KIPP NYC Director, Electives

Company Description

KIPP NYC Public Schools is a non-profit network of 18 free, public charter schools in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Manhattan. We partner with families and communities to create joyful and rigorous schools in pursuit of a more just world. In 1995, we started our first middle school, KIPP Academy, in the Bronx, with a vision that every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities. Today, our network consists of eight elementary schools, nine middle schools, one high school, and KIPP Forward, a comprehensive program to support our students and alumni in choosing and preparing for the educational and career paths that fit their goals and sense of purpose. KIPP NYC currently serves more than 11,000 students and alumni, has a staff of more than 1,000 (11 % of whom are alumni), and continues to grow!

Job Description

Position Overview

The Director of Electives in a new position on the KIPP NYC Regional Teaching and Learning Support Team that will be responsible for setting the vision and driving instructional and programmatic excellence in our K-12 Electives Program.In the first year, the Director of Electives will report to the Chief Academic Officer in the first year to design a strategic plan and vision for programming around “VPACT” (Visual & Performing Arts, Communications, and Technology) that is aligned K-12 and is a critical factor in driving outcomes for students towards the graduate aims. The Director of Electives will be expected to engage all stakeholders, design and drive programs, observe classrooms, and provide feedback to teachers and leaders on the implementation of high priority VPACT initiatives across KIPP NYC.

This role is based in NYC and will require travel to our schools. Cadence and frequency of travel to schools is determined by your leadership team. If you relocate outside of a commutable distance or out of the state of NY, your employment will be subject to review, which may include separation from KIPP NYC. It is important that you notify HR if you move or have plans to relocate.

General Duties and Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

Strategic Program Design and Development

• Engage stakeholders (families, teachers, leaders, and network leaders) in a process for codifying a programmatic vision for VPACT and electives by Spring of 2026 that positions KIPP NYC to create more opportunities for students in the Arts and electives program to achieve the graduate aims.
• Design a thoughtful change management process and strategic initiative for the gradual alignment and standardized bar of excellence in KIPP NYC’s electives programming.
• Lead, in collaboration with key stakeholders, a design process for equitable resource allocation for KIPP NYC’s VPACT programs throughout schools.
  
  

Curriculum and Assessment Design and Management

• Execute on a curricular alignment vision proposed by the SY24-25 VPACT Working Group and the Chief Academic Officer that brings content and instructional level alignment across VPACT classes at KIPP NYC.
• Design and create meaningful unit plans and benchmarks that aligned to a normed set of national and/or NYC Arts Blueprint standards.
• Design meaningful assessments across aligned regional VPACT courses.
• Manage large-scale curricular design projects by selecting high quality curriculum writers, providing on-going feedback, and managing projects for alignment.
• Manage on-going process for curriculum revisions and improvement.
  
  

School Support

• Engage and invest stakeholders in high quality instructional practices for the Arts.
• Works directly with principals and instructional leaders coaching Arts teachers to ensure greater alignment to overall goals and mission of KIPP NYCs VPACT program.
• Supports schools through on-going coaching and development of teachers and managers of Arts teachers to ensure that development of Arts/Electives teachers are strong, tied to content, and in alignment with a regional vision for excellence.
• Engages in deep community building amongst Arts/Electives teachers within KIPP NYC to share best practices and learn from one another.
• Advocates for equitable resource allocation across schools in service of the highest quality arts education for all students across all schools.
• Lead and organize regional performances, exhibitions, and showcases to display the various student talent without our schools alongside teachers.
  
  

Professional Development and Community Partnerships

• Provide targeted coaching and professional development experiences to principals and deans to support content knowledge development and curriculum implementation and innovation.
• Develop and facilitate regional professional development for teachers and leaders to ensure full implementation of curriculum and instructional initiatives across content areas.
• Create and maintain strategic partnerships with various organizations that support the goals of the Arts/Electives programs at KIPP NYC including high quality Professional Development for staff and engaging opportunities for students.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Arts or Arts education preferred
• Initial or Professional NYSED certification in K-12 Arts education required
• Minimum 8 years demonstrated exemplary teaching experience with key program management artifacts, with 5+ years of leadership experience, specifically managing adults
• Deep knowledge of Arts content and learning theory, current educational trends, blended learning practices, methods, research, and technology, and program planning and implementation
• Commitment to DEI practices and willingness to evolve curricula to be more culturally responsive and sustaining
• Experience planning and leading engaging and effective professional development for adults
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop productive working relationships with multiple stakeholders across the organization
• Experience with leading others through influence rather than formal managerial relationships
• Meticulous attention to detail with an ability to produce high quality work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated passion for and a commitment to the KIPP mission for high quality public education and our core values.
  
  

Additional Information

Compensation and Benefits:

KIPP NYC offers a competitive salary ranging from $115,000 to $130,000 per year. Salary ranges at KIPP NYC are standardized based on role level and role function. Individual salaries are determined through a lens of equity, accounting for years of experience relevant to the role and scope of responsibilities, and are benchmarked against others within the same salary band. Starting salaries typically fall in the lower half of the salary range, however they are ultimately determined by scope of the position, the candidate's relevant experience, and internal equity.

KIPP NYC offers a generous benefits package including, but not limited to, the following:

• Robust benefits that include medical, dental, and vision.
• 403(b) retirement plan with 50% match after 6 months.
• Generous Time-Off aligned with school calendar
• Up to 12 weeks 100% parental leave.
• Bright Horizon Back-up Child and Elder care.
• Employer paid Life Insurance and Short term/Long term disability.
• Employee incentives including 8 Weeks paid Sabbatical after 10 years, annual professional development funds, and tuition reimbursement.
  
  

This description is intended to describe the type of work being performed by a person assigned to this position. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required by the employee.

This role is based in NYC and will require travel to our schools. If you relocate outside of a commutable distance or out of the state of NY, your employment will be subject to review, which may include separation from KIPP NYC. It is important that you notify HR if you move or have plans to relocate.

KIPP NYC LLC does not offer visa sponsorship or work authorization.

KIPP NYC LLC is an anti-racist organization that believes in the importance of being diverse, equitable, and inclusive. We are committed to creating a welcoming environment that includes employees with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We believe that enables us to better meet our mission and values while serving students and families throughout New York City. BIPOC, women, gender expansive, LGBTQIA+, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

KIPP NYC LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KIPP NYC LLC is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment.