Chief of Schools

Who We AreKIPP 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.MissionTogether 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 DoAt 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 RoleThe Chief of Schools ensures the health, performance, and continuous improvement of all KIPP SoCal schools by supervising the Directors of Schools and the Managing Director of Student Services. This role drives student outcomes through effective leadership development, school health monitoring, and operational excellence while fostering a positive, inclusive school culture. The Chief of Schools collaborates with the Chief Academic Officer (CAO) to align school strategies with academic goals but does not directly oversee instruction. The position reports to KIPP SoCal’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO).Who We’re Looking ForKIPP SoCal is seeking a seasoned, strategic leader to serve as our next Chief of Schools—someone who has successfully led large portfolios or served as a Chief of Schools and is ready to make an immediate impact. This is not a stretch role. The Chief of Schools ensures the health, performance, and continuous improvement of all 20 KIPP SoCal schools serving 10,000 students by supervising the Directors of Schools and the Managing Director of Student Services. Working closely with the CEO and CAO, this leader drives student outcomes through strong leadership development, operational excellence, and a data‑driven approach to continuous improvement—all while fostering a positive, inclusive culture where both students and educators thrive. If you’re a results‑oriented, strategic thinker who turns plans into action and data into growth, and you’re passionate about equity and community impact, apply now to join KIPP SoCal’s next chapter of excellence.Key ResponsibilitiesSchool Health and PerformanceEnsure each school achieves an overall health score of 3+ on the School Health Continuum or improves by at least one level in two key elementsSupport Directors of Schools in driving school improvement plans that lead to measurable gains in student achievement, teacher effectiveness, and leadership capacityOversee the development and implementation of action plans for schools not meeting performance benchmarks, ensuring alignment with regional prioritiesFamily & Community EngagementCreate and oversee strategy, programs and services aimed towards increased family and community engagement; and strengthen the partnership among families, community, and schools to improve student academic achievement, school success, and to serve as critical advocates and ambassadors for KIPP SoCal.Develop, monitor and implement a strategy to proactively engage families through the identification and development of a training program for family leaders focused on the principles and practices of community organizing.Identify opportunities and develop ways to strategically build coalitions, while maximizing collaboration and coordination with community partners across the diverse communities of Southern CaliforniaLeadership Development & Talent PipelineCoach, manage, and develop Directors of Schools and the Managing Director of Student Services to build a high‑impact leadership teamEnsure that 100% of School Leaders (Principals) receive high‑quality coaching and professional development, resulting in improved school leadership effectivenessDevelop a strong leadership pipeline, ensuring that 75% of leadership vacancies are filled internally through proactive talent cultivationSchool Culture & Student ExperienceFoster equitable and inclusive school environments where 90%+ of students and families report a positive school experience, as measured by student and family voice metricsPartner with the Managing Director of Student Services to strengthen Special Education and Mental Health services, ensuring compliance and high‑quality supports for all studentsEnsure schools are leading restorative and culturally responsive discipline practices, reducing disparities and improving student engagementOperational Excellence & AccountabilityOversee operational efficiency in schools, ensuring that at least 100% of schools meet compliance requirements related to staffing, finance, and facilitiesMonitor and support enrollment, attendance, and fiscal health across schools to maintain financial sustainabilityExecute KIPP SoCal's parent/family complaint policy with fidelityCollaboration & Cross‑Functional LeadershipWork alongside the Chief Academic Officer to ensure instructional priorities are effectively implemented without directly managing academicsPartner with regional teams (HR, Operations, Talent, etc.) to align resources and supports for schoolsAct as a key thought partner to the CEO, contributing to the strategic direction of KIPP SoCal Public SchoolsRole‑Specific Competencies & SkillsStrategic Leadership & CoachingBuilds strong, trusting relationships with Directors of Schools and School LeadersDevelops and executes data‑driven coaching and management cycles, ensuring leader effectivenessCreates structures for continuous professional learning and collaboration among school leadersData‑Driven Decision MakingDiagnoses school performance against defined benchmarks and translates data into actionable strategiesMonitors progress and holds leaders accountable for meeting school health, student achievement, and operational targetsSchool Culture & Community EngagementChampions equitable, student‑centered learning environmentsEffectively resolves school and parent concerns, strengthening family‑school partnershipsAdvocates for schools by elevating principal perspectives and ensuring resources are equitably distributedCross‑Functional CollaborationWorks seamlessly with the Chief Academic Officer, Managing Director of Student Services, and other regional leadersAligns school management with regional priorities, ensuring a unified vision across KIPP SoCalKIPP Leadership CompetenciesLead Self – Demonstrates self‑awareness, commitment to continuous learning, and a strong personal drive for impactKnows who to collaborate with, what to prioritize, and what to delegateLead People – Builds high‑performing teams, fostering a collaborative and accountable cultureManages, coaches and develops school and regional leaders to maximize their potentialBuilds community and a collective sense of purpose and identityLead Results – Uses data to set priorities, drive decision‑making, and ensure outstanding outcomes for studentsHolds teams accountable to ambitious goals with clear action plansAssesses emergent needs and determines plan of actionAdditional ExpectationsServe as a visible and present leader across KIPP SoCal schoolsAct as an ambassador for KIPP SoCal, representing the network in regional, state, and national education forumsUphold and model KIPP SoCal’s values, anti‑racism standards, and standards of conductQualificationsBachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferredMinimum 10 years of work experience with 5 years of supervisory and management experience, preferably in a large, dynamic, mission‑driven organizationThis is not a stretch role opportunity. Please have Chief of Schools experience (or very comparable role) at a charter or district organization similar in size to KIPP SoCal (or larger)4 years minimum experience leading a high performing charter school, with success coaching and developing leadersDemonstrated success providing financial oversight and managing a school budgetStrong project and time management skills; ability to effectively backwards plan, juggle multiple priorities with great attention to detail, and deliver consistent and timely resultsStrong strategic and analytical skills with an aptitude systems‑buildingSense of humility, urgency, and customer service mindsetStrong ability to proactively solve problems and make decisions quicklyTeam player with strong interpersonal and stakeholder management and relationship building skillsAbility to lead, influence, and hold others accountable to high standards of academic and operational excellenceAbility to be calm under pressure, especially in difficult conversations with parents and staffExcellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skillsDesire to continuously learn and increase effectiveness as a professionalUnwavering commitment to KIPP’s mission and willingness to go above and beyond to meet the needs of KIPP students, families, and staffCompensationKIPP SoCal Public Schools offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience in a similar position. The salary range for this position is $192,600 to $288,900. New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary between the range minimum and the salary range midpoint of $240,750 depending on qualifications, internal equity, and the budget allocated for this role100% of healthcare premium costs covered by employer, dependents added at 50% of the costEmployer‑paid KIPP SoCal life insurance401(k) plan with up to 6% match by KIPP SoCalVoluntary Benefits (Pet Insurance, Supplemental Life, Accident, Short Term Disability, etc.)Generous time off program includes 22 holidays, sick leave and vacationOther great benefits (Flexible spending account, EAP, etc.)Equal Opportunity EmployerKIPP SoCal Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation/gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.AccessibilityKIPP SoCal strives to ensure that our careers website is accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, please contact us. You can find our contact information on our website, http://www.kippsocal.org/. Information will be sent to a talent acquisition representative who will provide assistance to ensure appropriate consideration in the hiring process.Recruitment Process DisclosureWe may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us. #J-18808-Ljbffr