Senior Director of Student Support Services

Company Description

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.

Job Description

Position Overview:

The Senior Director of Student Support Services is responsible for leading KIPP Kansas City's student support initiatives, overseeing mental health, special education, and behavior intervention services. This leader will ensure that all students receive the high-quality support needed to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The Senior Director will collaborate with school and regional leadership to build a unified approach to student support and maintain compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. They will lead a team that includes a Manager of Mental Health Services and a Director of Special Services.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Strategic Leadership and Vision
  • Develop and implement a cohesive vision for student support services, ensuring alignment with KIPP Kansas City’s mission and goals.
  • Collaborate with the Managing Director of Academics and Innovation and other senior leaders to integrate student support priorities across the organization.
  • Build and manage partnerships with external organizations to enhance student access to resources, including mental health services, community support programs, and specialized education services.
  • Lead strategic planning and resource allocation for student support services, developing a sustainable budget and growth plan.
• Program Oversight and Development
  • Develop protocols and systems for effective student transition planning for students with special needs, including postsecondary readiness.
  • Special Education: Oversee the Director of Special Services in delivering high-quality special education services across all schools, ensuring compliance with IEPs, federal/state regulations, and best practices.
  • Mental Health and Wellness: Direct the Manager of Mental Health Services to provide effective mental health programs, social-emotional learning initiatives, and family engagement. Ensure that mental health staff, nurses, and health aides are equipped to address a range of student wellness needs.
  • Behavioral Support: Develop a multi-tiered system of behavior intervention, coordinating with school teams to support students requiring various levels of behavioral intervention.
• Team Leadership and Development
  • Recruit, hire, and support a high-performing team to deliver student support services, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and accountability.
  • Provide direct support and mentorship to the Manager of Mental Health Services and the Director of Special Services, ensuring effective leadership across specialized teams.
  • Conduct regular evaluations and growth planning for all direct reports and promote team collaboration with principals, assistant principals, and instructional coaches.
  • Lead the organization in understanding and implementing best practices in student support, staying current with research, policies, and innovations in the field.
• Compliance and Data-Driven Decision Making
  • Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including IDEA, Section 504, and ADA.
  • Utilize data to track progress on student support goals, regularly reviewing outcomes with school leadership and adjusting strategies to address emerging needs.
  • Maintain consistent documentation and reporting systems to monitor student outcomes and ensure compliance, partnering with the Data Team to implement and manage student support tracking systems.
• Stakeholder Communication and Collaboration
  • Serve as the primary liaison with families, external agencies, and community partners, ensuring that services are accessible and responsive to student and family needs.
  • Communicate regularly with families to provide updates on services and engage