KIPP SoCal Public Schools
Who We Are
KIPP SoCal Public Schools is a nonprofit organization that operates 20 tuition‑free, open‑enrollment charter public schools, within 17 Local Education Agencies (LEA), educating more than 10,000 students and supporting 8,300 alumni to and through college and beyond. Our award winning schools are part of the national KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) network, dedicated to meeting the needs of all learners and providing the social, emotional and academic support for success in high school, college, and life.
Mission Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose—college, career and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and create a more just world.
What We Do At KIPP SoCal we build trusting relationships that are strengthened by high expectations and collaboration alongside laughter and joy. We set ambitious goals and hold each other accountable for students achieving their greatest potential. We work together with each other and in partnership with families and communities in the active pursuit of a more equitable world. We do the right thing, even when it's not always comfortable standing up and speaking out against anti‑blackness, racism, oppression, and injustice. We persevere through obstacles and treat failure as an opportunity to learn and grow.
The Role The Chief Schools Officer ensures the health, performance, and continuous improvement of all KIPP SoCal schools by supervising the Directors of Schools and the Managing Director of Student Services. This role drives student outcomes through effective leadership development, school health monitoring, and operational excellence while fostering a positive, inclusive school culture. The Chief Schools Officer collaborates with the Chief Academic Officer (CAO) to align school strategies with academic goals but does not directly oversee instruction. The position reports to KIPP SoCal’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Who We’re Looking For KIPP SoCal is seeking a seasoned, strategic leader to serve as our next Chief Schools Officer—someone who has successfully led large portfolios or served as a Chief of Schools and is ready to make an immediate impact. This is not a stretch role. The Chief Schools Officer ensures the health, performance, and continuous improvement of all 20 KIPP SoCal schools serving 10,000 students by supervising the Directors of Schools and the Managing Director of Student Services. Working closely with the CEO and CAO, this leader drives student outcomes through strong leadership development, operational excellence, and a data‑driven approach to continuous improvement—all while fostering a positive, inclusive culture where both students and educators thrive. If you’re a results‑oriented, strategic thinker who turns plans into action and data into growth, and you’re passionate about equity and community impact, apply now to join KIPP SoCal’s next chapter of excellence.
2nd Priority application deadline is December 31, 2025. Anticipated start date is February/March 2026.
Key Responsibilities for the Role are: School Health and Performance
Ensure each school achieves an overall health score of 3+ on the School Health Continuum or improves by at least one level in two key elements.
Support Directors of Schools in driving school improvement plans that lead to measurable gains in student achievement, teacher effectiveness, and leadership capacity.
Oversee the development and implementation of action plans for schools not meeting performance benchmarks, ensuring alignment with regional priorities.
Family & Community Engagement
Create and oversee strategy, programs and services aimed towards increased family and community engagement; and strengthen the partnership among families, community, and schools to improve student academic achievement, school success, and to serve as critical advocates and ambassadors for KIPP SoCal.
Develop, monitor and implement a strategy to proactively engage families through the identification and development of a training program for family leaders focused on the principles and practices of community organizing.
Identify opportunities and develop ways to strategically build coalitions, while maximizing collaboration and coordination with community partners across the diverse communities of Southern California.
Leadership Development & Talent Pipeline
Coach, manage, and develop Directors of Schools and the Managing Director of Student Services to build a high‑impact leadership team.
Ensure that 100% of School Leaders (Principals) receive high‑quality coaching and professional development, resulting in improved school leadership effectiveness.
Develop a strong leadership pipeline, ensuring that 75% of leadership vacancies are filled internally through proactive talent cultivation.
School Culture & Student Experience
Foster equitable and inclusive school environments where 90%+ of students and families report a positive school experience, as measured by student and family voice metrics.
Partner with the Managing Director of Student Services to strengthen Special Education and Mental Health services, ensuring compliance and high‑quality supports for all students.
Ensure schools are leading restorative and culturally responsive discipline practices, reducing disparities and improving student engagement.
Operational Excellence & Accountability
Oversee operational efficiency in schools, ensuring at least 100% of schools meet compliance related to staffing, finance, and facilities.
Monitor and support enrollment, attendance, and fiscal health across schools to maintain financial sustainability.
Execute KIPP SoCal's parent/family complaint policy with fidelity.
Collaboration & Cross‑Functional Leadership
Work alongside the Chief Academic Officer to ensure instructional priorities are effectively implemented without directly managing academics.
