SY 26/27 Dean of Culture at KIPP Public Schools in Kansas City, MO

About KIPP Kansas City Public Schools:

KIPP Kansas City Public Schools is part of a nationwide network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory charter schools dedicated to preparing students in educationally underserved communities for success in college and life. Our strength as a region serves as a catalyst for empowerment, change, and hope.

Founded in 2007, KIPP Kansas City Public Schools began with KIPP Endeavor Academy, serving approximately 31 fifth-grade students. Today, we educate approximately 1,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade, with our community continuing to expand. Together with families and communities, we strive to create joyful, academically excellent schools that equip students with the skills and confidence to pursue their chosen paths—whether college, career, or beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and contribute to a more just world.

The Dean of Culture and Climate plays a vital role in creating a safe, inclusive, and positive learning environment for all students and staff.  Working in partnership with the school leadership team and the Director of Culture and Climate, this position will  implement school-wide initiatives that foster positive behavior, social-emotional learning (SEL), and a strong school culture aligned with KIPP KC's values.

Key Responsibilities:

Climate and Culture Leadership:

• Design and implement a school-wide behavior management system (e.g., PBIS, Restorative Justice, or Merit/Demerit) that is consistent and equitable.
• Oversee the daily execution of culture and climate initiatives within the school, i.e Culture Playbook, Live School.
• Identify school-specific needs and opportunities for improvement in climate and culture, and collaborate with the principal and staff to develop and implement targeted strategies.
• Foster student leadership opportunities that promote positive school culture.
• Lead the school’s strategy to reduce chronic absenteeism through incentives and family outreach.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL):

• Integrate SEL principles into the school curriculum and daily activities, ensuring all students develop the skills necessary for self-awareness, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
• Collaborate with the Student Support Services team to ensure that all teachers have been trained and have access to the Character Strong SEL Curriculum.
• Collaborate with teachers and counselors to ensure that the SEL curriculum is  implemented and there is active student participation daily in all classrooms.

Behavior Intervention and Supports:

• Implement and oversee behavior management systems that are equitable and effective, promoting positive interventions and reducing suspensions and expulsions.
• Collaborate with ISS Coordinator and Wellness Lab Coordinator on restorative practices being implemented and executed in these spaces to reduce the number of out–of-school suspensions and expulsions.
• Manage high-level disciplinary issues and lead "re-entry" meetings after suspensions to ensure students are ready to return to the community.
• Ensure clear and consistent behavioral expectations are communicated and enforced throughout the school.
• Collaborate with the school social workers to support at-risk and in-crisis students.
• Partner with teachers to improve classroom management, helping them build strong relationships with "tough-to-reach" students.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with teachers, staff, parents, and students to create a culture of shared responsibility and positive school climate.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for families regarding student conduct and school culture, fostering a "team" approach to student success.
• Develop strategies and programs to actively engage families in school activities and decision-making.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Collect and analyze data related to school climate, student behavior, and SEL implementation.
• Generate reports for the principal, school and regional leadership team on the effectiveness of climate and culture initiatives.
• Utilize data to identify areas for improvement and inform future strategies.

Professional Development:

• Collaborate with the principal and staff to identify professional development needs related to positive classroom environments, SEL strategies, and positive behavior support.
• Assist in planning and coordinating professional development opportunities to equip staff with the skills and knowledge to foster a positive school environment.

• Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or Ed Leadership preferred.
• Minimum of 3-4 years of experience in educational leadership, counseling, or a related field with a track record of effective classroom management.
• Proven track record of implementing successful programs that have improved school climate and student behavior.

Skills and Competencies: 

• Commitment:  Upholds KIPP Kansas City’s mission and values, including a deep belief in the potential of all students.
• Philosophy: Deep understanding of Restorative Practices and Trauma-Informed Care.
• Conflict Resolution: Ability to remain calm and de-escalate high-stress situations with students and parents.
• Cultural Competency: A commitment to equity and the ability to work effectively in diverse communities.
• Proactiveness: The capability to establish culture protocols and routines to address culture nuances and develop a positive school culture.
• Responsiveness: Ability to respond to situations in a calm manner with the expertise to de-escalate a situation.
• Evaluative: Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and implement strategic interventions based on findings.

Physical Requirements: 

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. 

• The person in this position needs to be able to move about inside and outside the school or office throughout the workday.

• The candidate is expected to attend conferences, meetings and training sessions both virtually and in person within the Region. 

Work Environment

• Reports to work Monday-Friday.

• Typical school or office environment with frequent interruptions.

Travel Requirements:

• Ability to travel to work location. 

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary is based on years of experience, educational background, and level of expertise.

As a full-time KIPP Kansas City employee, you are eligible to participate in all KIPP Kansas City benefit plans. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits with competitive rates, including medical, dental, and vision options, as well as life insurance, fertility, and disability plans.

KIPP Kansas City is committed to the professional growth and development of our staff. We provide numerous opportunities for advancement, ongoing professional development, and leadership training to help you achieve your career goals.

KIPP Kansas City provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

Selection Process:

Our application process is grounded in equity and fairness, ensuring a just and unbiased selection process. Below is our standard selection process for regional roles:

Selection Process 

Application Submission + Resume Review 

Phone or Video Interview 

If Applicable (Sample work or Performance Task) 

Committee Interview(s) 

1:1 Chat w/Hiring Manager 

Reference Check 

Offer Terms