Director, Data Driven Leadership Middle Schools

The Director of Data Driven Leadership, Middle Schools requires deep knowledge of data-driven instruction, data analysis, progress monitoring, curriculum and instruction, and middle school academic systems to play a critical role in advancing KIPP Texas’ academic priorities. This role is responsible for driving improved student results across middle schools, including academic growth and achievement, STAAR performance, grade-level mastery, strong academic independence, and successful transition to high school. The role serves as a key lever in strengthening academic systems and ensuring schools have the clarity, support, and strategic direction needed to accelerate readiness for high school success and close the achievement gap.

The Director of Data Driven Leadership, Middle Schools is responsible for ensuring KIPP Texas and its individual cities take a strategic approach to reaching academic goals by engaging with regional and school leaders in professional dialogue about best practices in order to improve and accelerate student achievement through quality curriculum and instruction. With a strong focus on middle school success indicators, including academic growth, STAAR performance, grade-level mastery, and high school readiness. This role consistently demonstrates expertise in data-driven instruction, data analysis, progress monitoring, and curriculum and instruction to improve student results, strengthen accountability, and drive sustained academic excellence across middle schools.

You know you are successful if: 

• Regions and schools are implementing effective progress monitoring systems

• Regions and schools are driving towards rigorous, multi-year targets as well as meeting baseline metrics for a healthy school  

• School and regional leaders are using data proactively to make instructional decisions and improve student outcomes

• Academic leadership has clear, timely, and actionable insights that support decision-making 

Role Responsibilities

Data Driven Leadership and Coaching

• Lead a culture that recognizes data use as a tool for continuous improvement and decision-making across middle schools

• Coach regional leaders, middle school leaders, and key stakeholders on how to analyze data, identify performance gaps, diagnose root causes, and take action to improve student achievement, academic rigor, and high school readiness outcomes

• Support leaders in effectively presenting data reports to teachers, families, and staff to build shared ownership and accountability for outcomes

• Ensure data conversations lead to clear instructional adjustments and measurable improvements across middle schools

Accountability Aligned Strategy

• Provide guidance and co-create strategies for the portfolio of middle schools, grounded in accountability and designed to increase student growth, achievement, academic rigor, and readiness for high school success

• Develop annual goals, major milestones, and success metrics that create clarity across all levels of the organization

• Ensure strategies are aligned to state accountability systems, internal academic priorities, and long-term student achievement outcomes, including STAAR performance, Algebra readiness, and high school readiness goals

• Collaborate with  schools translate high-level goals into specific actions that drive execution and improve student results

Academic Insights

• Responsible for conducting ongoing data analysis and creating custom data visualizations and reports to identify strengths and opportunities across middle school performance indicators

• Analyze both quantitative and qualitative data across student, teacher, leader, and school-level performance indicators

• Make bold recommendations based on data and provide insights to KIPP Texas leaders on a recurring basis (e.g., weekly)

• Use data storytelling to clearly communicate findings and drive strategic decision-making

Progress Monitor Top Metrics

• Create and inform the creation of systems and structures to progress monitor metrics to ensure KIPP Texas middle schools are on track to meet and exceed academic goals

• Establish routines for regular review of leading indicators, outputs, and outcome metrics across schools and regions

• Ensure leaders have the tools, systems, and visibility needed to monitor progress toward academic achievement, STAAR performance, and high school readiness goals

• Identify barriers early and support solutions that improve execution and student outcomes

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience required
• Master’s degree preferred

Competency and skills

• Strategic thinker with strong judgment and the ability to prioritize mission-critical work

• Exceptional data analysis skills with the ability to interpret trends, identify root causes, and translate findings into action

• Strong understanding of foundational statistics and data-driven decision-making

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to tailor messaging to different audiences

• Skilled in influencing, coaching, and leading through relationships rather than direct authority

• Strong project management and execution skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities

• High level of ownership, initiative, and problem-solving in complex environments

• Results-driven with a strong focus on accountability, outcomes, and continuous improvement

• Collaborative and relationship-oriented with the ability to build trust across diverse stakeholders

• Deep cultural competence and commitment to educational equity and student achievement

What We Bring to the Table

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans with coverage options for employees and their families. 

• Competitive vacation and flexible paid time off (PTO) policies.

• Paid family leave.

• Flexible spending account or high-yield HSA.

• Employee assistance programs. 

• KIPP also offers the following employee-paid benefits: legal plans, LifeLock identity protection, life insurance and disability insurance.

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 essential functions.

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

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

Additional Requirements

• Reliable transportation is needed for travel between campuses

• Ability to maintain emotional control under stress.

• Work with frequent interruptions.

Work Environment

• Hybrid work - Reports to the central office or schools three days a week

Travel Requirements

• Regular Travel: Regular travel to school sites, regional offices or external locations for professional learning, meetings and other work related activities. Travel frequency may increase based on time of year.

 

KIPP Texas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KIPP Texas ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of race, creed, gender, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, or disability. Any individual needing assistance in making an application for any opening should contact the Talent Team.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job duties. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.