Senior Director of Academics

KIPP • Kansas City, MO

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Director of Academics is a key member of the academic leadership team, responsible for driving the vision, strategy, and execution of high-quality instruction across all academies. Reporting directly to the Chief Academic Officer, this role leads the academic team and ensures coherence across curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional learning systems. This leader brings deep experience in instructional leadership and coaching, with a strong preference for expertise in literacy, and a proven track record of improving student outcomes through adult development. The Senior Director builds the capacity of academic leaders, instructional coaches, and school leaders to deliver rigorous, standards-aligned, and culturally responsive instruction.

Requirements

• 5–8+ years of instructional leadership experience (e.g., AP, Principal, Network Leader, or equivalent)
• Proven track record of improving student outcomes at scale
• Deep experience in instructional coaching and adult development
• Experience leading and managing high-performing teams
• Commitment to KIPP KC’s mission and values
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse environment
• Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Fosters an inclusive environment for students, staff, and families
• Works effectively with colleagues and stakeholders
• Builds strong relationships within the KIPP KC community
• Demonstrated success in leading a diverse team with a commitment to inclusivity and collaboration
• Strong problem-solving skills and data analysis capabilities to drive targeted outcomes
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage families, students, and staff effectively
• In-depth knowledge of special education law, SEL, behavioral intervention strategies, and mental health practices

Nice To Haves

• Strong background in literacy instruction
• Experience at the network or district level
• Experience with curriculum implementation and assessment systems

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Chief Academic Officer to define and execute the organization’s academic strategy and priorities.
• Lead and manage the academic team, including coaching, performance management, and development of team members.
• Ensure strong alignment across curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional learning systems.
• Serve as a key thought partner to the Chief Academic Officer, Chief Schools Officer and school leaders on instructional improvement and academic priorities.
• Drive a culture of high expectations, accountability, and continuous improvement across all academies.
• Oversee a high-impact instructional coaching model across schools.
• Develop the capacity of instructional coaches, academic leaders, and school leaders through direct coaching and professional learning.
• Model best practices in instruction and coaching, with a strong emphasis on literacy instruction.
• Ensure instructional practices are aligned to curriculum and grounded in data.
• Support schools in implementing research-based instructional strategies that drive student achievement.
• Lead the curation, adoption, and implementation of high-quality instructional materials.
• Ensure alignment with state standards, organizational priorities, and research-based practices.
• Maintain vertical alignment across PK–12 grade levels.
• Ensure curriculum is culturally responsive, inclusive, and accessible to all learners, including special populations.
• Oversee continuous improvement cycles for curriculum based on student data and teacher feedback.
• Oversee development and refinement of scope and sequence documents across content areas.
• Ensure strong vertical and horizontal alignment across grade levels and academies.
• Guide the development of pacing guides and instructional planning tools.
• Ensure instructional materials and planning structures support effective lesson execution.
• Oversee the design and implementation of a comprehensive assessment system.
• Ensure alignment between curriculum, instruction, and assessments.
• Lead systems for analyzing and using student data to inform instruction and academic decisions.
• Support leaders and coaches in building strong data-driven instructional practices.
• Monitor student achievement trends and drive responsive action planning.
• Design and oversee a cohesive professional development strategy aligned to academic priorities.
• Ensure professional learning builds teacher and leader capacity in curriculum implementation and instructional excellence.
• Partner with instructional coaches to ensure effective transfer of professional learning into classrooms.
• Lead large-scale professional development initiatives and academic trainings.
• Oversee execution of key academic initiatives, ensuring strong project management and follow-through.
• Monitor academic OKRs, key performance indicators, and implementation fidelity.
• Coordinate cross-functional work across departments to support academic priorities.
• Prepare reports and updates for executive leadership and the board.
• Analyze academic performance across academies to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities.
• Ensure consistent implementation of academic programs and instructional expectations.
• Partner with school leaders to design and implement targeted improvement strategies.
• Drive continuous improvement cycles grounded in data and classroom practice.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience, plus a comprehensive benefits package to support overall well-being.
• Medical, dental, and vision options
• Life insurance
• Fertility plans
• Disability plans
• Numerous opportunities for advancement
• Ongoing professional development
• Leadership training

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed