Director, School Psychology (Elementary)
Founded in 1995, KIPP NYC Public Schools is a non-profit network of 18 free, public charter schools located in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. We partner with families and communities to create joyful, academically excellent schools where every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities. Our network includes eight elementary schools, nine middle schools, and one high school, providing students with engaging academics, arts, athletics, and social-emotional learning that prepare them for college, career, and beyond. Through KIPP Forward, we support over 4,700 alumni as they navigate college, career, and life.
About the role
The Regional Director of School Psychology, Elementary Schools is a key leader within KIPP NYC's Student Support Services team, responsible for strengthening behavioral, mental health, and special education systems across a portfolio of elementary schools. Reporting to the Senior Director of Special Education, this role partners with school leaders, Directors of Student Support Services, school psychologists, social workers, and regional teams to develop sustainable systems of support that improve outcomes for students with disabilities and those requiring behavioral and social-emotional interventions.
This role requires a strategic, systems-oriented leader who combines deep clinical expertise with a strong belief in the potential of every student and a commitment to educational equity. The position is full-time with a hybrid schedule, requiring a minimum of three in-person days per week based out of the KIPP NYC Midtown Manhattan office, and includes travel to KIPP NYC campuses across the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan.
Responsibilities
- Behavioral Assessment & Intervention
- Oversee the quality and implementation of Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) across a portfolio of schools.
- Provide coaching, consultation, and feedback to school-based staff to strengthen behavioral assessment and intervention practices.
- Provide direct clinical support in complex or high-need cases requiring advanced expertise.
- Develop recommendations related to behavioral, cognitive, and academic supports for students.
- Partner with school teams to implement evidence-based behavioral interventions and monitor effectiveness over time.
- Support school-wide initiatives related to Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Restorative Practices, Collaborative Problem Solving, and other behavior support frameworks.
- Promote asset-based approaches to supporting students with disabilities and challenge deficit-based narratives through coaching, professional development, and consultation.
- Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
- Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of MTSS frameworks across schools.
- Support schools in developing tiered intervention systems, universal screening processes, progress monitoring structures, and data-driven decision-making practices.
- Build the capacity of school-based teams to identify student needs, match students to appropriate interventions, and monitor intervention effectiveness.
- Partner with school leaders to strengthen Child Study Team structures and practices.
- Ensure school teams use data effectively to drive intervention planning and student support decisions.
- Collaborate with the Regional Director of School Psychology and other Student Support Services leaders to ensure alignment of MTSS practices across the network.
- Provide MTSS consultation and support to high school teams as needed.
- Leadership Development & Professional Learning
- Coach and develop school-based leaders, school psychologists, teachers, and Student Support Services teams.
- Design and facilitate professional development focused on behavioral interventions, MTSS implementation, special education compliance, and student support best practices.
- Build sustainable school-based capacity through ongoing coaching, consultation, and systems development.
- Observe school-based practices and provide actionable feedback to strengthen implementation fidelity.
- Provide clinical supervision for school psychology interns and/or oversee supervision structures for school-based psychology trainees.
- Special Education Compliance & Student Support
- Partner with the compliance manager and Directors of Student Support Services to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local special education regulations.
- Support schools with all aspects of IEP development, implementation, monitoring, and compliance.
- Provide guidance regarding Section 504 plans and related compliance requirements.
- Support schools during audits, reviews, and compliance monitoring processes.
- Maintain strong working knowledge of special education regulations, procedural safeguards, and best practices.
- Collaborate with school teams to ensure students receive appropriate services and supports in the least restrictive environment.
- Related Services & External Partnerships
- Maintain working knowledge of the related services landscape and support schools in navigating provider relationships and coordination.
- Partner with Department of Education personnel and external stakeholders to support school-based needs.
- Support school teams in coordinating services and resolving challenges related to service delivery.
- Serve as a resource for schools navigating complex special education and related services systems.
- School & Family Partnership
- Participate in Child Study Team meetings, IEP meetings, manifestation determination reviews, and other student support meetings as needed.
- Partner with families to review assessment results, discuss recommendations, and support student success.
- Serve as an advocate for students and families throughout the special education process.
- Build strong relationships with school leaders, staff, and families to ensure coordinated support for students.
- Consult with Principals, Deans, Directors of Student Support Services, and other school-based leaders regarding student needs and intervention planning.
Requirements
- Graduate degree in School Psychology required (Master's, Ed.S., or Doctoral degree).
- Eligible for or currently holding New York State certification in School Psychology.
- Minimum of five years of successful experience as a school psychologist.
- Deep expertise in behavioral assessment, intervention design, and progress monitoring.
- Strong knowledge of Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and evidence-based behavioral interventions.
- Deep understanding of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and experience building or strengthening tiered support systems.
- Strong knowledge of special education regulations, compliance requirements, and best practices.
- Experience supporting IEP development, implementation, and monitoring.
- Experience designing and facilitating professional development for adult learners.
- Demonstrated success coaching and developing educators and school leaders.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience writing FBAs, BIPs, 504 plans, evaluation reports, and other compliance documentation.
- Skilled in advocacy, collaboration, and navigating complex educational systems on behalf of students and families.
- Familiarity with the NYC DOE related services system and experience supporting schools in coordinating services preferred.
- Experience working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder preferred.
- BCBA or BCBA-D certification preferred.
- Deep commitment to educational equity and an unwavering belief in the potential of all students.
- Commitment to asset-based practices and inclusive educational environments.
- Demonstrates KIPP NYC's core values of zest, grit, hope, social intelligence, gratitude, and a sense of humor.
- Passion for being part of a collaborative, mission-driven organization focused on improving outcomes for students and families.
Benefits
- Robust medical, dental, and vision benefits.
- 403(b) retirement plan with a 50% match after 6 months.
- Generous time-off aligned with the school calendar.
- Up to 12 weeks of 100% parental leave.
- Bright Horizon Back-up Child and Elder care.
- Employer-paid Life Insurance and Short-term/Long-term disability.
- Employee incentives including 8 weeks paid Sabbatical after 10 years, annual professional development funds, and tuition reimbursement.
Pay
KIPP NYC offers a salary ranging from $105,060 - $131,840 per year. Salary ranges are standardized based on role level and function, with individual salaries determined through a lens of equity, accounting for years of experience and scope of responsibilities.