Director of Government Affairs

Overview

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 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.

This position is ideal for a strategic thinker and influential communicator who understands the local, state, and federal education policy landscape and can effectively advocate for policies that support KIPP SoCal students, families, and schools. The role requires a leader who can build authentic relationships with elected officials, staff, coalitions, and public agencies, while serving as a visible and trusted representative of KIPP SoCal’s mission and values.

This position reports directly to the Chief External Impact Officer and is part of the External Impact Team, which includes marketing and communications, advocacy, public programs, policy, and authorizer relations.

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.

• 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 SoCal.
• Build relationships with local congressional offices and relevant federal partners in coordination with the national KIPP Foundation, including…