School Transformation Specialist in SST - School Success Team at KIPP SoCal Public Schools
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Job Description
To lead urgent, sustainable transformation at a designated KIPP SoCal school by rebuilding trust, strengthening systems, developing talent, and ensuring high-quality instruction during a fixed 18-24 month assignment. The School Transformation Specialist holds full accountability for assigned school outcomes and is charged with creating the academic, cultural, and operational conditions necessary for long-term excellence, while preparing the school for a permanent successful transition out of transformational status.
This role is 5 days on-site at one school location. The role is full-time, limited-term status with an end date of June 30, 2027 with the possibility of renewal for an additional 12 months.
Priority application deadline is June 15, 2026. At least 1 year as a principal or principal in residence highly preferred
Target start date: July 9, 2026
Likely interview process:
Application screen >> video interview >> Zoom screen w/ hiring manager >> on-site school experience >> final interview experience
Drive comprehensive school improvement by achieving a School Health Score of 3 or higher in all domains by the end of Year 2, with demonstrated growth of at least one level in a minimum of three categories during Year 1 in collaboration with the School Leader.
Develop and implement a data-driven transformation plan aligned to KIPP SoCal's strategic priorities
Establish regular progress monitoring systems to track improvement across all domains
Communicate progress transparently with all stakeholders
Accelerate student achievement by significantly improving academic outcomes in assigned content areas and/or grade levels across all student groups, with measurable growth in Year 1 and substantial gains by the end of Year 2.
Increase proficiency rates in ELA and Math SBAC assessments by at least 10% annually from baseline
Meet or exceed school-specific regional goals for literacy, math, and specialized populations
Ensure 100% of teachers engage in weekly coaching cycles focused on instructional improvement
Achieve at least 50% of classrooms meeting/exceeding expectations on the KIPP SoCal Teacher Practice Rubric by Year 1, increasing to 80% by Year 2
Establish a safe, joyful school culture that fosters high levels of student belonging, attendance, and engagement.
Implement and maintain Tier 1 PBIS systems in Year 1, expanding to Tier 2 systems in Year 2; systems for effective school operations; and systems for effective management of assigned content areas
Increase student belonging and safety metrics to ≥85% favorable scores
Improve average daily attendance by at least 1% in Year 1, reaching ≥96% by Year 2
Align suspension and referral data with school culture vision and KIPP SoCal policies and practices
Build sustainable leadership capacity by identifying, developing, and preparing teacher leaders to ensure long-term school success
Identify and coach 1-2 teacher leaders annually
Identify successor School Leader by end of Year 1 and develop throughout Year 2
Ensure ≥80% sta retention of assigned departments and/or grade levels through eective talent management
Strengthen family and community partnerships to rebuild trust and increase engagement of assigned grade levels or specific assigned groups.
Achieve ≥85% family survey participation each quarter
Attain a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of ≥30 each year
Establish regular, transparent communication systems with families and community leaders
Support operational excellence and compliance by addressing gaps and implementing sustainable systems.
Support the enrollment and budget targets
Support the elimination of compliance gaps by end of Year 1
Contribute to all compliance and quality standards for MTSS, SPED, and multilingual programs
Lead Self (Self Awareness, Critical Consciousness, Continuous Learning). Impacts students and the adults they lead with a deep understanding of self and a willingness to continually strive to improve.
Lead People (Trusting Relationships, Team Culture, Developing & Managing People, Change Management). Engages in shared ownership and collaborative leadership; develops and empowers others; regularly works to create stronger results than any one leader could deliver on their own.
Required Experience:
Minimum of 5 years in school leadership roles
Demonstrated success in driving significant academic improvement, with evidence of year-over-year growth and/or outperforming comparable schools
Proven ability to develop eective teacher leaders
Experience building positive school cultures with strong student support systems
Track record of eective team management in educational settings
Required Education & Credential:
Active professional teaching license
Highly Preferred:
Previous experience in school turnaround or transformation contexts
Valid administrative credential (or eligibility to obtain one)
At least 1 year as a principal or principal in residence
Experience working with multilingual learners and students with disabilities
Personal Attributes:
Unwavering belief in the potential of all students
Resilience and persistence in the face of challenges
Ability to build trust quickly with diverse stakeholders
Comfort with ambiguity and willingness to make dicult decisions
In addition to the above competencies and skills, all team members are expected to uphold, demonstrate, and practice KIPP SoCal values, standards of conduct, and anti-racism standards.
- KIPP SoCal Public Schools offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience in a similar position. The salary range for this position is $115,000 to $140,000. The role is signing bonus eligible.
- 100% of healthcare premium costs covered by employer, dependents added at 50% of the cost
- Employer-paid life insurance
- 401(k) plan with up to 6% match by KIPP SoCal
- Voluntary Benefits (Pet Insurance, Supplemental Life, Accident, Short Term Disability, etc.)
- Generous time off program includes 22 holidays, sick leave and vacation
- Other great benefits (Flexible spending account, EAP, etc.)