Partner with regional teams (HR, Operations, Talent, etc.) to align resources and supports for schools.
Act as a key thought partner to the CEO, contributing to the strategic direction of KIPP SoCal Public Schools.
Role‑Specific Competencies & Skills
Strategic Leadership & Coaching
Data‑Driven Decision Making
School Culture & Community Engagement
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred
Minimum 10 years of work experience with 5 years of supervisory and management experience, preferably in a large, dynamic, mission‑driven organization
Chief of Schools experience or comparable role at a charter or district organization similar in size to KIPP SoCal or larger
4 years minimum experience leading a high‑performing charter school, with success coaching and developing leaders
Demonstrated success providing financial oversight and managing a school budget
Strong project and time management skills; ability to effectively backwards plan, juggle multiple priorities with great attention to detail, and deliver consistent and timely results
Strong strategic and analytical skills with an aptitude for systems‑building
Sense of humility, urgency, and customer service mindset
Strong ability to proactively solve problems and make decisions quickly
Team player with strong interpersonal and stakeholder management and relationship building skills
Ability to lead, influence, and hold others accountable to high standards of academic and operational excellence
Ability to be calm under pressure, especially in difficult conversations with parents and staff
Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills
Desire to continuously learn and increase effectiveness as a professional
Unwavering commitment to KIPP’s mission and willingness to go above and beyond to meet the needs of KIPP students, families, and staff
Compensation
KIPP SoCal Public Schools offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience in a similar position. The salary range for this position is $192,600 to $288,900. New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary between the range minimum and the salary range midpoint of $240,750 depending on qualifications, internal equity, and the budget allocated for this role.
100% of healthcare premium costs covered by employer, dependents added at 50% of the cost
Employer‑paid KIPP SoCal life insurance
401(k) plan with up to 6% match by KIPP SoCal
Voluntary Benefits (Pet Insurance, Supplemental Life, Accident, Short Term Disability, etc.)
Generous time off program includes 22 holidays, sick leave and vacation
Other great benefits (Flexible spending account, EAP, etc.)
KIPP SoCal Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation/gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
KIPP Socal strives to ensure that our careers website is accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, please contact us. Information will be sent to a talent acquisition representative who will provide assistance to ensure appropriate consideration in the hiring process.
Visit http://www.kippsocal.org/ for more information.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Mission Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose—college, career and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and create a more just world.
What We Do At KIPP SoCal we build trusting relationships that are strengthened by high expectations and collaboration alongside laughter and joy. We set ambitious goals and hold each other accountable for students achieving their greatest potential. We work together with each other and in partnership with families and communities in the active pursuit of a more equitable world. We do the right thing, even when it's not always comfortable standing up and speaking out against anti‑blackness, racism, oppression, and injustice. We persevere through obstacles and treat failure as an opportunity to learn and grow.
The Role The Chief Schools Officer ensures the health, performance, and continuous improvement of all KIPP SoCal schools by supervising the Directors of Schools and the Managing Director of Student Services. This role drives student outcomes through effective leadership development, school health monitoring, and operational excellence while fostering a positive, inclusive school culture. The Chief Schools Officer collaborates with the Chief Academic Officer (CAO) to align school strategies with academic goals but does not directly oversee instruction. The position reports to KIPP SoCal’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Who We’re Looking For KIPP SoCal is seeking a seasoned, strategic leader to serve as our next Chief Schools Officer—someone who has successfully led large portfolios or served as a Chief of Schools and is ready to make an immediate impact. This is not a stretch role. The Chief Schools Officer ensures the health, performance, and continuous improvement of all 20 KIPP SoCal schools serving 10,000 students by supervising the Directors of Schools and the Managing Director of Student Services. Working closely with the CEO and CAO, this leader drives student outcomes through strong leadership development, operational excellence, and a data‑driven approach to continuous improvement—all while fostering a positive, inclusive culture where both students and educators thrive. If you’re a results‑oriented, strategic thinker who turns plans into action and data into growth, and you’re passionate about equity and community impact, apply now to join KIPP SoCal’s next chapter of excellence.
2nd Priority application deadline is December 31, 2025. Anticipated start date is February/March 2026.
Key Responsibilities for the Role are: School Health and Performance
Ensure each school achieves an overall health score of 3+ on the School Health Continuum or improves by at least one level in two key elements.
