Senior Director of Academics & Instruction

Senior Director of Academics & Instruction

Position Overview 

The Senior Director of Academics & Instruction (SDAI) will be a critical leader in shaping the academic vision and instructional strategy across the KIPP St. Louis network. Reporting to the Chief Academic Officer, the SDAI is responsible for ensuring academic excellence through strategic leadership in curriculum, assessment, and professional development across all grade levels. This leader will collaborate closely with campus and network-level leaders, leveraging data and teacher voice to ensure alignment between instructional practice and student outcomes. The SDAI will supervise curriculum managers and oversee the implementation and continuous improvement of instructional programs.

Who we are:

KIPP St. Louis is a part of a national network of free, open-enrollment, public charter schools offering a choice to families and children in St. Louis city. As the largest charter school system in the city, we are driven and committed to our mission and vision.

Mission: 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.

Vision: Every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities.

KIPP St. Louis currently educates over 2,000 students and boasts hundreds of alumni. Today, our St. Louis network consists of three elementary schools, two middle schools, and a high school. 

Position type: Full time, exempt, 12 Month    

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership and Strategy

• Develop and implement a cohesive academic vision aligned with the network's goals for student achievement and college readiness.

• Author and revise "Fundamentals of Instruction" documents for each course and content block, outlining the KIPP St. Louis instructional approach.

• Facilitate network-wide walkthroughs to assess instructional quality, provide feedback, and support instructional leaders with action planning.

• Partner with school operations to ensure all necessary curriculum and instructional materials are procured and available across campuses.

Curriculum and Assessment Development

• Oversee the ongoing creation, vetting, and revision of curriculum resources in collaboration with teachers, consultants, and school leaders.

• Manage the "bundle drop" process and ensure timely distribution of instructional materials.

• Lead the development and refinement of the region's assessment strategy, including internal and state-aligned measures.

• Ensure that all assessments are administered with fidelity and that data is accurately captured and analyzed.

• Regularly collect and analyze feedback to drive strategic shifts in curriculum and assessment practices.

Professional Development and Capacity Building

• Design and deliver pre-service and in-service PD for school leaders, curriculum managers, instructional coaches, and teachers that aligns with instructional priorities and content-specific needs.

• Facilitate unit unpacking and collaborative scoring sessions to deepen teacher understanding of curriculum and assessments.

• Support the development of instructional leaders and teachers to scale high-quality professional learning.

Program Management and Innovation

• Provide oversight and vision for the Residents, Fellows, Intervention, and Virtual Learning Programs, ensuring they are aligned with academic goals.

• Manage academic technology platforms and support user access, vendor coordination, and staff training.

• Ensure curriculum and program initiatives are strategically aligned with MOUs, budgets, and operational systems.

Data Leadership and Accountability

• Build systems for academic data collection, analysis, and transparent reporting.

• Lead communication on progress toward academic goals across schools.

• Analyze trends and partner with leadership to ensure data-driven instructional shifts.

Team Leadership and Supervision

• Supervise and support Director of Literacy + Curriculum Managers  across elementary, middle, and high schools.

• Guide the development, growth, and evaluation of team members.

• Foster a collaborative and inclusive culture committed to continuous improvement and academic excellence.

• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Education, Curriculum & Instruction, or related field strongly preferred.

• Minimum of 3 years of successful teaching experience and 2 years in instructional leadership (ex: instructional coach, principal)

• Demonstrated success in managing academic programs in urban, high-performing schools.

• Deep knowledge of curriculum development, assessment design, and adult learning best practices.

• Technological proficiency with academic platforms (e.g., Illuminate, Clever).

• Exceptional organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• A passionate belief in educational equity and the potential of every student.

• Demonstrated track record of improving student outcomes

What you bring to the table:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Education, Curriculum & Instruction, or related field strongly preferred.

• Minimum of 3 years of successful teaching experience and 2 years in instructional leadership (ex: instructional coach, principal)

• Demonstrated success in managing academic programs in urban, high-performing schools.

• Deep knowledge of curriculum development, assessment design, and adult learning best practices.

• Technological proficiency with academic platforms (e.g., Illuminate, Clever).

• Exceptional organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• A passionate belief in educational equity and the potential of every student.

• Demonstrated track record of improving student outcomes

What we bring to the table:  Starting at $125; final pay commensurate with education and experience. 

We are a fast paced, energetic team and family with passionate people who are leading a movement and to cultivate their best working environment we provide the following:

• $0 deductible healthcare plan option, including medical, vision and dental. 

• Employer Paid Short Term Disability. 

• $50,000 life insurance policy at no cost to the employee. 

• Retirement plan through PSRSSTL with an employer match and an optional 403b as a supplement to our pension program. 

• Employee Recognition: When we succeed together, we celebrate together with our annual gala award ceremony, holiday party, and more!

• Public Service student loan forgiveness program qualified employer. 

• Generous time off:

  • Paid leave for illness, personal days, bereavement, jury duty, and military-related leave

  • Paid parental leave for new families

  • Paid holidays, as well as a one week Thanksgiving break, a two-week winter break, a week-long spring break

  • Wellness days and Fabulous Fridays (leave at 1:30 on Friday once a month)

• On-going professional  development opportunities:

  • Weekly coaching sessions

  • Weekly school-based professional development

  • Five in-person PD days during the year for all KIPP St. Louis teachers

If you are interested in working at KIPP St. Louis, please visit our website to find out how to apply! 

www.kippstl.org/apply

Check out our KIPP St. Louis video to learn more about KIPP St. Louis Public Schools!

KIPP St. Louis is committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for all our students, families, teachers, staff and community members. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.