Company Description

KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools is part of the KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) national network of free, open enrollment, college preparatory schools dedicated to ensuring that every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities. There are 280 KIPP schools in 21 states and the District of Columbia serving more than 175,000 scholars and alumni. KIPP Metro Atlanta currently operates 11 schools including five primary schools, six middle schools and one high school, as well as KIPP Forward which supports scholars on their journey to a choice-filled life. We are a social justice organization and our vision and mission require the work of dedicated, bold and skilled leaders, educators, and support staff who are committed to serving as the catalyst for joyful, academically excellent schools and the foundation for building a more just and equitable world for our scholars.

Job Description

Job Overview:

The Chief Schools Officer (CSO) is charged with setting and implementing the vision for learning at KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools to ensure that all KIPPsters experience academically excellent and joyful schools. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the CSO will manage the Academic Team, Scholar Support Team and Principal Managers to improve outcomes for all scholars, while upholding the bar of excellence for teaching and learning, driving academic achievement, growth and fostering inclusive positive school cultures. The CSO serves as a critical member of the KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools Executive Team and provides trusted advice to the Chief Executive Officer and partners with other members of the Executive Team to support regional priorities.

Job Responsibilities:
Organizational Leadership 30%

• Support and provide strategic advice to the CEO, and represent the CEO as an official of the organization as needed
• Serve as a key contributor to organizational direction setting with the Executive Team and align and coordinate the allocation of resources
• Partner with the Executive Team to advance priorities, empower effective decision-making, monitor progress and clear obstacles to success and ensure compliance needs are met
• Proactively solicit feedback on organizational priorities and programming to inform organizational strategy and decisions
• Support the response to organizational challenges that arise as part of daily school management
• Provide regular updates about academic programming to all key stakeholders

Team Leadership & Management 30%

• Build capacity in direct reports through comprehensive development including the establishment of performance goals, regular check-ins, observations, timely feedback and professional development opportunities
• Regularly lead team meetings to ensure the effective cascade of communication, identifying areas of challenge and coordinating necessary changes in response to organizational challenges
• Hold team accountable to performance goals and metrics identified through organizational planning and as part of their day-to-day duties
• Support the creation of people development systems throughout the organization inclusive of talent forecasting and succession planning
• Ensure strong organization-wide systems are in place to support learning vision, including planning and budgeting, goal-setting and progress monitoring, data collection and analysis and professional development and cohort learning

Strategic Planning & Execution 40%

• Design a compelling vision and strategy for learning, inclusive of both academics and school culture, at KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools that aligns with KIPP Metro Atlanta’s vision and mission and long term strategic plan
• Communicate, train and support high-quality implementation of the learning vision and strategy to regional and school leaders, while fostering collaboration between the regional and school teams
• Establish key metrics for success and track results in order to identify trends and diagnose root causes to improve and adjust KIPP Metro Atlanta’s learning strategy
• Maintain an awareness of emerging innovations in educational programing and identify opportunities to improve programming with research-based, effective practices
• Align and coordinate resources on the Academic Team and Schools Team to advance organizational priorities

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s Degree preferred
• Minimum 10 years of work experience with 5 years of supervisory and management experience, preferably in a large, dynamic, mission-driven organization, with experience at a high-performing charter school preferred
• Minimum 3 years of Principal experience in a K-12 setting and a minimum 2 years managing Principals in a K-12 setting
• Deep experience in the design, integration, implementation and management of high performing schools and school systems and knowledge of curriculum, instructional practices, school operations and management, and leadership development
• Demonstrated success as a school leader in improving academic initiatives that close student achievement gaps between racial, ethnic, and economic groups
• Exceptional strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to solve complex problems and implement solutions, an ability to manage both the big picture and the details, a strong sense of judgment, and the ability to navigate complex legal, political, and community issues
• Demonstrated leadership in organizational planning and execution with the ability to create a vision, develop a plan, marshal resources, and execute on objectives utilizing a proactive and entrepreneurial mindset
• A track record of building, leading, motivating, and developing diverse and high performing teams

Additional Information

Compensation:

Compensation for this role is between $155,000 and $170,000. Most candidates would be compensated at $165,000. The starting pay will depend on various factors that may include but are not limited to professional experience, education, training, and certifications. KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• 19 days of Paid Time Off, in addition to identified holidays and regular school breaks including Fall Break, Thanksgiving Break, Mid-Winter Break and Spring Break.
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical and dental), life insurance and optional short- and long-term disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Participation in Georgia retirement plan and an optional 403(b) retirement plan

Location & Work Conditions:

This position requires candidates to be based in Atlanta and regularly be in schools and able to attend in person meetings and events. Additional in person time may be necessary based upon organizational needs.

Statement of Non-Discrimination:

KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools 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.