Managing Director of Teaching & Learning

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KIPP Philadelphia Schools seeks a Managing Director of Teaching and Learning to lead the regional academic program, shape a rigorous, liberatory K-12 curriculum, and coach teachers and leaders across eight campuses with growth planned to ten by 2030. The role requires 5+ years serving under-resourced urban students, 3+ years in central office or network roles, and proven equity-driven instructional leadership; salary $140,000-$150,000 with comprehensive benefits and 403B matching. To apply, demonstrate measurable student growth, robust coaching, and commitment to anti-racism and inclusion; share a concise leadership philosophy and cross-school collaboration examples, and confirm PA clearances and Cogent fingerprinting.

Company Description

About KIPP

KIPP Public Schools is a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools committed to partnering with students and families to disrupt systemic educational inequity and create a future without limits. Over 120,000 students attend one of the 280 KIPP schools that operate in 27 regions across the United States. KIPP Philadelphia Schools Public Schools (KPPS) is a part of the national KIPP Public Schools network and currently leads eight schools serving over 3000 students in North and West Philadelphia. By 2030, KPPS will lead ten schools serving approximately 4,000 students. 

Our 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 KIPP Philly

At KIPP Philly, we know that talented, committed, and culturally competent educators are the driving force behind our students' success. By creating a school experience that affirms identities, celebrates individuality, and challenges every student to grow, our teachers and leaders amplify the potential of every child. We are dedicated to building a professional environment grounded in joy, candor, care, and community—a place where educators can bring their authentic selves, receive world-class development, and collaborate with peers equally devoted to the work. Here’s what you can expect:

• Commitment to Anti-Racism and Equity: Join a team deeply dedicated to anti-racism, equity, and culturally responsive practices, working to eradicate systemic barriers and create truly inclusive environments.

• Joyful and Inclusive Community: Be part of a close-knit, diverse network of educators who value authenticity, collaboration, and mutual respect, fostering an environment where both adults and children can thrive.

• Rewarding Impact: Your dedication and hard work will be recognized through competitive compensation structures, including performance-based bonuses that reward meaningful outcomes.

• Unparalleled Career Growth: Gain access to strategically designed leadership pathways, grounded in research and tailored to help you grow professionally. From one-on-one coaching to high-quality professional development, we’re invested in your future.

• Authentic Leadership: Show up as your authentic self every day, modeling for students the power of embracing their identities and inspiring them to do the same.

• Student-Centered Excellence: We believe strong relationships and precise preparation are critical to increasing learning outcomes. Together, we create joyful, affirming spaces where students and educators excel.

• Comprehensive Support: Experience robust whole-person support, including personalized coaching, mental health resources, and team-building initiatives that nurture professional and personal well-being.

• Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy a competitive health benefits package, 403B retirement matching, tuition reimbursement for certification, and free access to financial advising services, so you’re supported at every stage of your career.

Job Description

Reporting to the Chief Academic Officer, the Managing Director of Teaching and Learning (MDTL) is responsible for enhancing and managing the core academic program at KPPS, including our vision for high quality, rigorous, and liberatory instruction, teacher and leader coaching and development, and K-12 curriculum and assessment. The MDTL will work to ensure that KPPS students across our region build the skills, knowledge, and mindsets essential to leading a choice-filled life through our K-12 coursework and experiences. The MDTL leads the Teaching & Learning Team, which currently includes a Director of Math, a Director of Literacy, and a Director of K-2, but may grow larger over time. The MDTL is responsible for coaching, developing, and managing each team member. The MDTL will bring a well- developed equity lens, deep knowledge of academic standards, experience directly managing and coaching employees, and experience leading initiatives across multiple schools.

Key Responsibilities:

Academic Program Management

• Build and operate with in-depth knowledge and expertise in all aspects of the KIPP Philadelphia Schools K-12 instructional design, including curriculum, assessment, pedagogical approach, and core content.
• Design and lead the ongoing revision and enhancement of our current K-12 academic program, including gathering feedback from and engaging in thought partnership with school and regional leaders and driving regional academic initiatives.
• Understand and operate with a deep understanding of the connection between identity, experience, and equity, and use this lens to support critical revisions to our core academic program needed to affirm and center Black children.
• Ensure our academic program, including guidance and policies that support effective course scheduling, crediting, grading, and vertical alignment, is clearly and simply codified and communicated.
• Ensure that all teachers and administrators have access to high-quality, timely, engaging professional development experiences that support the growth of both their content expertise and pedagogical practice.
• Design and communicate our regional understanding of and approach to preparing for high-stakes assessments.
• Other duties as assigned by the CSO.

People Management & Collaboration

• Coach, develop, and manage each member of the Teaching & Learning Team via weekly 1-1 check-ins, observation, practice, data analysis, modeling, and thought partnership.
• Understand team members' aspirations and trajectory and support them to achieve their current and future goals.
• Set goals with team members, monitor progress, and conduct mid- and end-of-year evaluations that promote shared clarity and team member development.
• Cultivate a strong, positive, authentic team culture.
• Build relationships and systems for collaboration, thought partnership, and communication within the Teaching & Learning Team and with schools, specifically Assistant Principals and Principals
• Collaborate closely with the Senior Director of Data & Analytics regarding academic and school data, data tools, ed tech platforms, and our data-driven approach.
• Collaborate closely with the Managing Director of Student Support regarding academic interventions, replacement curricula, and the special education and student support landscape.
• Collaborate closely with the Head of Schools regarding school needs, academic initiatives, and professional development.
• Collaborate closely with the Managing Director of Talent and the Senior Director of Teacher & Leader pathways regarding performance management, pathway programming, hiring, and retention practices.

Who You Are:

• You love and see the high potential of all children.
• You have experience driving student growth and achievement, and creating a warm, inclusive, rigorous learning environment.
• You have a passion for facilitating professional learning, including a desire to continuously grow and learn as a leader.
• You operate with cultural competence and a commitment to inclusion, anti-racism, and the eradication of anti-Blackness.
• You believe that teachers are the primary drivers of student growth, learning, and achievement.
• You have high expectations for students and teachers, and the ability to motivate, inspire, and hold others accountable.
• You are solutions-oriented and have an eagerness to adapt in order to solve problems.

Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will bring both school-based instructional leadership experience and regional academic systems expertise.
• 5+ years of experience serving under-resourced children and families in an urban school setting, with demonstrated commitment to equity and student achievement.
• Prior experience as a school leader (Principal, Assistant Principal, Dean of Instruction, or equivalent) with a proven record of driving strong academic outcomes and leading instructional improvement.
• 3+ years of experience in a central office, district, or network-level role focused on curriculum, assessment, professional development, teacher development, or academic strategy.
• Demonstrated success leading academic initiatives across multiple schools, including curriculum implementation, instructional coaching systems, and student achievement gains.
• Strong knowledge of rigorous, standards-aligned instruction and the ability to translate vision into clear, executable systems for educators.
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Complete all required criminal and child abuse background checks:
  • PA State Police Clearance
  • PA Child Abuse Clearance
  • Cogent Federal Fingerprinting

Additional Information

Compensation

• Salary range for this position is $140,000-$150,000 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.