School Transformation Specialist
Job description
About the role
You will own the design and execution of a comprehensive, school-wide transformation plan that rebuilds trust with students, families, and staff within a designated KIPP SoCal school. You will lead the development and implementation of systems and instructional frameworks that ensure rigorous, high-quality teaching and learning across all classrooms. This role requires you to strengthen operational routines and cultural norms so that the school environment is joyful, predictable, and conducive to deep student growth. You will be fully accountable for driving measurable improvements in student outcomes and for developing the leadership capacity of the principal and school leadership team. You will partner closely with the School Success Team to align resources, coaching, and support to meet urgent school needs. This position demands that you model vulnerability, curiosity, and courage by actively seeking feedback and iterating based on what you learn. You will steward the 18-24 month transformation timeline with the flexibility to adjust strategies while maintaining a clear north star of sustainable excellence. Ultimately, you will prepare the school to transition out of transformation status with a strong, self-sustaining leadership team and a resilient culture.
Key facts
What you'll do
Establish a clear, data-informed vision for school transformation in partnership with the principal and leadership team.
Conduct deep analysis of academic, attendance, climate, and family engagement data to identify root causes and prioritize actions.
Design and implement a 12- to 24-month transformation roadmap with clear milestones, responsibilities, and measures of success.
Rebuild trust with families and students through transparent communication, consistent follow-through, and culturally responsive relationship-building.
Strengthen instructional systems by refining lesson planning, assessment, and feedback cycles to ensure rigorous, joyful learning experiences.
Coach and develop school leaders and teachers, providing targeted feedback, modeling best practices, and creating opportunities for peer learning.
Oversee the alignment of curriculum, resources, and professional learning so that they support coherent instructional goals across grades.
Drive the implementation of systems that promote positive school culture, including restorative practices, clear behavioral expectations, and consistent routines.
Collaborate with the School Success Team to coordinate coaching, professional development, and on-the-ground support tailored to school priorities.
Monitor progress in real time using leading and lagging indicators, adjusting strategies based on evidence and emerging challenges.
Create structures that distribute leadership, build teacher efficacy, and develop the next generation of teacher leaders and instructional coaches.
Engage families and community partners to ensure that student supports extend beyond the classroom and into the broader community.
Document processes, decisions, and outcomes to build organizational knowledge and ensure continuity beyond the transformation cycle.
Champion an asset-based mindset, highlighting student strengths, staff contributions, and community wisdom in all communications.
Prepare the school for a smooth transition out of transformation status by codifying systems, nurturing internal leadership, and sustaining momentum.
Maintain a relentless focus on joy, belonging, and academic excellence so that students feel seen, challenged, and empowered every day.
Requirements
You must have at least one year of experience as a school principal or principal-in-residence within the past five years.
You must hold a valid school administrator credential or be eligible for licensure in the state where the school is located.
You must have a demonstrated record of improving student outcomes in schools serving historically marginalized communities.
You must be able to relocate to or remain in the region where the school is located for the duration of the assignment.
You must be available to work full-time on-site at the school location five days per week.
You must be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with frequent shifts in priorities and urgent demands.
You must have strong written and verbal communication skills and be able to build trust with adults and students under pressure.
You must be committed to racial equity and educational justice, actively working to dismantle systems of oppression in schools.
Nice to have
Experience working within the KIPP network or other network-based charter school organizations.
Prior experience leading school transformation or turnaround initiatives.
Deep experience with instructional coaching and data-driven instruction.
Knowledge of special education systems, English learner supports, and multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS).
Experience partnering with families and community organizations to coordinate wraparound services.
Practical notes
This is a full-time temporary role with an expected end date of June 30, 2027, subject to possible renewal for an additional 12 months.
The position requires five days on-site at the assigned school location.
Travel is limited to the assigned school location and regional meetings as coordinated by the School Success Team.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to candidates who apply by August 5, 2026.
This role reports to the Director of School Success or designee within the SST function.
Candidates are expected to participate in the full interview process, including a video screen, a Zoom conversation with the hiring manager, and an on-site school experience.
About the role
You will own the design and execution of a comprehensive, school-wide transformation plan that rebuilds trust with students, families, and staff within a designated KIPP SoCal school. You will lead the development and implementation of systems and instructional frameworks that ensure rigorous, high-quality teaching and learning across all classrooms. This role requires you to strengthen operational routines and cultural norms so that the school environment is joyful, predictable, and conducive to deep student growth. You will be fully accountable for driving measurable improvements in student outcomes and for developing the leadership capacity of the principal and school leadership team. You will partner closely with the School Success Team to align resources, coaching, and support to meet urgent school needs. This position demands that you model vulnerability, curiosity, and courage by actively seeking feedback and iterating based on what you learn. You will steward the 18-24 month transformation timeline with the flexibility to adjust strategies while maintaining a clear north star of sustainable excellence. Ultimately, you will prepare the school to transition out of transformation status with a strong, self-sustaining leadership team and a resilient culture.
Key facts
What you'll do
Establish a clear, data-informed vision for school transformation in partnership with the principal and leadership team.
Conduct deep analysis of academic, attendance, climate, and family engagement data to identify root causes and prioritize actions.
Design and implement a 12- to 24-month transformation roadmap with clear milestones, responsibilities, and measures of success.
Rebuild trust with families and students through transparent communication, consistent follow-through, and culturally responsive relationship-building.
Strengthen instructional systems by refining lesson planning, assessment, and feedback cycles to ensure rigorous, joyful learning experiences.
Coach and develop school leaders and teachers, providing targeted feedback, modeling best practices, and creating opportunities for peer learning.
Oversee the alignment of curriculum, resources, and professional learning so that they support coherent instructional goals across grades.
Drive the implementation of systems that promote positive school culture, including restorative practices, clear behavioral expectations, and consistent routines.
Collaborate with the School Success Team to coordinate coaching, professional development, and on-the-ground support tailored to school priorities.
Monitor progress in real time using leading and lagging indicators, adjusting strategies based on evidence and emerging challenges.
Create structures that distribute leadership, build teacher efficacy, and develop the next generation of teacher leaders and instructional coaches.
Engage families and community partners to ensure that student supports extend beyond the classroom and into the broader community.
Document processes, decisions, and outcomes to build organizational knowledge and ensure continuity beyond the transformation cycle.
Champion an asset-based mindset, highlighting student strengths, staff contributions, and community wisdom in all communications.
Prepare the school for a smooth transition out of transformation status by codifying systems, nurturing internal leadership, and sustaining momentum.
Maintain a relentless focus on joy, belonging, and academic excellence so that students feel seen, challenged, and empowered every day.
Requirements
You must have at least one year of experience as a school principal or principal-in-residence within the past five years.
You must hold a valid school administrator credential or be eligible for licensure in the state where the school is located.
You must have a demonstrated record of improving student outcomes in schools serving historically marginalized communities.
You must be able to relocate to or remain in the region where the school is located for the duration of the assignment.
You must be available to work full-time on-site at the school location five days per week.
You must be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with frequent shifts in priorities and urgent demands.
You must have strong written and verbal communication skills and be able to build trust with adults and students under pressure.
You must be committed to racial equity and educational justice, actively working to dismantle systems of oppression in schools.
Nice to have
Experience working within the KIPP network or other network-based charter school organizations.
Prior experience leading school transformation or turnaround initiatives.
Deep experience with instructional coaching and data-driven instruction.
Knowledge of special education systems, English learner supports, and multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS).
Experience partnering with families and community organizations to coordinate wraparound services.
Practical notes
This is a full-time temporary role with an expected end date of June 30, 2027, subject to possible renewal for an additional 12 months.
The position requires five days on-site at the assigned school location.
Travel is limited to the assigned school location and regional meetings as coordinated by the School Success Team.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to candidates who apply by August 5, 2026.
This role reports to the Director of School Success or designee within the SST function.
Candidates are expected to participate in the full interview process, including a video screen, a Zoom conversation with the hiring manager, and an on-site school experience.