What are the responsibilities and job description for the Managing Director of Culture position at KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools?
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 278 KIPP schools that operate in 28 regions across the United States. KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools (KPPS) is a part of the national KIPP network and currently leads eight schools serving over 3,200 students in North and West Philadelphia. By 2030, KPPS will grow to serve 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.
Job Description
The Opportunity
The Managing Director of Culture (MDOC) leads KPPS’s efforts to create positive, structured, safe, joyful, nurturing, and academically focused school cultures across our K-12 campuses. Reporting to the Chief Schools Officer and serving as a key member of the regional team, the MDOC partners with Heads of Schools, Principals, and Culture Leaders to codify and drive a vision for equitable, inclusive school culture.
The MDOC directly manages the Director of Student Wellness (and potentially other Director-level positions related to School and Student Culture) and plays a critical role in integrating student experience strategies with academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports.
Key Responsibilities
Vision and Strategy
Design and lead KPPS’s student experience vision and strategy across all schools.
Build regional systems to codify behavior expectations, restorative practices, and interventions to ensure consistency and clarity across grade bands.
Develop and implement a multi-year healthy schools plan inclusive of PBIS, SEL, and trauma-informed practices.
Create culture data systems to measure and monitor progress and impact.
Design and implement a holistic intervention program aimed at directly improving student attendance and reducing chronic absenteeism.
Professional Learning and Development
Design and lead regional professional development on culture-related initiatives for teachers, leaders, and support staff.
Curate and share professional development tools to build adult mindsets and skill sets in behavior management and SEL.
School Support and Coaching
Partner with academic and student support leaders to integrate culture practices with academics, and special education services.
Coach school leaders on implementing equitable discipline, restorative practices, and behavior systems.
Act as a resource and thought partner to schools around student behavior, SEL, trauma response, and classroom management.
Ensure training and adherence to all state/local mandated requirements.
Facilitate ongoing compliance reporting to the state.
Leadership in Discipline and Equity
Lead KPPS’s regional discipline policies and ensure school-level alignment.
Serve as the regional point person for escalated behavior incidents, suspension/expulsion hearings, and family engagement.
Solicit feedback from students, families, and staff to inform and improve discipline systems.
Track and report progress against equity commitments related to school culture.
Qualifications
Skills and Experience
Bachelor's degree required
4 years of cultural leadership and/or team leadership experience in a K-12 setting.
Deep knowledge of trauma-informed practices, restorative justice, PBIS, and SEL.
Proven ability to lead and manage cross-functional teams to improve student culture outcomes.
Strong project management, facilitation, and communication skills.
Experience designing and delivering professional development to school-based teams.
Familiarity with data tools and platforms to track behavior and culture trends.
Experience supporting diverse student populations, including students with IEPs and English Language Learners.
Additional Information
Desired Characteristics
Commitment to KPPS’ mission and a deep belief in the potential of all students.
A leader for racial justice and educational equity, with an understanding of how race, power, and identity show up in schools.
Culturally competent and skilled in leading across lines of difference.
Ability to cultivate joyful, affirming learning environments rooted in high expectations.
An effective relationship-builder who inspires trust and collaboration with students, families, and colleagues.
A systems thinker with strong execution skills and a bias for action.
Flexible, reflective, and eager to grow professionally
