Director of Government Affairs

Location: Southwestern Saskatchewan (Maple Creek)

Who We Are
KIPP SoCal Public Schools is a nonprofit organization that operates 20 tuition‑free, open‑enrollment charter public schools, within 17 Local Education Agencies (LEA), educating more than 10,000 students and supporting 8,300 alumni to and through college and beyond. Our award winning schools are part of the national KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) network, dedicated to meeting the needs of all learners and providing the social, emotional and academic support for success in high school, college, and life.

Mission
Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose—college, career and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and create a more just world.

What We Do
At KIPP SoCal we build trusting relationships that are strengthened by high expectations and collaboration alongside laughter and joy. We set ambitious goals and hold each other accountable for students achieving their greatest potential. We work together with each other and in partnership with families and communities in the active pursuit of a more equitable world. We do the right thing, even when it’s not always comfortable standing up and speaking out against anti‑blackness, racism, oppression, and injustice.

We persevere through obstacles and treat failure as an opportunity to learn and grow.

The Opportunity
The Director of Government Affairs will serve as KIPP SoCal’s lead strategist and primary liaison for government relations, legislative engagement, and elected and grasstops advocacy efforts. This role will lead a portfolio that includes 60% local (primarily LA‑based, some San Diego) advocacy, 30% statewide engagement in Sacramento, and 5% federal advocacy, with the remaining 15% supporting cross‑functional initiatives across the External Impact team and the broader organization.

The application opened on Friday, February 6, 2026 and will close on Friday, February 20, 2026.

The role is primarily based in Los Angeles, but includes occasional travel to San Diego.

Key Responsibilities

Local Advocacy (60%)

Lead engagement and relationship‑building with key decision makers in Los Angeles and San Diego, including LAUSD/SDUSD/CUSD/LACOE Board of Education members and staff, the Mayor’s Office, City Council, county offices, and civic organizations

Develop and execute strategies to secure policy, funding, and regulatory support for KIPP SoCal’s schools and mission in the greater Los Angeles area

Represent KIPP SoCal in key coalitions, education advocacy campaigns, working groups, and civic alliances

State Advocacy (30%)

Serve as the organization’s primary liaison with the California Legislature, California Department of Education, State Board of Education, and other state agencies

Advance KIPP SoCal’s positions on state legislation and budget matters affecting public education and charter schools

Lead and support Capitol advocacy days, legislator meetings, testimony, and regulatory comment processes in Sacramento

Key participant in the internal Policy Planning Group to track legislation and advocacy efforts and execute legislative engagement strategy on key bills as identified by the Group

Federal Advocacy (5%)

Monitor and engage on federal education policy issues relevant to KIPP So Cal

Build relationships with local congressional offices and relevant federal partners in coordination with the national KIPP Foundation, including coordinating the annual District Days initiative

Represent KIPP SoCal in federal advocacy coalitions and efforts when appropriate

Cross‑Functional Leadership & Collaboration (15%)

Build and maintain a centralized system (e.g., CRM) to track legislator and agency engagement across local, state, and federal levels—including meetings, correspondence, follow‑ups, and relationship status—to support strategic advocacy efforts

Manage relationships with contract lobbyists and consultants, aligning their work with KIPP SoCal’s priorities and ensuring clear communication, accountability, and strategic coordination

Represent KIPP SoCal on appointed boards, commissions, and public stakeholder groups

Develop…