Job Description

KEY PRIORITIES FOR THE CHIEF SCHOOLS OFFICER

The Role

This is an exciting and consequential moment for a new leader to join KIPP Columbus. The CSO will be responsible for setting the academic vision, driving student performance, and championing systems and a culture grounded in equity. The CSO will be an energetic, accessible, and supportive advisor to colleagues, including the executive team, which includes the executive director, chief of staff, chief operating officer, and chief people officer. The CSO will model accountability and steady, transparent, and responsive leadership that supports a high-performing work culture and outstanding results.

Direct reports to the CSO include the managing director of K-5 education; the director of curriculum, data, and assessment; the senior director of student services; and each school leader for the Sixth-Grade Academy, Middle, and High schools.

It is expected that the CSO will have the ability to address a set of opportunities and challenges that include, but are not limited to:

Define and execute on a forward-thinking academic vision that is bold and lasting.

As an innovative academic leader with deep expertise in education, the CSO will develop and implement a groundbreaking academic strategy and programs across all KIPP Columbus schools to achieve exceptional academic outcomes, high-quality teaching, and educational equity. Collaborating with KIPP Columbus colleagues, the CSO will craft a lasting and replicable academic vision that will have a broad impact on future generations of students. They will design forward-thinking approaches to teaching and learning while remaining adaptable to external changes. This role includes managing change to align teachers, instructional staff, and leaders with the instructional vision, as well as providing coaching, training, and tools to ensure effective implementation of curriculum and instructional programs. To drive success, the CSO will leverage data to refine strategies and stay at the forefront of innovative practices in education and school design.

Build school culture and systems grounded in equity.

The CSO will join a committed team of colleagues dedicated to fostering a joyful, equitable, and academically focused learning environment for students. Following the challenges of remote teaching during COVID and the addition of new teachers and leaders over the past year, there is an opportunity to strengthen and reaffirm a positive, inclusive culture across KIPP Columbus schools. The CSO will be a visible presence in the schools, actively listening and learning to understand each school’s unique culture, approaches, and priorities while driving improvement and innovation. They will clarify roles and responsibilities, empower decision-making that prioritizes academic excellence, and implement strong performance management practices. Engaging directly with families, students, and teachers, the CSO will stay informed on innovative strategies to enhance school culture and support continuous improvement.

Build equitable systems for instructional leadership development and support.

Aligned with the ethos of "One KIPP," the CSO will develop and refine systems for professional development and performance management, grounded in clear accountability measures. These systems will cultivate a shared responsibility for students' academic success across KIPP Columbus and promote the retention of high-performing teachers and staff. Serving as an active coach for principals, the CSO will align resources, tailor training, and provide timely feedback to school leaders and instructional support staff, ensuring teachers receive the support they need. The CSO will celebrate achievements and prioritize meeting the needs of instructional leaders working with multilingual learners and students with special needs, fostering growth and excellence across the organization.

Qualifications

While no individual will possess all qualifications in equal measure, the successful candidate will bring many of the following experiences and values to the role:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution, plus 3-5 years of proven teaching excellence.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a school leader/principal role with a record of achieving outstanding academic results for students from traditionally under-resourced communities or populations.
• Minimum 5 years of experience managing and/or coaching school leaders/principals to drive student academic results.
• An unwavering commitment to academic excellence.
• A track record of systematically and successfully transforming schools as an executive-level leader in a school system or institution dedicated to innovative teaching and learning.
• Deep knowledge and experience in the design, integration, implementation, and management of school systems, including knowledge of teaching and learning, instructional practices, school culture, school operations and management, and teacher and leader development.
• Ability to set a clear vision and aligned priorities, develop strategic plans, and empower others to achieve them.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in exceptional people leadership and management, including selection and hiring, coaching and development, managing and improving performance, building an inclusive and effective culture, and retention and promotion of top performers.
• Drives to action, delivers results–ensures work is getting done; proactively recognizes and addresses hurdles; thinks beyond just “the work today” and incorporates that perspective into the planning and execution.
• Adept at giving and receiving feedback, managing conflict, goal setting, decision-making, and holding others accountable.
• Strong organization and planning skills, with the ability to work urgently and independently in a fast-paced and results-oriented environment.
• Excellent communicator who is highly prized for transparency.
• Demonstrated track record of leading with a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusivity, and anti-racism.
• A joyful, can-do attitude that inspires others into action.

Additional Information

_ Compensation and Benefits_

KIPP Columbus offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits plan that includes medical and dental insurance, group term life insurance, a retirement plan, and paid time off.

The Chief Schools Officer is a full-time role based in Columbus, Ohio. This individual is expected to be available to work outside traditional hours and travel occasionally regionally and nationally.

_ APPLICATIONS, INQUIRIES, AND NOMINATIONS_

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website for the search: https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/kipp-columbus/chief-schools-officer

Isaacson, Miller: Amy Segal, Partner | Berlinda Mojica, Senior Associate | Olivia McVicker, Managing Search Coordinator

KIPP Columbus is committed to equal treatment for all individuals applying to the school for consideration of any position (admission, employment, etc.). KIPP Columbus does not discriminate on the basis of disability, gender, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic contained in the definition of hate crimes set forth in Section 4112.02 of the Ohio Revised Code.

Isaacson, Miller and KIPP Columbus are committed to creating an inclusive environment and welcome applications from candidates with disabilities. If you have any accommodation or access needs, we are happy to provide reasonable accommodations.