23-24 Associate General Counsel

Organizational Overview

By 2025, KIPP DC will build upon two decades of proven results to develop into a more impactful, innovative, and inclusive school system that provides joyful, identity-affirming learning experiences so that all students and alumni achieve extraordinary outcomes.

Our work is grounded in a commitment to excellence, equity, and justice. We believe all students have the right to rigorous, relevant, and joyful learning experiences led by exceptionally talented and diverse educators who promote student achievement and a sense of belonging. We believe students and teachers best succeed when surrounded by an ecosystem of supports, including our central headquarters team that supports KIPP DC’s 20 schools, 7,300 students, and 1,300 teachers, leaders, and staff members dedicated to this mission.

As part of KIPP DC’s commitment to excellence and equity, the Office of General Counsel plays a crucial role in ensuring that the organization operates in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations while safeguarding the rights of students and staff.

Position Overview

KIPP DC is seeking a dynamic and experienced Associate General Counsel to join the Office of General Counsel. The Associate General Counsel will be responsible for providing legal representation in a variety of areas including special education, civil litigation, procurement, labor & employment law. This position offers a unique opportunity to work within a mission-driven organization dedicated to making a difference in the lives of students in the District of Columbia. This position will involve leading the organization’s special education due process litigation.

Reporting directly to the General Counsel and as part of the Legal Team this position will provide legal advice and representation to KIPP DC, attend meetings and hearings, ensure compliance with federal and state education laws and regulations, among other things. Additionally, this role will collaborate directly with administrators, educators, and other stakeholders to address legal issues, develop educational policies, and promote a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students.

Job Responsibilities

Special Education Compliance And Support

Provide legal counsel to KIPP DC on matters pertaining to disability law and special education law.Provide legal guidance and support to KIPP DC schools to ensure compliance with federal and state special education laws and regulations.Collaborate with school leaders and special education teams to develop and implement effective policies and practices that promote inclusive education and equitable outcomes for students with disabilities.Review and advise on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and other special education documents to ensure they meet legal requirements as needed..Attend and represent KIPP DC at student meetings, including Individualized Education Program (IEP) Meetings, and Discipline Meetings as needed.Respond to and communicate with students’ and families’ legal counsel. Develop legal strategies and case management plans in collaboration with KIPP DC General Counsel, KIPP DC leadership and other stakeholders.Represent KIPP DC in special education due process hearings and appeals as needed.Manage and oversee special education litigation cases including coordinating with external legal counsel and ensuring compliance with court deadlines and procedures.Review KIPP DC’s Special Education Handbooks yearly and stay informed about legal developments, precedents, and emerging trends in special education and Section 504 litigation, and provide proactive guidance to KIPP DC regarding potential impacts and strategies.

Civil Litigation Support

Assist the General Counsel in managing civil litigation matters involving the organization.Conduct legal research, draft legal documents, and provide support for litigation preparation.Collaborate with external legal counsel as necessary and ensure effective communication between internal and external legal teams.Assist in the development and implementation of strategies to mitigate legal risks and resolve disputes effectively.

Procurement

Provide legal counsel and support for KIPP DC’s procurement activities, including contract review, negotiation, and compliance with procurement policies.Ensure that procurement practices adhere to legal requirements and best practices.Collaborate with relevant departments to develop procurement policies and procedures.

Labor & Employment Law

Advise on labor and employment law matters, including but not limited to, employment contracts, workplace policies, employee relations, and compliance with relevant labor laws.Provide the staff policy team support in handling labor and employment-related disputes and investigations.Stay current on labor and employment law developments.

Policy And Compliance

Stay up-to-date on changes in relevant laws and regulations.Review KIPP DC policies, procedures, and practices to identify areas for improvement and recommend updates to ensure legal compliance.Provide training and professional development to school staff regarding legal obligations, best practices, and procedural requirements.Assist in the development and review of organizational policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance.Support and respond to compliance audits conducted by external agencies.

Collaboration And Communication

Work closely with the General Counsel, other legal team members, and various departments across the organization to provide timely legal advice and support.Foster a culture of legal awareness and compliance throughout the organization.Collaborate with school leaders, special education administrators, and other stakeholders to foster positive relationships and effective communication.Liaise with external agencies, legal professionals, and advocacy organizations to stay updated on legal developments and best practices in primary areas of legal practice.

Requirements

Juris Doctor required, in good standing of a State Legal Bar (must be able to waive into a DC upon hire)4-7 years of legal practice experience, with prior experience in special education law and litigation preferred Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced and diverse environment.Strong knowledge of federal and state special education laws, regulations, and procedural requirements.Experience working in or with schools/ school systems preferredEffective oral and written communication and advocacy abilities, with the capacity to interact with diverse stakeholders, including parents, educators, and administrative personnel.Excellent legal research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.Able to manage and supervise multiple cases effectively and independently.Strong ability to manage up and exercise judgment in difficult situations.A passion for being part of a team-oriented, mission-driven culture.Ability to constantly prioritize workflow and make hard trade-offs.Comfortable traveling between schools and the headquarters office as needed.Commitment to KIPP DC’s mission of providing educational opportunities for underserved communities.

Compensation And Benefits

KIPP DC offers an extremely competitive compensation and benefits package:

The anticipated starting salary for this position is $123,246-$152,245. At KIPP DC we strive for clarity, equity, and to be highly competitive. When determining salaries we look at benchmarks in the education and non-profit sector. KIPP DC offers a robust benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurances; various voluntary benefits; and employer paid benefits such as short term disability, long term disability, life insurance, and a membership to One Medical.KIPP DC also offers a 403(b) retirement account with a 3% employer contribution and a 3% match with vesting after three years.Currently, individuals in this role have up to 15 paid time off days, up to 10 paid sick days, and 12 paid holidays. This is subject to change and your exact schedule will be shared in your offer letter.As a headquarters team that is focused on being responsive to our schools and meeting the needs of our students and families, we approach our work in a way that reflects these priorities. Schools operate in person and our students and families rely on us for in-person support, and this position will regularly provide on-site support to school teams, frequently partner with other headquarters teams, or regularly work in multiple locations. Because of the nature of the work, this role allows for occasional flexibility. This role will have approximately 20% flexibility to work remotely.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

KIPP DC Public Schools does not discriminate against, or tolerate discrimination against, employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis or protected class including, but not limited to, actual or perceived race, color, national origin, immigration status (except as necessary to comply with federal, DC, state, or local law), religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity or expression), marital status (including domestic partnership status), genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, family responsibilities, personal appearance, veteran status, uniform service member status, status of being unemployed, status of victim a survivor of domestic violence, sexual offense or stalking, matriculation or any other protected class under federal, state, DC, or local law.

Click here or here to review KIPP DC’s non-discrimination policy and KIPP DC’s Title IX Coordinator’s contact information.