Support Directors of Schools in driving school improvement plans that lead to measurable gains in student achievement, teacher effectiveness, and leadership capacity.
Oversee the development and implementation of action plans for schools not meeting performance benchmarks, ensuring alignment with regional priorities.
Family & Community Engagement
Create and oversee strategy, programs and services aimed towards increased family and community engagement; and strengthen the partnership among families, community, and schools to improve student academic achievement, school success, and to serve as critical advocates and ambassadors for KIPP SoCal.
Develop, monitor and implement a strategy to proactively engage families through the identification and development of a training program for family leaders focused on the principles and practices of community organizing.
Identify opportunities and develop ways to strategically build coalitions, while maximizing collaboration and coordination with community partners across the diverse communities of Southern California.
Leadership Development & Talent Pipeline
Coach, manage, and develop Directors of Schools and the Managing Director of Student Services to build a high‑impact leadership team.
Ensure that 100% of School Leaders (Principals) receive high‑quality coaching and professional development, resulting in improved school leadership effectiveness.
Develop a strong leadership pipeline, ensuring that 75% of leadership vacancies are filled internally through proactive talent cultivation.
School Culture & Student Experience
Foster equitable and inclusive school environments where 90%+ of students and families report a positive school experience, as measured by student and family voice metrics.
Partner with the Managing Director of Student Services to strengthen Special Education and Mental Health services, ensuring compliance and high‑quality supports for all students.
Ensure schools are leading restorative and culturally responsive discipline practices, reducing disparities and improving student engagement.
Operational Excellence & Accountability
Oversee operational efficiency in schools, ensuring at least 100% of schools meet compliance related to staffing, finance, and facilities.
Monitor and support enrollment, attendance, and fiscal health across schools to maintain financial sustainability.
Execute KIPP SoCal's parent/family complaint policy with fidelity.
Collaboration & Cross‑Functional Leadership
Work alongside the Chief Academic Officer to ensure instructional priorities are effectively implemented without directly managing academics.
Partner with regional teams (HR, Operations, Talent, etc.) to align resources and supports for schools.
Act as a key thought partner to the CEO, contributing to the strategic direction of KIPP SoCal Public Schools.
Role‑Specific Competencies & Skills
Strategic Leadership & Coaching
Data‑Driven Decision Making
School Culture & Community Engagement
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred
Minimum 10 years of work experience with 5 years of supervisory and management experience, preferably in a large, dynamic, mission‑driven organization
Chief of Schools experience or comparable role at a charter or district organization similar in size to KIPP SoCal or larger
4 years minimum experience leading a high‑performing charter school, with success coaching and developing leaders
Demonstrated success providing financial oversight and managing a school budget
Strong project and time management skills; ability to effectively backwards plan, juggle multiple priorities with great attention to detail, and deliver consistent and timely results
Strong strategic and analytical skills with an aptitude for systems‑building
Sense of humility, urgency, and customer service mindset
Strong ability to proactively solve problems and make decisions quickly
Team player with strong interpersonal and stakeholder management and relationship building skills
Ability to lead, influence, and hold others accountable to high standards of academic and operational excellence
Ability to be calm under pressure, especially in difficult conversations with parents and staff
Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills
Desire to continuously learn and increase effectiveness as a professional
Unwavering commitment to KIPP’s mission and willingness to go above and beyond to meet the needs of KIPP students, families, and staff
Compensation
KIPP SoCal Public Schools offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience in a similar position. The salary range for this position is $192,600 to $288,900. New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary between the range minimum and the salary range midpoint of $240,750 depending on qualifications, internal equity, and the budget allocated for this role.
100% of healthcare premium costs covered by employer, dependents added at 50% of the cost
Employer‑paid KIPP SoCal life insurance
401(k) plan with up to 6% match by KIPP SoCal
Voluntary Benefits (Pet Insurance, Supplemental Life, Accident, Short Term Disability, etc.)
Generous time off program includes 22 holidays, sick leave and vacation
Other great benefits (Flexible spending account, EAP, etc.)
KIPP SoCal Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation/gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
KIPP Socal strives to ensure that our careers website is accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, please contact us. Information will be sent to a talent acquisition representative who will provide assistance to ensure appropriate consideration in the hiring process.
Visit http://www.kippsocal.org/ for more information.
#J-18808-Ljbffr