Principal

About KIPP NorCal We are a thriving nonprofit network of 23 free, public charter schools open to all students. At KIPP, we believe all children should grow up free to create the future they want for themselves and that schools can and should be a critical factor in making that vision a reality. 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 build a more just world. Our student community consists of nearly 7,000 elementary, middle, and high school students in East Palo Alto, Oakland, San Francisco, San Lorenzo, San José, Redwood City, and Stockton. 81% qualify for free or reduced price lunch, 34% are multilingual learners, and 12% have special needs. We strive to cultivate a representative team of teachers and leaders that reflect our students’ diversity. Role Overview The Assistant Principal partners with the School Leader to improve academic achievement, student culture, and educator effectiveness by leading instructional excellence and school-wide systems. This role owns defined school priorities, develops teachers and emerging leaders, and ensures consistent implementation of instructional and culture practices that drive strong outcomes for all students. In this role, you own a defined set of school Key Results and determine how to achieve them within the school's strategic priorities. You elevate trade-offs that require the School Leader's authority. People management is role-specific and described in the Core Responsibilities below. Core Responsibilities Instructional Leadership Drives high-quality instructional practice by coaching teachers toward rigorous, standards-aligned instruction that improves student achievement. Owns data-driven instructional cycles for assigned grade levels or departments, ensuring teachers analyze student performance, identify learning gaps, and implement timely instructional adjustments. Oversees implementation of instructional priorities, curriculum expectations, and assessment practices to ensure consistent, high-quality teaching across assigned teams. Teacher and Leader Development Coaches teachers through regular observations, actionable feedback, and ongoing professional development that improves instructional effectiveness. Develops emerging instructional leaders—including Grade Level Chairs and Department Heads—through goal setting, coaching, and opportunities to lead school initiatives. Designs and facilitates professional learning experiences that strengthen instructional practice and build leadership capacity across the school. School Culture and Student Success Owns implementation of school-wide behavior and student support systems that promote a joyful, safe, and academically focused learning environment. Oversees student intervention processes and partners with families, teachers, and school staff to resolve complex student support needs. Aligns culture systems across assigned grade levels or departments to ensure consistent expectations, restorative practices, and positive student experiences. School Operations and Cross-Functional Leadership Drives execution of assigned school operational priorities—including arrival, dismissal, lunch, special events, and emergency procedures—to ensure safe and effective daily operations. Partners with the School Leader to recruit, hire, onboard, and retain diverse, high-performing educators aligned to KIPP NorCal's mission. Coordinates cross-functional initiatives with instructional, operations, and student support teams to advance school-wide priorities and improve organizational effectiveness. KIPP Leadership Competencies These competencies describe the core leadership behaviors expected at this level – they guide how we hire, develop, and grow our people at KIPP NorCal. Lead Self: You model vulnerability and coach others on self-awareness and reflection. You lead equity conversations and address systemic barriers in hiring and operations. You are a recognized expert who actively develops others' expertise. Lead People: You initiate courageous conversations with directness and empathy, shaping the culture and norms of your team or department. You seek stakeholder input, build coalitions, and create plans that anticipate the skills and resources required for success. You drive cross-functional workstreams with peers, aligning priorities across teams. Lead Results: You propose Key Results aligned to department strategy and ensure plans are feasible before moving to implementation. You synthesize complexity, weigh options with discernment, and bring clear recommendations to your Director. You create systems to monitor progress and hold yourself and your team accountable for outcomes. Knowledge & Skills Required Qualifications Experience 4–6 years of experience as a K–12 educator serving students with demographics similar to the KIPP Northern California student community. Demonstrated success improving student achievement through instructional leadership, coaching, or teacher leadership responsibilities. Education Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Valid California teaching credential or equivalent out-of-state credential that meets California eligibility requirements. Knowledge/skills Deep understanding of instructional best practices, curriculum, assessment, and standards-based teaching. Demonstrated ability to analyze student achievement data and use evidence to improve instructional outcomes. Strong coaching, facilitation, and adult learning skills that build educator effectiveness. Ability to build trusting relationships with students, families, staff, and community partners. Demonstrated commitment to educational equity and improving outcomes for historically underserved students. Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills. Preferred Qualifications Previous instructional leadership experience (e.g., Grade Level Lead, Department Chair, Instructional Coach, Content Lead). Experience supporting school-wide culture systems and student behavior interventions. Experience working in a high-performing charter school or similarly mission-driven educational organization. Role Details The following details describe how this role is structured and what to expect day-to-day. Work Setting: School-based Travel Expectation: Primarily school-based environment Driver’s License: Must have a valid California driver's license and access to reliable transportation for work-related travel Physical Demands: Ability to navigate school campuses, utilize technology, and occasionally lift or carry materials up to 20 pounds. Mental Demands: Ability to manage competing priorities, analyze complex information, make decisions under normal work pressures, and maintain focus in a fast-paced school environment. Environmental: Primarily school-based environment subject to frequent interruptions and regular interaction with students, families, and staff. KIPP Northern California is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Compensation KIPP Northern California is dedicated to you and your family's well-being! We offer a competitive salary as well as a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits include medical, dental, vision coverage, paid time off, retirement plan with employer contribution and commuter benefits. We benchmark annually against comparably-sized non-profit organizations in the regions where we operate, to offer competitive salaries. The salary range for this position is between $105,000 - $116,415. #J-18808-Ljbffr