Dean of Culture

[2026-2027] Dean of Culture

Full-time

Grade Level: Middle

Start Date: Next year opening

Department: School-based Support

Company Description

About KIPP

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.

• 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 to show 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

Role Overview

The Dean of Student Culture supports the school's efforts to create a positive, structured, safe, joyful, nurturing and academically focused school culture. The Dean of Culture reports directly to a Senior Dean, AP, or Principal. Principals at KPPS set the vision for student culture. The Dean of Culture at KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools is required to perform the following duties:

Key Responsibilities

• Work as part of the culture team to develop a positive, structured, achievement-oriented, and nurturing school culture.
• Consistently and effectively execute and reinforce school wide culture systems (i.e. entry, dismissal, transition, incentive systems, etc.)
• Proactively and positively engage with parents throughout the school year and when there are specific student behavioral concerns.
• Be highly present and visible during school hours, relentlessly ensuring the school has a strong school culture
• Maintain accurate and thorough student culture data and documentation.
• Support teachers to improve their instructional practice, especially as it relates to issues of discipline, relationships with students, and school culture.
• Support execution of individual behavior plans and other supports for students with significant behavior needs (in conjunction with the Social Worker and AP of Special Education).
• Support implementation of tiered behavior supports for all students, including Tier 1 SEL instruction and MTSS Tier 2 and 3 interventions
• Support implementation of school-wide attendance interventions as part of a positive school culture
• Manage school-wide PBIS system, including training of teachers, data management, and planning of incentives and events
• Other duties as assigned by the manager.

Qualifications

• Love and see the high potential of all children
• A passion for being part of a team-oriented, mission-driven school culture
• Flexible and able to multi-task within an ambiguous, fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment, while also driving toward clarity and solutions
• Uphold the school's core values of children first, community, cultural competence and ownership.
• Demonstrated success in raising the achievement levels of traditionally under-served students
• Bachelor's degree preferred
• Expertise in restorative practices preferred
• At least three years' experience working with large groups of students strongly preferred
• Experience teaching or supporting students in an urban, underserved community required
• Proficient in MS Office, particularly Word, Excel and Powerpoint
• Complete all required criminal and child abuse background checks:
  • PA State Police Clearance
  • PA Child Abuse Clearance
  • Cogent Federal Fingerprinting

Additional Information

• Salary range for this position is $62,750-$82,500+ 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.