[2025 - 2026] Chief Schools Officer

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Organizational Overview

Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) North Carolina, is a network of eight tuition-free, college-preparatory public charter schools educating approximately 3,000 students in grades K-12 in Durham, Halifax, Northampton and Mecklenburg counties. At KIPP NC, we are committed to improving the life outcomes of North Carolina’s children through the delivery of research-driven, rigorous curricula and clearing the paths that our students choose to follow by ensuring that they have the roadmaps and guideposts they need to arrive at success - however they define it.

At KIPP, we believe in the potential of every student and the power of strong school systems to unlock it. As Chief Schools Officer, you will lead with purpose—strengthening instructional excellence, developing school leaders, and ensuring every classroom reflects our commitment to equity and opportunity.

This role is grounded in respect for educators, investment in talent, and a deep belief in continuous growth. You will partner with a mission-driven community of students, families, and leaders to shape strategy, support excellence at scale, and build pathways for long-term success.

Together, we are creating a future without limits. Join KIPP as Chief Schools Officer and help lead the work that makes it possible.

Position Summary

The Chief Schools Officer (CSO) is the senior-most leader accountable for school-level results across KIPP North Carolina. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and serving as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the CSO ensures tight alignment of systems, expectations, and accountability across all KIPP NC schools and leads the disciplined execution of regional initiatives that drive student achievement.

The CSO is the architect, owner, and enforcer of alignment across KIPP North Carolina’s school-facing academic and leadership systems. The role exists to eliminate fragmentation, ensure coherence and accountability across all schools, and drive measurable results through disciplined execution, data-informed decision-making, and rigorous evaluation of people, programs, and initiatives.

Core Responsibilities

School Leadership & Principal Management

• Directly supervise and coach Heads of Schools, who coach and manage Principals.
• Lead consistent coaching cycles grounded in observation, data, and feedback.
• Conduct rigorous evaluations, implement improvement plans, and make high-stakes leadership decisions in service of student outcomes.
• Build leadership pipelines and succession plans in collaboration with the Director, Leadership Development.

Academic Vision & Instructional Excellence

• Own and drive a coherent instructional vision resulting in breakthrough student achievement.
• Ensure instructional models meet the needs of all learners.
• Lead school improvement and turnaround efforts.
• Approve curriculum, assessment, and instructional tools.

Systems Alignment, Accountability, Execution & Academic Progress Monitoring

• Design, own, and continuously improve aligned regional systems.
• Establish coherent data systems for weekly progress monitoring.
• Lead academic progress monitoring in close collaboration with the KIPP Foundation.
• Hold leaders accountable for execution and results.

Leadership Development & Performance Management

• Develop and retain high-performing school leaders.
• Create and lead professional development.
• Set clear standards of excellence and accountability.

Executive, Regional & KIPP Foundation Leadership

• Serve on the Executive Leadership Team.
• Partner closely with the KIPP Foundation on academic priorities.
• Co-lead the Board Academic Committee with a Board member.
• Present academic progress to the Board and stakeholders.

Measures of Success

• Student achievement and growth as measured by North Carolina state school metrics and grades
• Instructional quality
• Leader effectiveness and retention
• Program effectiveness
• System coherence and execution

KIPP NC reserves the right to add responsibilities and workstreams as needed

Additional Information

• Travel can be upwards of 90% of the time (dependent on the time of year), traveling to our different locations - Charlotte, Durham, Gaston (in Northampton County), and Halifax. KIPP NC School Support Staff receive reimbursements for mileage, hotels, and meals for work-related travel.
• Some nights and weekend hours are required.

Total Rewards

• Salary is competitive and determined based on educational attainment and years of relevant experience
• Health Benefits medical, dental, vision are offered and individual employee premiums are covered by the employer
• Retirement is an optional 403B with an employer match and all employees are vested immediately
• PTO & Sick Leave 17 days of PTO and 6 days of sick leave each year on top of all school holidays
• Family Leave 8 weeks of 100% paid parental leave for birthing mothers and 4 weeks 100% paid parental leave for biological fathers and adoption

Qualifications

Required:

• A deep commitment to the mission of KIPP NC and an unwavering belief in the potential of all our students
• Possess a deep commitment to improving the lives of kids from low-income communities
• Master’s degree in education leadership or related field
• 3–5 years of successful principal experience with year-over-year results improving student outcomes
• Experience managing school leaders with a track record of results 
• Strong data and systems leadership
• Commitment to equity and excellence

Preferred:

• Doctorate (Ed.D. or Ph.D.)
• KIPP or CMO experience
• Multi-school leadership experience

KIPP North Carolina is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.