Senior Head Of Academics

Organizational Overview

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 Summary

The Senior Head of Academics is charged with setting and driving the vision for academics at KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools and will oversee all academic programming within our K-12 school system. Reporting to the Deputy Chief Schools Officer, the Senior Head of Academics manages the Head of Academics and the Managing Director of School Support, and provides support to schools in the implementation of academic programming. The Senior Head of Academics is responsible for providing oversight of the KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools assessment strategy, instructional coaching strategy, and academic scheduling strategy and will serve as a liaison to district authorizers and local and national partners. This position requires a visionary educational leader who is dedicated to ensuring high academic standards, fostering a culture of learning and innovation, and promoting academic excellence among students and staff.

Job Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning & Execution 45%

• Set, direct, and execute the academic strategy at KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools inclusive of strategy for teaching and learning, assessments instructional coaching and academic scheduling strategy in alignment with KIPP Foundation strategy for academics

• Develop benchmarks for success and track and maintain comprehensive data as a source for developing and improving upon existing systems and structures supporting academic growth and achievement

• Partner with academic and school leaders to refine professional learning opportunities, leverage best practices and radiate bright spots related to professional learning across the organization

• Proactively, and responsively, refine and tailor academic strategy across the organization to meet the needs of the organization

• Support process of ensuring regular observations and school walkthroughs to assess the efficacy and effectiveness of academic strategy and support Heads of Schools to identify key action items to improve outcomes for students

• Support and collaborate with Talent Team to design and refine selection criteria for academic leadership hiring

Team Leadership & Management 35%

• Build capacity in direct reports through comprehensive development including the establishment of performance goals, regular check-ins, observations, timely feedback and professional development opportunities

• Hold team accountable to performance goals and metrics identified through organizational planning and as part of their day-to-day duties

• Support with the planning and execution of professional development for teachers and leaders, including designing schedules, content, and lesson plans, and ensuring high quality delivery of professional development aligned to academic vision

Academic Partnerships 20%

• Serve as the regional liaison to state and local authorizers developing deep partnerships to leverage resources, share best practices and ensure compliance

• Develop and manage external partnerships, including grant providers, sponsors and donors and provide support and leadership to completing reporting requirements

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across the regional support team to provide insight into academic performance and enable stakeholders to share KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools stories

Additional Information

Compensation & Benefits:

Compensation for this role is between $135,000 - $145,000. 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.

• Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree required in education, social services, social work, counseling, psychology or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience working in an educational, social services, or behavioral health setting. Experience working with adolescents preferred.

• Teaching experience required.

• Ability to successfully implement behavioral interventions.

• Ability to prepare and maintain records and reports.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

• Ability to work as a leader and a team member.

• Committed to the mission of preparing educationally underserved children for excellent high schools and colleges.