High School Principal

KIPP Capital Region
Albany, NY

About KIPP Capital Region

KIPP Capital Region is part of the national KIPP network of high-performing public charter schools, committed to creating joyful, academically excellent learning environments where students develop the skills, confidence, and character to pursue college, career, and life beyond.

Serving more than 2,500 students across seven schools in Albany and Troy, NY, KIPP Capital Region believes that every student and educator brings gifts, talent, perspective, drive, and inspiration and that it is our responsibility to help those gifts flourish.

In Fall 2026, KIPP Capital Region opened its first co-ed high school, launching with approximately 350 students and growing to roughly 800 students by year four. This new school represents a major milestone for the region and an opportunity to design a best-in-class high school experience from the ground up.

KIPP Capital Region is committed to furthering anti-racism, equity, and racial justice in all our efforts and expects all stakeholders to participate in this work so that we can create a future without limits for our students, together.

Position Overview

About the High School Principal Role

The High School Principal will serve as the driving force behind academic excellence and character development for students, with a primary focus on instructional leadership and empowering educators to elevate their practice and improve student outcomes.

This role is pivotal in shaping a sustainable and thriving school by developing future leaders and implementing systems that attract, retain, and develop high-performing staff. The Principal must bring an entrepreneurial mindset and a commitment to building from the ground up leveraging regional and national best practices to establish a strong, enduring high school model.

The High School Principal will be a visible, values driven leader who fosters a collaborative and inclusive culture for students, staff, and families, while also engaging the broader Capital Region community.

Reporting to the Managing Director of Schools, the High School Principal will be supported by a strong regional and national KIPP network as they lead the design and launch of KIPP Capital Region’s first high school.

This is an exciting opportunity to redefine secondary education in the Capital Region and ensure seamless transitions for students from middle school through postsecondary pathways, in alignment with KIPP Capital Region’s mission and core values.

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive plan that supports the academic, emotional, cultural, and overall well-being of students, staff, and families.
• Hold responsibility for college-ready academic outcomes for all students, with a demonstrated track record of improving outcomes such as graduation rates, GPA averages, and SAT/ACT performance.
• Build instructional expertise across the school by leading professional development, coaching instructional leaders and teachers, and fostering collaboration to strengthen teaching practice.
• Partner with the school instructional leadership team to use data-driven strategies to analyze student performance, diagnose instructional challenges, and implement targeted interventions.
• Oversee the development and alignment of a rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum that integrates academic and character goals.
• Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of instructional and operational systems that are efficient, effective, and adaptable in support of student success.

Vision and Culture Leadership

• Develop and communicate a compelling school-wide vision aligned to KIPP Capital Region priorities and long-term strategy.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-expectations culture for students and adults, grounded in professional growth, feedback, and equity-driven practices.
• Build and sustain systems, structures, and relationships that promote equitable and inclusive environments and support courageous conversations.
• Establish and maintain traditions, rituals, and a joyful, rigorous school culture that reflect KIPP Capital Region’s mission, vision, and values.

Leadership Development and Team Management

• Develop and manage a strong school leadership team, including Assistant Principals, Deans, and instructional leaders.
• Build a sustainable pipeline of future school leaders through intentional professional development and leadership cultivation.
• Partner with Talent and HR teams to recruit, hire, and retain a diverse, high-performing staff.
• Coach and mentor staff by setting clear expectations, providing accountability, and supporting continuous professional growth.
• Foster a collaborative, goal-oriented team culture focused on school-wide excellence.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement

• Cultivate and maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external partners and stakeholders.
• Build strong relationships with families and community leaders and maintain a network of community-based organizations.
• Represent the school or region in workgroups, initiatives, or projects as assigned.
• Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress, school policies, and events.

Operations and Risk Management

• Oversee the school’s budget and financial resources, ensuring responsible stewardship and alignment to academic priorities.
• Monitor performance metrics, qualitative feedback, and data to inform strategy, decision-making, and accountability.
• Lead solution-oriented problem-solving for school-wide issues and proactively manage risk.
• Ensure health and safety risks are identified, mitigated, or resolved in partnership with appropriate teams.
• Collaborate closely with the Director of Operations to align instructional and operational priorities and systems.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Managing Director of Schools.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Deep commitment to KIPP’s mission and to advancing equity, anti-racism, and racial justice.
• Strong instructional leadership skills and the ability to develop adults toward excellence.
• Demonstrated growth mindset and openness to feedback.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence across teams in a dynamic environment.
• Entrepreneurial spirit, strong work ethic, and flexibility to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings or weekends as needed.
• Ability to create and sustain an inclusive environment that honors diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required.
• At least 3+ years of experience as a school principal.
• At least 10+ years of experience in education, with progressively increasing leadership responsibility.
• Demonstrated secondary-level leadership experience, including curriculum oversight, staff management, and student achievement improvement.
• Proven track record of improving academic outcomes, including graduation rates and GPA averages.
• Experience in charter, public, or independent school settings preferred.
• Strong project management, organizational, and communication skills.
• Established computer literacy, including MS Office and database systems.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to pass a criminal background check.
• Infrequent travel between KIPP Capital Region schools may be required.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: The starting salary for Principals at KIPP Capital is $175,000 commensurate with experience and aligned to KIPP Capital Region’s equitable compensation scale.

Salaries are determined using an equitable compensation scale that accounts for years of experience relevant to the role and longevity within the KIPP network.

KIPP Capital Region offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Generous paid time off
• Industry-leading medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employer 403(b) contribution match
• Childcare benefits
• Relocation stipend (conditions apply)
• Unparalleled work/life integration
• Casual dress code
• Professional development and growth opportunities
• For more information on the benefits of joining KIPP Capital Region, please view our Employee Benefits Summary.

Additional Information

All staff at KIPP Capital Region are expected to comply with all charter, federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including those of the NYS Department of Education, Department of Health, and Office of Children and Family Services.

KIPP Capital Region is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse and inclusive staff.

Application Process

KIPP Capital Region has partnered with JoHo Talent Network to support this search. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.