Managing Director of Teaching & Learning

Company Description

KIPP Public Schools is a national network of tuition-free public charter schools preparing students with the skills and confidence needed to create the futures they want for themselves, their communities, and us all. We are a network of 279 schools, nearly 16,500 educators, and 210,000 students and alumni. KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools (KPPS) is part of the national KIPP Public Schools network and currently leads eight schools serving 3,400 students in North and West Philadelphia. By 2030, KPPS will be serving approximately 4,000 students.

KPPS Mission

Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students to pursue the paths they choose-college, career, and beyond-so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world.

Life at KPPS

At KPPS, we believe that talented, committed, and culturally competent educators and staff are the foundation of our students' success. We work to create a professional community grounded in joy, candor, care, and connection - where every team member can bring their authentic self, grow in their craft, and contribute to meaningful work. Here is what you can expect:

• Commitment to Anti-Racism & Equity: Join a team dedicated to dismantling systemic barriers and creating inclusive, culturally responsive schools where all students and staff can thrive.
• Joyful, Inclusive Community: Work in a collaborative, identity-affirming environment that values relationships, celebrates individuality, and supports the well-being of adults and children alike.
• Competitive & Equitable Compensation: Benefit from transparent compensation structures, including performance-based bonuses that recognize meaningful contributions.
• Professional Growth & Leadership Pathways: Access high-quality development - including coaching, workshops, and tailored leadership opportunities - designed to support your long-term career trajectory.
• Authenticity & Belonging: Be part of a culture that encourages you toshow up as your full self and contribute to a community rooted in trust and respect.
• People-Centered Excellence: Join colleagues who believe strong relationships and thoughtful preparation drive excellent outcomes-for students and for staff.
• Comprehensive Well-Being Support: Receive whole-person support through coaching, mental health resources, wellness initiatives, and team-building experiences that prioritize your professional and personal growth.

Job Description

Reporting to the Chief Schools Officer, the Managing Director of Teaching and Learning (MDTL) is responsible for enhancing and managing the core academic program at KPPS, including our vision for high quality, rigorous, and liberatory instruction, teacher and leader coaching and development, and K-12 curriculum and assessment. The MDTL will work to ensure that KPPS students across our region build the skills, knowledge, and mindsets essential to leading a choice-filled life through our K-12 coursework and experiences. The MDTL leads the Teaching & Learning Team, which currently includes a Director of Math, a Director of Literacy, and a Director of K-2, but may grow larger over time. The MDTL is responsible for coaching, developing, and managing each team member. The MDTL will bring a well- developed equity lens, deep knowledge of academic standards, experience directly managing and coaching employees, and experience leading initiatives across multiple schools.

Key Responsibilities:

Academic Program Management

• Build and operate with in-depth knowledge and expertise in all aspects of the KIPP Philadelphia Schools K-12 instructional design, including curriculum, assessment, pedagogical approach, and core content.
• Design and lead the ongoing revision and enhancement of our current K-12 academic program, including gathering feedback from and engaging in thought partnership with school and regional leaders and driving regional academic initiatives.
• Understand and operate with a deep understanding of the connection between identity, experience, and equity, and use this lens to support critical revisions to our core academic program needed to affirm and center Black children.
• Ensure our academic program, including guidance and policies that support effective course scheduling, crediting, grading, and vertical alignment, is clearly and simply codified and communicated.
• Ensure that all teachers and administrators have access to high-quality, timely, engaging professional development experiences that support the growth of both their content expertise and pedagogical practice.
• Design and communicate our regional understanding of and approach to preparing for high-stakes assessments.
• Other duties as assigned by the CSO.

People Management & Collaboration

• Coach, develop, and manage each member of the Teaching & Learning Team via weekly 1-1 check-ins, observation, practice, data analysis, modeling, and thought partnership.
• Understand team members' aspirations and trajectory and support them to achieve their current and future goals.
• Set goals with team members, monitor progress, and conduct mid- and end-of-year evaluations that promote shared clarity and team member development.
• Cultivate a strong, positive, authentic team culture.
• Build relationships and systems for collaboration, thought partnership, and communication within the Teaching & Learning Team and with schools, specifically Assistant Principals and Principals
• Collaborate closely with the Senior Director of Data & Analytics regarding academic and school data, data tools, ed tech platforms, and our data-driven approach.
• Collaborate closely with the Managing Director of Student Support regarding academic interventions, replacement curricula, and the special education and student support landscape.
• Collaborate closely with the Head of Schools regarding school needs, academic initiatives, and professional development.
• Collaborate closely with the Managing Director of Talent and the Senior Director of Teacher & Leader pathways regarding performance management, pathway programming, hiring, and retention practices.

Who You Are:

• You love and see the high potential of all children.
• You have experience driving student growth and achievement, and creating a warm, inclusive, rigorous learning environment.
• You have a passion for facilitating professional learning, including a desire to continuously grow and learn as a leader.
• You operate with cultural competence and a commitment to inclusion, anti-racism, and the eradication of anti-Blackness.
• You believe that teachers are the primary drivers of student growth, learning, and achievement.
• You have high expectations for students and teachers, and the ability to motivate, inspire, and hold others accountable.
• You are solutions-oriented and have an eagerness to adapt in order to solve problems.

Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will bring both school-based instructional leadership experience and regional academic systems expertise.
• 5+ years of experience serving under-resourced children and families in an urban school setting, with demonstrated commitment to equity and student achievement.
• Prior experience as a school leader (Principal, Assistant Principal, Dean of Instruction, or equivalent) with a proven record of driving strong academic outcomes and leading instructional improvement.
• 3+ years of experience in a central office, district, or network-level role focused on curriculum, assessment, professional development, teacher development, or academic strategy.
• Demonstrated success leading academic initiatives across multiple schools, including curriculum implementation, instructional coaching systems, and student achievement gains.
• Strong knowledge of rigorous, standards-aligned instruction and the ability to translate vision into clear, executable systems for educators.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Complete all required criminal and child abuse background checks:
  • PA State Police Clearance
  • PA Child Abuse Clearance
  • Cogent Federal Fingerprinting

Additional Information

Compensation

• Salary range for this position is $140,000-$150,000 commensurate with experience.
• All full-time team members at KPPS enjoy a comprehensive health benefits package (including vision and dental, a telehealth option, and flexible spending accounts) for themselves and their families as well as a 403B matching program for retirement savings.

Note to Applicants

KIPP Philadelphia Schools is an equal opportunity employer. Employees are selected on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law.