Director of Summer Academy

KIPP Capital Region Public Schools•Albany, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Summer Academy Director is responsible for leading the planning, execution, and evaluation of the region’s Summer Academy and August Regents Prep programming. This role serves as the primary instructional and operational leader, ensuring a high-quality, engaging, and safe summer experience for students while driving strong academic outcomes. The Director oversees all aspects of the program, including staff supervision, student engagement, family communication, and program effectiveness. This role requires strong project management, instructional leadership, and the ability to lead through others in a fast paced, high-impact environment.

Requirements

Strategic thinking and an entrepreneurial spirit that maximizes available resources and develops solid long-term outcomes.
Utilizes critical thinking skills to identify, research, conduct data analysis, and recommend solutions to complex problems.
Adaptability and comfort working in a complex, fast-paced environment that demands continuous learning and improvement.
Impeccable interpersonal and organizational skills and a detail-oriented mindset that focuses on driving excellent results.
Strong written, interpersonal and communication skills focusing on customer satisfaction and ability to work on and communicate with a cross-functional team with multiple stakeholders.
Demonstrates a growth mindset and a desire to continually improve through feedback
Strong work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit, and flexibility to accommodate the high level of responsibility, multiple priorities, and rapidly changing environment.
Ability to dive into details of a project when needed and synthesize learnings to inform the design of regional learning agenda.
Superior ability to quickly review, analyze, and summarize research reports and articles on issues relevant to the work.
A deep commitment to both racial and educational equity; supports the building of an organization that reflects the community KIPP serves; holds self and others on team accountable for centering equity.
Demonstrated passion for and a commitment to the mission and vision for high-quality public education and the character traits we value: Affirmation, Joyful, Excellence, Community, Collective Power, and Optimism.
Ability to complete a Criminal Background Check
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited College or University is required.
3+ Years of experience in leadership roles, with focused responsibility for leading and managing school goals and initiatives.
Experience working collaboratively with various departments in a fast-paced, growing environment across functional teams with multiple stakeholders
Must be able to work a flexible schedule outside of regular business hours
Understanding of working directly with students, preferably required in the charter, private, or public school environment.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working in schools and urban communities is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Oversee all aspects of Summer Academy, including staff management, student engagement, and overall program quality
Serve as the regional instructional lead, ensuring alignment to academic priorities, curriculum implementation, and student outcomes
Be present and actively engaged on-site daily throughout the duration of the program
Lead all pre-planning for Summer Academy, including rostering, scheduling, communication, curriculum selection, and materials procurement
Plan and execute comprehensive staff onboarding and training for Summer Academy team members
Develop and manage all planning for August Regents Prep, including budget, staffing, curriculum, and logistics
Lead the full cycle hiring process for Summer Academy staff, including posting roles, screening candidates, facilitating selection processes, and making hiring recommendations
Plan and execute a high quality onboarding experience for all Summer Academy staff, including clear role expectations, training on systems and curriculum, and alignment to student culture expectations
Ensure all staff are prepared to successfully launch on day one through strong pre-service training and clear communication
Directly manage Summer Academy teachers and support staff, including coaching, feedback, and performance management
Supervise and support the Behavior/Operations Lead to ensure strong systems for enrollment, attendance, behavior, grading, assessments, and family communication
Ensure strong student culture and engagement across all components of the program
Provide and oversee appropriate supervision of students during classes, transitions, meals, and breaks to maintain a safe and structured environment
Coordinate with school-based and regional partners to ensure seamless program execution, including: Meal service with kitchen staff Student transportation logistics Space planning and building readiness with the Director of Operations (DOO)
Ensure all materials, schedules, and systems are in place to support daily program success
Oversee clear, consistent communication with families regarding enrollment, expectations, attendance, and student progress
Monitor program effectiveness, including academic progress, attendance, and student experience
Lead post-program evaluation to identify successes, challenges, and recommendations for future improvement
Perform other duties as outlined by the Regional and High School Leadership.
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.