Director of Instructional Systems

Role Overview

The Director of Instructional Systems (DOIS) drives consistent, high‑quality implementation of instructional systems across an assigned portfolio of KIPP Texas schools. Reporting to the Managing Director of Instructional Systems (MDIS), the DOIS translates academic priorities into clear, actionable expectations, refines key structures and data components, and ensures systems are clear, usable, and sustainable. The role supports School Leadership Teams in analyzing data, building instructional routines, and executing supports that improve teaching, learning, and student outcomes.

Responsibilities

Instructional Systems Design and Maintenance

• Design and build instructional data systems, including assessment trackers, progress‑monitoring tools, and data dashboards.
• Design and support aligned response systems (e.g., CTMs, practice clinics, professional development) so School Leadership Teams can act on data.
• Translate academic priorities into workflows, templates, and expectations for school teams.
• Build reporting structures that enable leaders to quickly identify trends, gaps, and root causes.
• Ensure all tools are intuitive, streamlined, and aligned to school operations.
• Develop and codify non‑negotiables for system usage to ensure consistency and rigor across primary schools.
• Refine reporting structures and practices used by leadership to monitor academic performance and instructional effectiveness.

Systems Implementation and Execution

• Lead rollout of instructional systems, including assessment practices, progress‑monitoring cycles, and data routines.
• Model, co‑facilitate, and coach school leadership teams to execute instructional systems.
• Establish clear expectations for system use by school management and school‑based teams.
• Work alongside SLMs to provide targeted guidance where implementation is inconsistent.
• Monitor execution across regions using observation and leader feedback to identify strengths and gaps.
• Embed instructional systems in regular leadership and instructional routines.

Systems Monitoring and Accountability

• Track both consistency and quality of instructional systems implementation across schools.
• Maintain accuracy and reliability of data structures and reporting.
• Engage school leadership in reviewing implementation trends and identifying improvement areas.
• Distinguish between compliance and meaningful execution.
• Identify patterns that impact instructional quality and student outcomes.
• Address systems issues through clear feedback, support, and adjustments.
• Partner with the MDIS to surface risks and contribute to academic health insights.

Instructional Practice and Systems Coherence

• Support leaders in accessing, interpreting, and applying student performance data within instructional systems.
• Assist school leadership in using data to inform planning, instructional best practices, and decisions.
• Reinforce strong routines for analysis and follow‑through through ongoing support.
• Identify inconsistent data practices and work directly with leaders to strengthen them.

Systems Refinement and Continuous Improvement

• Partner with the MDIS to evaluate effectiveness of instructional systems based on implementation data and school feedback.
• Identify where systems are not driving clarity, consistency, or strong execution.
• Recommend and implement targeted adjustments to improve usability and impact.
• Simplify or adjust tools and processes that create friction or confusion for school leaders.
• Ensure system updates remain aligned to school‑based realities and instructional priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in education, including instructional leadership, data, or systems‑related roles.
• Previous principal experience highly preferred.
• Experience with data‑driven instruction, assessment design, and progress‑monitoring systems.
• Demonstrated ability to build or implement systems that impact student outcomes.
• Experience working with or supporting school leaders or instructional teams.

Skills

• Strong systems thinker with ability to design and operationalize instructional systems and tools.
• Attention to detail to ensure systems are functional, practical, and scalable.
• Ability to translate strategy into clear, executable structures.
• Skilled in building and managing data tools and reporting systems.
• Proficient in analyzing academic data to identify trends, gaps, and root causes.
• Ability to interpret data and support others in using it effectively.
• Focus on accuracy, usability, and actionability of data.
• Proven project management skills; ability to manage complex projects across multiple stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and follow‑through to ensure fidelity of implementation.
• Effective collaboration and influence across teams; strong communication to translate technical systems into user‑friendly practices.
• Commitment to improving student achievement, especially for historically underserved communities.

Physical Requirements

The role requires the ability to move about inside and outside school sites throughout the workday, attend conferences, meetings, and training sessions (both virtual and in‑person), and handle frequent interruptions. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for individuals with disabilities.

Work Environment

Reports to a school or central office site, Monday‑Friday, in a typical school/office setting with frequent interruptions. Reliable transportation is needed for travel between campuses and across regions.

Travel Requirements

Frequent travel throughout Texas to KIPP’s multiple regions, including regular visits to various school sites, regional offices, and external locations for professional learning, academic leadership, data reviews, meetings, and other work‑related activities.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans with coverage options for employees and families.
• Competitive vacation and flexible paid time off (PTO) policies.
• Paid family leave.
• Flexible spending account or high‑yield HSA.
• Employee assistance programs.
• Employer‑paid legal plans, LifeLock identity protection, life insurance, and disability insurance.