Director of School Innovation and Student Potential - KIPP Kansas City

KIPP Kansas City Public Schools is part of a nationwide network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory charter schools dedicated to preparing students in educationally underserved communities for success in college and life. Our strength as a region serves as a catalyst for empowerment, change, and hope.

Founded in 2007, KIPP Kansas City Public Schools began with KIPP Endeavor Academy, serving approximately 31 fifth-grade students. Today, we educate approximately 1,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade, with our community continuing to expand. Together with families and communities, we strive to create joyful, academically excellent schools that equip students with the skills and confidence to pursue their chosen paths—whether college, career, or beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and contribute to a more just world.

Position Overview:

The Director of School Innovation and Student Potential at KIPP Kansas City will spearhead the development and execution of cutting-edge educational strategies aimed at enhancing not only student engagement and well-being but also directly boosting academic achievement. This role is dedicated to nurturing an inclusive and growth-focused environment that enables both educators and students to excel. Collaborating closely with school leaders, teachers, and community partners, the Director will innovate and refine programs that elevate student success rates and foster a culture of continuous academic improvement. This pivotal role demands meticulous attention to detail, outstanding communication skills, and a profound commitment to creating a positive, inclusive, and results-oriented educational atmosphere.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Craft and execute a forward-thinking vision for educational innovation that is tightly aligned with KIPP Kansas City’s mission, prioritizing initiatives that tangibly improve student learning outcomes and school performance metrics.
• Program Development: Design and manage the rollout of pioneering educational programs that are rooted in solid data analysis, adhere to best practices in instructional strategies, and are demonstrably effective in advancing student achievement, alongside promoting a safe, supportive, and inclusive school environment.
• Professional Development: Equip teachers and school leaders with the tools and knowledge to implement student-centered teaching methods and proactive behavior management, all aimed at maximizing student engagement and achievement.
• Data Analysis: Delve into student performance data to uncover patterns and pinpoint areas needing improvement, leveraging these insights to drive educational strategies and enhance overall student achievement.
• Community Engagement: Forge robust partnerships with parents, local organizations, and stakeholders to champion a unified commitment to student excellence, gathering community input to refine and optimize school initiatives.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Develop and implement rigorous metrics and evaluation protocols to gauge the impact of innovative educational practices on student achievement, adjusting strategies as necessary to meet ambitious academic goals and maintain a nurturing and effective learning environment.

Goals:

• Enhance Student Outcomes: Achieve measurable improvements in student academic performance and engagement through innovative practices and programs.
• Foster a Culture of Innovation: Create an environment where educators feel empowered to experiment with new ideas and strategies, leading to improved teaching effectiveness.
• Strengthen Community Partnerships: Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community stakeholders to support student success and enhance school resources.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Implement robust systems for data collection and analysis to inform strategic initiatives and program adjustments.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; educational Leadership, or a related field preferred;
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in education, with a proven track record of leading innovative programs or initiatives that enhance student learning.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, influence change, and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of current educational trends, instructional best practices, and effective student engagement strategies.
• Proficient in analyzing and interpreting educational data to drive decision-making and improve student outcomes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate a clear vision and engage a variety of audiences.
• Deep commitment to KIPP’s mission of providing high-quality education to all students and a belief in the potential of every child.

Skills and Competencies: 

• Commitment to KIPP KC’s mission and values
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse environment
• Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Fosters an inclusive environment for students, staff, and families
• Works effectively with colleagues and stakeholders
• Builds strong relationships within the KIPP KC community

Physical Requirements: 

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. 
• The person in this position needs to be able to move about inside and outside the school or office throughout the workday.
• The candidate is expected to attend conferences, meetings, and training sessions both virtually and in person within the Region. 

Work Environment

• Reports to work Monday-Friday.
• Hybrid: A typical school, office, or virtual environment with frequent interruptions.

Travel Requirements:

• Ability to travel to work location. 

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary is based on years of experience, educational background, and level of expertise.

As a full-time KIPP Kansas City employee, you are eligible to participate in all KIPP Kansas City benefit plans. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits with competitive rates, including medical, dental, and vision options, as well as life insurance, fertility, and disability plans.

KIPP Kansas City is committed to the professional growth and development of our staff. We provide numerous opportunities for advancement, ongoing professional development, and leadership training to help you achieve your career goals.

KIPP Kansas City provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.