ABOUT THE KAUFFMAN SCHOOL

The Ewing Marion Kauffman School is a free, public charter school serving more than 1,000 students in 5^th through 12^th grades. Focused on student achievement and strong character, the school’s mission is summarized in three words: create college graduates. The school serves a student population of which 87% qualify for free and reduced lunch and 90% identify as students of color. Students are accepted by a lottery that prioritizes the six highest-need zip codes within the district.

Students entering Kauffman School in fifth grade typically scored in the bottom third of the state on their fourth grade exams. After four years at Kauffman School, 8^th grade students score at the very top in state exams; in 2015-2016 Kauffman School 8^th graders ranked #1 in math, #3 in science, and #12 in ELA in the state of Missouri. Our founding freshman class was the #1 ranked district in Biology and the #2 ranked district in Algebra on Missouri’s end of course exams. These results have allowed us to create a high school that offers AP courses for all students, meaning 100% of students participate in AP courses by the time they graduate from our high school. 

In 2015, the Kauffman School was recognized as Missouri Charter School of the Year. In 2016 and 2017, the Kauffman School earned a perfect score on its statewide Annual Performance Rating, one of only 7% of districts statewide to do so. In 2017, Teach For America named the Kauffman School a School To Learn From. Additionally, the Kauffman School became the first charter network outside of New York City to earn the top tier “Platinum” rating from the Leverage Leadership Institute, an extension of the Relay Graduate School of Education. Our school and student results demonstrate our students’ incredible brilliance, passion, creativity, and work ethic. Kauffman School students are empowered by their identities and place in the community and develop a critical consciousness of the world around them. Kauffman School staff actively partner with families to be a school, not just in the community, but of the community.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Kauffman School is seeking a Special Projects Manager. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Special Projects Manager will oversee the planning, implementation, and tracking of specific projects and provide support to the Chief Executive Officer. This is a full-time, exempt position.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Projects

• Manage projects, in partnership with the Chief Executive Officer, that support the mission of creating college graduates with project responsibilities as follows:

Plan the project

• Define the scope of the project in collaboration with select leadership
• Create a detailed work plan which identifies and sequences the activities needed to successfully complete the project
• Determine the resources (staff, time, money, equipment, etc.) required to complete the project
• Develop a schedule for project completion that effectively allocates the resources to the activities
• Review the project schedule with leadership and all other staff that will be affected by the project activities; revise the schedule as required
• Determine the objectives and measures upon which the project will be evaluated at its completion

Staff the project

• In consultation and collaboration with the appropriate manager and select staff and/or volunteers with appropriate skills for the project activities
• Manage project staff and/or volunteers according to the established policies and practices of the organization
• Ensure that all project personnel receive an appropriate orientation to the organization and the project
• Contract qualified consultants to work on the project as appropriate

Implement the project

• Execute the project according to the project plan
• Develop forms and records to document project activities
• Set up files to ensure that all project information is appropriately documented and secured
• Monitor the progress of the project and make adjustments as necessary to ensure the successful completion of the project
• Establish a communication schedule to update stakeholders/appropriate staff in the organization on the progress of the project
• Review the quality of the work completed with the project team on a regular basis to ensure that it meets the project standards

Control the project

• Write reports on the project for leadership/stakeholders/appropriate staff
• Submit for appropriate approval and monitor all budgeted project expenditures
• Monitor budget projections and report actual cost and variance to senior management on a regular basis
• Ensure that all financial records for the project are up to date

Evaluate the project

• Ensure that the project deliverables are on time, within budget and at the required level of quality
• Evaluate the outcomes of the project as established during the planning phase

Support to CEO

• Provide administrative support for Chief Executive Officer including:
  • Manage logistics and agendas for meetings, events, presentations and programs including travel and expense reporting
  • Maintain relationships with stakeholders and the Foundation by serving as a liaison to Chief Executive Officer
  • Complete applications, surveys, questionnaires, and forms requested by outside organizations
  • Oversee general logistics of third party resources (IT, facilities, and security)
• Assume other responsibilities as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• An undergraduate degree or equivalent experience is required, while an advanced degree is strongly preferred
• A minimum of 3+ years of relevant operational experience is preferred
• Prior experience working in schools, urban communities, non-profit, military, private sector, and/or a fast paced entrepreneurial environment is preferred
• High comfort level with children and youth is required
• Demonstrated project/program management experience is necessary. Must possess experience successfully managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Experience working in cross-functional teams and collaborating with external vendors to develop and implement systems and processes to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of a growing organization is essential
• Effectively prioritize work and meet deadlines; organized; manage multiple assignments; follow assignments through to completion; respond quickly to requests for information and assistance.
• High organizational and analytical ability.
• Results-driven with experience driving operational excellence
• Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office; Power School, Outlook, Word, Google Drive and Excel are necessary

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Commitment to and complete belief in the Kauffman School’s mission to create college graduates as well as in the School’s organizational success
• Entrepreneurial energy, hands-on approach and ambition necessary for a start-up school
• Personality should project enthusiasm, professionalism, and a high level of credibility
• Ability to maintain a calm, professional demeanor in the face of competing demands and external pressures
• Should be highly adaptable and flexible, with the ability to thrive in an ambiguous environment
• Ambition and desire to grow and to work both autonomously and collaboratively.
• Commitment to getting the job done right and willingness to do whatever it takes to create and maintain an orderly, effective school organization
• Acute attention to detail coupled with the ability to think and act strategically
• Strong time management skills; ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet tight deadline
• Must have a strong personal value system that encompasses high integrity, honesty, a solid work ethic, high professional standards and strong moral character

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The Kauffman School offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with anticipated duties and experience.  This position is eligible to participate in the school’s benefits program.

TO APPLY

Interested applicants should complete a formal application through the Kauffman School Careers page at http://www.kauffmanschool.org/.  In your cover letter please address the following topics:

• Describe a time when you identified a process or system inefficiency. Explain how the issue came to your attention, how you solved it, and how that experience will be useful as the Special Projects Manager
• Highlight your experience working with low-income, minority, or historically underachieving students
• Provide specific evidence of your alignment with the Kauffman School’s mission of “creating college graduates” and/or the Kauffman School’s PREP Values (Perseverance, Results, Empathy, Passion)

The Kauffman School is an Equal Opportunity Employer, welcoming people to flourish in an open and inclusive work environment. A diverse pool of candidates is welcomed and encouraged.