KIPP KANSAS CITY

Together with families and communities, KIPP Kansas City works to create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence they need to pursue the paths they choose—college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world. We are a K-9th grade school located in the historical 18th and Vine District. We are part of a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory charter schools with a track record of preparing students in educationally underserved communities for success in life. KIPP KC opened its first school, KIPP Endeavor Academy, in 2007 with approximately 31 fifth grade students. Today, KIPP Kansas City has grown to serve students in Kindergarten through 9th grade and is currently educating approximately 700 students.

 Position Description

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Head of Schools will manage, develop and support School Leaders, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Director of Special Education and Director of Student Services to drive improvement in student outcomes. The Head of School’s primary charge will be to manage School Leaders to excellent results and to ensure that schools are running effectively and efficiently. The Head of Schools is ultimately accountable for the performance of the schools under their supervision and advises on all aspects of school management (e.g., academic program, teacher and leader development, student behavior management, hiring, attendance and enrollment, budgeting and resource allocation, parent engagement, and HR/personnel matters).

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1. Develop, manage, and coach School Leaders 

• In partnership with Executive Director select highly effective, diverse School Leaders who can drive outcomes for students

• Set ambitious school-wide vision and goals, aligned with the KIPP region, that lead students on a path to and through college, career and their chosen pathways

• Plan and prioritize time and resources to achieve annual goals

• Cultivate a diverse, high-potential school leadership pipeline (from teacher leader to AP to successor) and develop leadership team members by teaching and insisting that they are true owners of the work and coaching and assigning stretch activities

• Model expectations for leaders, teachers, and students on school-wide practices for a positive learning culture

• Develop systems and structures to hire and retain diverse, highly-effective staff

• Build own and school staff’s knowledge and expertise in effective instructional design and academic standards

• Develop teachers to provide rigorous and high quality instruction

• Cultivate School Leader’s own success and sustainability by engaging lifelines and renewing to get stronger

2. Work closely with School Leaders to align schools with the regional academic vision and meet performance goals

• Monitor and support implementation of academic initiatives at the school and ensure that school structure and programming aligns with the regional academic vision

• Make region-wide/school-based adjustments to academic programming to ensure goals are met

• Track school progress, identify areas of growth, and connect school leaders with resources as needed

3. Support School Leaders in all other aspects of managing a highly effective school

• Work closely with the school leader to ensure there is strong school culture, community engagement, and parent involvement

• Collaborate with regional support teams (i.e. data, finance, HR, recruitment, etc.) to coordinate supports and ensure alignment with school goals

• Review school budget, support School Leader with hiring, enrollment, HR issues, and various other challenges that may arise

• Hold School Leaders accountable for cultivating a leadership pipeline and an appropriate succession plan

Required Education, Credentials, & Experience

• 3+ years of experience as a high-performing School Leader, who has experience closing the student achievement gaps between racial, ethnic and economic groups

• Deep experience in the design, integration, implementation and management of a school including knowledge of curriculum, instructional practices, school operations and management, and leadership development

• Systems builder, able to scale best practices across multiple schools

• Commitment to building relationships and trust with leaders, teachers, students, parents, and community

• Values rooted in high expectations, going above and beyond, and deep humility

Compensation

Salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience. Additionally, KIPP KC offers a comprehensive benefits package including health coverage and retirement.