[2025 - 2026] Chief Schools Officer

KIPP NORTH CAROLINA PUBLIC SCHOOLS INC • Charlotte, NC

8d

About The Position

Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) North Carolina, is a network of eight tuition-free, college-preparatory public charter schools educating approximately 3,000 students in grades K-12 in Durham, Halifax, Northampton and Mecklenburg counties. At KIPP NC, we are committed to improving the life outcomes of North Carolina’s children through the delivery of research-driven, rigorous curricula and clearing the paths that our students choose to follow by ensuring that they have the roadmaps and guideposts they need to arrive at success - however they define it.

At KIPP, we believe in the potential of every student and the power of strong school systems to unlock it. As Chief Schools Officer, you will lead with purpose—strengthening instructional excellence, developing school leaders, and ensuring every classroom reflects our commitment to equity and opportunity.

This role is grounded in respect for educators, investment in talent, and a deep belief in continuous growth. You will partner with a mission-driven community of students, families, and leaders to shape strategy, support excellence at scale, and build pathways for long-term success.

Together, we are creating a future without limits. Join KIPP as Chief Schools Officer and help lead the work that makes it possible.

The Chief Schools Officer (CSO) is the senior-most leader accountable for school-level results across KIPP North Carolina. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and serving as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the CSO ensures tight alignment of systems, expectations, and accountability across all KIPP NC schools and leads the disciplined execution of regional initiatives that drive student achievement.

The CSO is the architect, owner, and enforcer of alignment across KIPP North Carolina’s school-facing academic and leadership systems. The role exists to eliminate fragmentation, ensure coherence and accountability across all schools, and drive measurable results through disciplined execution, data-informed decision-making, and rigorous evaluation of people, programs, and initiatives.

Requirements

• A deep commitment to the mission of KIPP NC and an unwavering belief in the potential of all our students
• Possess a deep commitment to improving the lives of kids from low-income communities
• Master’s degree in education leadership or related field
• 3–5 years of successful principal experience with year-over-year results improving student outcomes
• Experience managing school leaders with a track record of results
• Strong data and systems leadership
• Commitment to equity and excellence

Nice To Haves

• Doctorate (Ed.D. or Ph.D.)
• KIPP or CMO experience
• Multi-school leadership experience

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise and coach Heads of Schools, who coach and manage Principals.
• Lead consistent coaching cycles grounded in observation, data, and feedback.
• Conduct rigorous evaluations, implement improvement plans, and make high-stakes leadership decisions in service of student outcomes.
• Build leadership pipelines and succession plans in collaboration with the Director, Leadership Development.
• Own and drive a coherent instructional vision resulting in breakthrough student achievement.
• Ensure instructional models meet the needs of all learners.
• Lead school improvement and turnaround efforts.
• Approve curriculum, assessment, and instructional tools.
• Design, own, and continuously improve aligned regional systems.
• Establish coherent data systems for weekly progress monitoring.
• Lead academic progress monitoring in close collaboration with the KIPP Foundation.
• Hold leaders accountable for execution and results.
• Develop and retain high-performing school leaders.
• Create and lead professional development.
• Set clear standards of excellence and accountability.
• Serve on the Executive Leadership Team.
• Partner closely with the KIPP Foundation on academic priorities.
• Co-lead the Board Academic Committee with a Board member.
• Present academic progress to the Board and stakeholders.

Benefits

• Salary is competitive and determined based on educational attainment and years of relevant experience
• Health Benefits medical, dental, vision are offered and individual employee premiums are covered by the employer
• Retirement is an optional 403B with an employer match and all employees are vested immediately
• PTO & Sick Leave 17 days of PTO and 6 days of sick leave each year on top of all school holidays
• Family Leave 8 weeks of 100% paid parental leave for birthing mothers and 4 weeks 100% paid parental leave for biological fathers and adoption

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive