Chief of Staff

Organizational Overview:

KIPP 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 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. 

What We Value:

• Good Decision-Making: “I make thoughtful decisions in alignment with my school’s and organization’s values.”

• Peer Accountability: “I hold all Big KIPPsters accountable to our schools’ and organization’s values, standards, and expectations.”

• Excellence Always: “I do all aspects of my work with excellence - the big and the little things, the parts being monitored as well as those not monitored.”

• Communication is Key: “I communicate with both honesty and love. How I communicate nurtures courage, belonging, partnership, and progress toward our promise to KIPPsters and families.”

• Scholars Over Everything: “I put our scholars first, 100% of the time, without fail. I quickly resolve any and all adult-centered concerns and qualms to reserve my individual and our collective time and attention for our KIPPsters.”

• Walk Trumps Talk: “I chose this social justice career. And so, I behave in alignment with my choice. My behaviors match our promise to our scholars and families.”

• “Us” Only: “I belong to every member of our organization, and every member of our organization belongs to me. I choose unity always - in both the good times and hard times.”

Job Summary:

The Chief of Staff (CoS) is charged with leading the internal operating engine of KIPP Atlanta Schools and maximizing the effectiveness of the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Team. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief of Staff serves as a trusted thought partner, strategic integrator, and execution leader who ensures organizational priorities are translated into clear actions, strong meeting and decision-making structures, effective internal communication, and disciplined follow-through.

The Chief of Staff leads the CEO Office, serves as the primary staff lead for board governance, oversees executive and leadership team tactical cadence, and ensures strong coordination between schools and the Regional Support Team. This role also oversees key talent functions, including HR/talent acquisition and leadership development, in order to strengthen internal culture, people systems, management quality, and organizational accountability.

The Chief of Staff is accountable for organization-wide internal effectiveness, governance support, executive operating rhythm, and the successful execution of the CEO’s highest-priority initiatives. This role is expected to exercise strong judgment, manage organizational risk, and contribute meaningfully to long-term organizational effectiveness, sustainability, and culture.

Job Responsibilities:

Organizational Leadership and CEO Office 30%

• Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the CEO, helping translate vision and priorities into clear actions, decisions, and communication.

• Maximize the CEO’s effectiveness by ensuring time, attention, and decision-making are focused on the highest-leverage organizational priorities.

• Represent the CEO and the organization, as appropriate, in internal and external settings.

• Lead or oversee special projects identified by the CEO that are critical to organizational effectiveness and execution.

• Build and maintain routines, systems, and communication structures that improve organizational health, cross-functional coordination, and leadership effectiveness.

• Support the organization in navigating urgent issues, emerging challenges, and leadership transitions with clarity and sound judgment.

Executive Team Leadership and Internal Execution 30%

• Design, coordinate, and support effective Executive Team tactical meetings, ensuring the right issues are elevated, decisions are made, and follow-through is clear.

• Support the CEO and Executive Team in maintaining strong internal operating cadence, including leadership meetings, step-backs, and quarterly retreats.

• Ensure effective communication and coordination between schools and the Regional Support Team.

• Lead internal communications strategy and execution in partnership with the CEO and Executive Team to ensure staff receive timely, clear, and aligned information.

• Lead regional support team leadership routines and reinforce strong culture, management expectations, and cross-functional accountability.

• Partner with other Executive Team members to ensure execution stays aligned to organizational priorities and operational realities.

• Help identify and remove barriers to successful implementation of major organizational priorities.

Board Governance and Governance Support 20%

• Serve as the primary staff lead for the KIPP Atlanta Schools Board of Directors and support the CEO in building a strong, informed, and strategically engaged board.

• Oversee board governance operations, including agenda planning, calendar management, board materials, meeting logistics, follow-up, and governance compliance.

• Serve as Board Secretary and ensure accurate documentation, strong communication, and effective execution of board-related processes.

• Support board committee work, board recruitment efforts, and engagement opportunities in partnership with board leadership and the CEO.

• Help ensure strong governance practices and effective alignment between board priorities and organizational needs.

Talent, Leadership Development, and Culture 20%

• Directly manage the senior talent leaders responsible for HR/talent acquisition and leadership development.

• Ensure strong systems for talent execution, onboarding, leadership development, manager effectiveness, and internal people processes.

• Partner with the CEO and Executive Team to strengthen organizational culture, leadership quality, and internal accountability.

• Support executive hiring, succession planning, and leadership transitions as needed.

• Help build a cohesive and healthy leadership culture across the Regional Support Team.

Required

• Bachelor’s Degree required

• Minimum 15 years of professional experience with progressively increasing scope and responsibility

• Minimum 6 years of experience leading senior organizational and/or enterprise leaders

• Demonstrated record of organization-wide impact, including strategy design and execution, risk mitigation, and governance

• Proven ability to lead a major enterprise function or cross-functional body of work with significant decision-making authority, complexity, and organizational risk

• Demonstrated success supporting or partnering closely with senior executives, boards, and cross-functional leadership teams

• Exceptional judgment, discretion, and ability to manage confidential, politically sensitive, and high-stakes matters

• Strong experience building systems, driving execution, and leading through ambiguity and organizational change

• Excellent facilitation, communication, project management, and relationship management skills

• Strong commitment to educational equity and deep alignment to the mission of KIPP Atlanta Schools

Preferred

• Master’s Degree or other advanced degree preferred

• Experience in a charter school network, school system, nonprofit, or similarly complex multi-site organization

• Experience with board governance, executive operations, and talent/leadership development

• Track record of strengthening organizational culture, leadership effectiveness, and cross-functional execution

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation is competitive and aligned with KIPP Atlanta Schools’ leadership salary bands. The salary range for this role is $135,000- $210,000 (with a midpoint of $175,000) and is based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity. Most new hires are placed in the lower to mid-range of the salary range. Placement near the top of the range is uncommon at hire and reserved for individuals who exceed role qualifications through depth of expertise, leadership maturity, and proven results leading complex initiatives with sustained, organization-level impact. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including health insurance, retirement options, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. 

KIPP Atlanta Schools offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• 20 days of Paid Time Off, in addition to identified holidays 

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical and dental), life insurance and optional short and long term disability

• Counseling and Telehealth Options

• Paid Parental Leave 

• Participation in Georgia retirement plan and an optional 403(b) retirement plan

Location & Work Conditions:

This position requires:

• This role requires schedule flexibility; work hours vary based on campus needs and may include evenings and occasional weekends

• This position has hybrid flexibility but does require regular presence on campus and in schools and in required meetings around the region; Must be based in Atlanta

• This position requires routine physical activity associated with normal office environments

• This position may require the ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds

• Ability to engage in school-based activities requiring standing, walking, and mobility

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

KIPP Atlanta Schools is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Duties may be adjusted based on school and organizational needs.

Salary : $135,000 - $225,000