Director of School Transformation (26-27 SY)

Description KIPP Capital Region is a part of a national network of high-performing public Charter Schools committed to creating joyful, academically excellent, and prepared students with the skills, ability, and confidence to pursue their paths to college, career, and beyond. Located in both Albany and Troy, NY, KIPP Capital Region serves 2,500+ students in grades K-12 across seven schools. We believe every individual walks through the doors of schools bearing gifts. Talent. Perspective. Drive. Inspiration. So at KIPP Capital Region, we support every student and educator to see those gifts, then build the skills and confidence they need to thrive. We are committed to furthering anti-racism, equity, and racial justice in all our efforts, and expect all of our stakeholders to participate in this work so that we can create a future without limits for our students, together. Position Overview The Director of School Transformation provides intensive support to schools requiring accelerated growth, leading the development and execution of data-driven improvement strategies while building the capacity of school leaders and leadership teams by: School Transformation Leadership & Strategic Planning Develop and execute comprehensive school transformation plans aligned to organizational priorities and strategic goals. Partner with school leadership teams to oversee day-to-day operations, identify root causes of performance challenges, and implement targeted improvement strategies, ensuring timely delivery and maximum impact. Establish clear short-term and long-term goals for academic achievement, school culture, attendance, enrollment, and staff retention. Lead continuous improvement cycles through strategic planning, progress monitoring, and course correction. Serve as the primary transformation lead for assigned schools and programs. Academic Achievement & Data-Driven Improvement Analyze student achievement, growth, attendance, behavior, and culture data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement. Monitor progress toward accountability goals, charter commitments, state benchmarks, and organizational performance metrics. Collaborate with academic leaders to ensure effective implementation of curriculum, instruction, assessment, and intervention systems. Support schools in developing and executing action plans to accelerate student growth and close achievement gaps. Present school performance updates and recommendations to executive leadership and stakeholders. School Leader Coaching & Capacity Building Provide intensive coaching, development, and performance management support to principals and school leadership teams. Identify training needs for School Leaders by analyzing current strengths and weaknesses, and design targeted training interventions to develop capacity, enhance skills, and meet organizational goals. Conduct school visits, classroom observations, leadership walkthroughs, and instructional reviews. Build leadership capacity through side-by-side coaching, feedback cycles, professional development, and strategic problem-solving. Support leaders in developing strong instructional leadership, culture systems, family engagement practices, and staff management. Foster a culture of accountability, excellence, and continuous improvement. Cross-Functional Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement Partner with Schools, Teaching & Learning, HR/Talent, Regional Operations, and other regional teams to support school improvement efforts. Collaborate with families, community organizations, and external partners to strengthen student outcomes and school engagement. Support school leaders in designing equitable systems that promote student belonging, safety, and success. Ensure alignment between school priorities and regional initiatives. Student Support, Equity & Compliance Support schools in implementing effective SIS, special education, and student support systems. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and organizational requirements. Champion equity-focused practices that remove barriers to student success. Monitor implementation of culturally responsive and affirming instructional and behavioral practices. Ensure schools maintain safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments. Crisis Management & Organizational Leadership Provide leadership during critical incidents, school crises, and urgent organizational challenges. Support communication, stakeholder engagement, and resolution planning during high-impact situations. Lead special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned by the Chief of Schools, Chief Academic Officer, or CEO. KIPP Capital Region Perform other duties outlined by the Senior Executive Leadership Team. Committed to furthering anti-racism, equity, and racial justice in all our efforts, and expect all our stakeholders to participate in this work so that we can create a future without limits for our students together. Complies with all charter, federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including the NYS Department of Education, Department of Health, and NYS Office of Children and Family Services Adheres to organization policies and procedures; promotes and supports mission, vision, and values, including developing and participating in internal surveys and data collection for continuous improvement initiatives. Qualifications Education and Experience Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited College or University is required. Master’s degree preferred. Experience leading schools through cycles of transformation related to improving student achievement outcomes and school culture Demonstrated ability to lead schools and systems to improve outcomes for students; applied knowledge of the inner workings of schools as they relate to the intersecting priorities of teaching & learning, curriculum & instruction, development, school culture systems, family engagement, management of staff, school safety, operations, etc. Experience in leading effective teams, managing change and driving key initiatives with demonstrated effectiveness in leading and coordinating across functional teams. Ability to build relationships and consensus, impact & influence, and motivate action with a proven ability to indirectly manage and influence teams and individuals to meet specific and strategic outcomes. Systems orientation and thinking. Someone who can build from scratch and bring a vision to life Ability to view the work from a K - 12 perspective, and the impact of K-12 decisions on postsecondary outcomes for students. Experience juggling multiple projects with competing priorities while working collaboratively with various departments in a fast-paced, growing environment across functional teams with multiple stakeholders. Advanced knowledge of all Microsoft Office Applications, working knowledge of various School Information Systems, and related software applications. Understanding of working directly with students, preferably required in the charter, private, or public school environment. Ability to work a flexible schedule outside of regular business hours. Aptitude to create and work within an inclusive environment that honors and supports a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives. Physical Requirements The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Prolonged periods were spent sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to access and navigate all areas of the school and other facilities as needed. The job requires specific vision abilities, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee needs to read, write, and speak English fluently. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, use fingers to type, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, balance, stoop/bend and reach, kneel, crouch or crawl, talk, and hear. Dexterity requires writing and operating standard office machines such as computers, printers, copiers, fax machines, phones, and calculators. Ability to occasionally lift and move up to 20 pounds. Additional Information Work Perks When you join KIPP Capital Region, you are joining in on our promise to families that their children will enter college and the professional world able to thrive academically due to their literacy, numeracy, and core knowledge in science and social studies. We also promise that our students will develop a passion for learning and the drive necessary to persevere as they climb the mountain to and through college and career. Our graduates will be prepared to return to their community as teachers, leaders, and architects of continued growth in the Capital Region. And while the biggest perk to working at KIPP Capital Region is doing work that makes a lifelong difference in the lives of our students, you'll find that's not the only benefit we offer: Flexible working arrangement Generous time-off Industry-leading medical, dental, and vision coverage Aggressive employer 403(b) contribution match Childcare benefits Unparalleled work/life integration Casual dress code Relocation stipend (conditions apply) And so much more! For more information on the benefits of joining KIPP Capital Region, please view our Employee Benefits Summary . Learn More: KIPP Capital Region offers a competitive salary ranging from $109,300 - $120,800/yr. Salaries are determined using an equitable compensation scale that accounts for years of experience relevant to the role and longevity within the KIPP network. KIPP Capital Region will evaluate and determine the step/level a new hire will be placed within our graded salary scale at the point of hire. All staff and educators at KIPP Capital Region are committed to anti-racism and inclusion, are part of a close knit, diverse community, and are encouraged to show up authentically, inspiring our children to do the same. Learn more about what it’s like to work at KIPP Capital Region: kippcapital.org/join-our-team/ This role is located at KIPP Capital Region schools in Albany & Troy, NY.