives to engage potential donors and showcase the impact of AI-driven projects within KIPP Team & Family.

Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of fundraising strategies and campaigns, providing regular reports to senior leadership.

Collaborate with various teams to create compelling materials, including case studies, impact reports, and campaign updates, to support fundraising efforts.

Strategic AI Integration:

Develop and implement a comprehensive AI strategy and policy aligned with KIPP’s educational philosophy and operational needs.

Focus on enhancing teaching effectiveness, optimizing back-office functions, and supporting our commitment to providing a world-class education for our kids while maintaining a focus on privacy and security.

Program Development & Software Implementation:

Lead the deployment of AI-driven tools and solutions aimed at improving learning outcomes, in close collaboration with the Technology team.

Oversee the implementation of AI solutions that streamline administrative processes and increase operational efficiency, including project management of pilots to full production rollouts. This will involve working closely with the Technology and Data teams to ensure technical feasibility, resource planning, and seamless integration of AI solutions into existing infrastructure.

Stakeholder Engagement:

Collaborate closely with educational leaders, teachers, administrative staff, and IT teams to ensure AI solutions are safely and effectively integrated and embraced across all levels.

Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the organization.

Training and Support:

Establish comprehensive training programs for staff to enhance AI literacy and competency.

Provide ongoing support to ensure team members are equipped to utilize new technologies effectively, promoting a culture of continuous learning and development.

Data Management:

Champion ethical practices in AI use, ensuring transparency, fairness, and alignment with our mission and values.

Oversee data governance to ensure that all AI systems adhere to strict data privacy and security standards.

Innovation Leadership:

Stay abreast of emerging AI technologies and educational trends to keep KIPP at the forefront of educational innovation.

Encourage experimentation and pilot programs to explore new AI applications in education.

Performance Evaluation & Data-Driven Decision Making:

Regularly assess the impact of AI initiatives on student success and operational efficiency, either through direct research & analysis or in collaboration with research institutions.

Utilize data-driven insights to make recommendations for future enhancements and ensure continuous improvement.

Lead and manage teams, either directly or indirectly, who support AI Innovation and Strategy initiatives.

Foster a collaborative and high-performing team culture, ensuring effective project execution and alignment with organizational goals.

Strategic Partnerships:

Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with leading technologists and organizations to enhance student learning initiatives and KIPP's influence on educational and technological policy at state and federal levels.

Communications:

Regularly update teachers, staff, and leadership on AI Innovation and Strategy progress through various internal communication channels.

Present AI initiatives and their impacts to parents, donors, and educational partners via reports, presentations, and media engagements.

Maintain a repository of research and facilitate knowledge sharing, while collecting stakeholder feedback to refine AI strategies and advocate for ethical AI use in education.

5+ years experience in a leadership and/or management role with direct reports, ideally within an educational or technology-focused organization,

Demonstrated expertise in planning, organizing, and executing complex projects within set timelines and budgets

Understanding of charter-management and/or non-profit organizations – ideally with demonstrated experience in finance, operations, fundraising, domain-specific, and academic functions.

Demonstrated knowledge and research in AI and its applications in an educational context

Strong leadership and communication skills; proven track record of leading cross-functional teams to achieve strategic goals and deliver high-impact results

Proven ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives that leverage technology to enhance learning and operational efficiency.

Commitment to the values and mission of KIPP and a passion for educational equity.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in fundraising and resource development for technology or educational initiatives.

What We Offer:

The opportunity to be at the forefront of educational innovation within a nationally recognized network of public charter schools.

A supportive and collaborative work environment with a dedicated team committed to the success of all students.

A flexible work environment with time spent in our schools, central office, and a home office.

Compensation is commensurate with experience, education, and skill assessment. The salary range for this role is $160,000-$200,000 annually.

Candidates must have permanent authorization to work in the US.

In addition to a competitive salary, KIPP TEAM & FAMILY offers a full comprehensive benefits plan, including health care, retirement, a laptop, and transportation benefits for TEAMmates commuting into New Jersey from the New York City area.

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