Director of Academic Operations

Role SummaryThe Director of Academic Operations is responsible for ensuring that all KIPP New Jersey and KIPP Miami schools execute academic operations with excellence and consistency. Reporting to the Deputy Chief Academic Officer (CAO), this leader manages the systems, policies, and processes that enable effective teaching and learning across the network.The Director oversees the implementation of academic policies, state testing, instructional technology, curriculum purchasing, and school scheduling. They partner closely with regional operations, school leaders, and the academic team to ensure that all schools have the tools, guidance, and support needed to drive strong student outcomes and uphold compliance standards.The Director sits on the CAO Command Center Team. This team works to integrate the work of our teaching and learning teams, special education teams and school management teams throughout the organization. These strands of our organization report up through the CAO, and are complex and high touch. The CAO Command Center team works to ensure all teams under the CAO umbrella are high performing and driving outcomes for students. The CAO Command Center team works to integrate these teams with central office functions such as operations, data, finance and talent. Key ResponsibilitiesAcademic Policy LeadershipLead the communication, and implementation of all academic policies, including grading, promotion, and retention.Partner with the CAO, achievement directors, and school leaders to ensure consistent and equitable policy execution across schools.Provide ongoing training and resources to school-based teams to ensure policies are clearly understood and effectively applied.Monitor compliance with academic policies and support schools in resolving edge cases or unique student situations.ES and MS State Testing & Assessment OperationsServe as the network’s organizational lead for all state and national testing programs.Oversee test coordination, logistics, and compliance for KIPP NJ and KIPP Miami, and any prospective future sites for growth, ensuring accuracy and adherence to state regulations.Manage relationships with testing vendors and state agencies to ensure smooth administration and timely data reporting.Partner with the Data and Technology teams to ensure test systems integrate effectively with student information platforms.Curriculum Purchasing & Resource ManagementManage curriculum purchasing and distribution in partnership with network and regional operations teams.Oversee vendor relationships, contracts, and renewals for all curriculum and instructional resources.Support in the maintenance of accurate records of orders, inventory, and school-level needs to ensure on-time delivery and equitable access.Coordinate with DSOs and the network finance team around curriculum purchasing. Scheduling & School Support for ES and MSPartner with school leaders and regional operations teams to support master scheduling. Ensure all master schedules met and upheld federal, state and local requirements.Provide guidance on scheduling systems, course setups, and structures that optimize instructional time.Develop tools, templates, and best practices to help schools streamline academic operations.Calendar Development and SupportPartner with school leaders and regional operations teams to support master scheduling and academic calendar development.Develop calendar templates, design and format in partnership with academics and operational teams at the network and in each regionEnsure calendar alignment with local, state and federal requirements. Special ProjectsSupport with special projects related to yearly academic strategy including building trackers, implementation plans and engaging with stakeholders. Support with special projects related to growth in new regions such as research, program design, etcLeadership & CollaborationServe as the network’s subject matter expert on academic operations, ensuring alignment between academics, operations, and compliance.Collaborate across departments—including Academics, Operations, Data, and Technology—to ensure cohesive execution of priorities.Analyze operational data and feedback to drive continuous improvement in academic systems and support structures.