School Leader in Residence

KIPP New Jersey is part of the nationally recognized “Knowledge Is Power Program” network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools dedicated to preparing students for success in college and in life. In 2002, KIPP New Jersey first opened its doors in Newark’s South Ward as a single class of 80 fifth graders and has since grown to educate students in grades K-12 across 18 schools in Newark, Camden, and Paterson.

More than 90% of KIPP New Jersey students currently qualify for free or reduced meals.

We anticipate beginning interviews in early-mid February 2026 and the full process concluding by March 2026, with July 2026 start dates. Applications received after February will be considered on a rolling, and as‑needed basis.

The ideal School Leader in Residence candidate is a leader seeking a future School Leader position as either a founder of new schools or successor at existing schools. You have a strong track record of successful outcomes achieved through your strategic and inspiring leadership of others.

Residents are enrolled in our rigorous Residency accelerator program to develop specific School Leader‑ready skills and competencies.

• Placement at host schools to both shadow a current School Leader and to take on specific leadership responsibilities at the host campus, with accountability to the results of the school(s)/teams you support
• Significant formal learning and leadership coaching provided by multiple leaders throughout the organization, including Head of School/Managing Director of Schools, Director of Leadership Development, Host School Leader, additional mentors, etc.
• Mid‑year application for available School Leader roles for the forthcoming school year

• Accept and effectively incorporate constructive feedback with urgency
• Operate with a high level of flexibility and ownership, taking on various leadership responsibilities to support host school(s), the region, and your unique leadership growth areas

• Articulate and consistently communicate a clear, compelling vision for your leadership brand and future
• Inspire others to commit to, and fulfill, outstanding outcomes
• Consistently prepare and execute highly effective meetings, professional development sessions, and presentations
• Build trusting relationships with all stakeholders across the organization

• Develop teacher/leader capacity through observations, walkthroughs, real time coaching, and data analysis through O3s focused on student data and coaching towards goals, weekly walkthroughs, and frequent observation of leader work
• Leverage strong content knowledge and data analysis skills to drive results both within and outside of your area of expertise
• Create and execute data‑driven strategic plans to meet goals
• Effectively manage teammates, ensuring that high performers continue thriving and struggling teammates receive clear feedback, coaching, and accountability
• Design new systems or improve existing systems to ensure all domains of the school are efficient and contributing to school goals/priorities

• Demonstrate personal excellence at all times (consistently professional, productive, prepared, and positive)
• Embody and model our organization values:
  Kid Focus, Radical Love, Excellence, TEAM, Fun
• Consistently reinforces high expectations for all students and all teammates all the time, using motivation, clarity, and accountability appropriately and effectively
• Engage families and community stakeholders proactively and productively as partners in school goals
• Contribute positively and productively on all teams (Resident cohort, host school teams, regional teams, etc.)

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Demonstrated student achievement results from teachers and leaders that the leader manages and coaches
• Strong track record with achieving results through others, including community partnerships
• Demonstrated success in developing…