Middle School Director

KHAN LAB SCHOOL

Middle School Director
Mountain View, California
khanlabschool.org
Start Date: July 2024

 

Founded in 2014 by Salman Khan, Khan Lab School (KLS) is a K-12 school located in the heart of Silicon Valley. Serving approximately 300 students across two campuses, KLS is grounded in a mastery-based learning model. This approach focuses on learning outcomes that matter most and evaluates student growth with meaningful metrics rather than traditional letter grades. Khan Lab School is also an incubator that spins out new programs and also provides a test environment for products such as Khan Academy’s Khanmigo.

Established: 2014
Upper and Middle School Enrollment: 150 students
Lower School Enrollment: 150 students
Faculty and Staff: 55
Sports Teams: Basketball, Cross Country, Volleyball
School Mascot: Condor
Affiliated Organizations: Khan Academy, Schoolhouse.world, KLSWichita.org

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

The Middle School Director, a key member of the school’s leadership team, reports directly to the Executive Director. In collaboration with other School Directors, they play a significant role in enhancing student programs and various learning opportunities. Beyond being a master-based learning visionary who inspires and motivates both students and staff, the Middle School Director is a pivotal figure in fostering a culture that embraces the belief in students’ exceptional potential and advocates for a radically different approach to education.

Moreover, this candidate will have a strong knack for creative problem-solving and adaptability, essential for developing and implementing personalized educational pathways. Exceptional communication skills, both with students and parents, are crucial, as is the ability to collaboratively work with faculty and the School Directors to create a cohesive and dynamic learning environment for Middle School students.

In addition, the candidate will be expected to contribute to the broader school community, actively participating in and contributing to staff development, curriculum planning, and school-wide events. They should be eager to take on leadership roles in various initiatives and be comfortable in a fast-paced, ever-evolving educational setting. A passion for lifelong learning and a dedication to fostering a nurturing and challenging academic environment are paramount.  This role is for someone who is also deeply committed to shaping the future of education by recognizing and nurturing each student’s potential.

Candidates with experience outside of traditional educational settings, or in a start-up school, are strongly encouraged to apply, particularly those who have managed organizations involving multiple stakeholders. This includes experience in non-profit organizations, community projects, or any leadership roles where coordination and negotiation among diverse groups were required. Such non-school experience is invaluable, as it brings a fresh perspective to managing the complexities and challenges of a dynamic educational environment. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a proven track record in effectively leading and navigating through multifaceted organizational landscapes, fostering collaboration, and driving positive change. Their ability to adapt to and thrive in situations requiring the balancing of various interests and priorities will be a significant asset in promoting a holistic and inclusive approach to education at our school.

Leadership

Manage all of the daily operations of the Middle School program.
Actively engage in shaping the school culture with teachers and students.
Implement and support a mastery-based learning approach working in tandem with the founder and leadership team.
Encourage teachers to use AI and innovative teaching methods.
Cultivate an environment of academic excellence and intellectual curiosity.
Lead by example, such as teaching a class.
Oversee student discipline, including managing major infractions.

Student Support

Manage Middle School Advisory, programming, and events.
Support Extended Day and Summer Programs.
Oversee partnerships with contracted organizations who may provide support for executive function skill development and student wellbeing.
Oversee Middle School Progress Report process and other data driven solutions.

Faculty Support

Support and mentor new faculty in the MS.
Execute all aspects of the student and faculty schedule process.
Collaborate with school leadership on the development of the faculty Inservice.
Conduct MS Classroom observations and feedback, performance evaluation.
Operations and Finance

Oversee Middle School budget and facilities use.
Collaborate on updating school handbooks and coordinating with admissions and marketing.
Assist admissions with enrollment processes and Middle School promotion events.
Work with Family Association Head Rep for budget development.
HR and Staff Development

Recruit and mentor a diverse and skilled faculty.
Manage annual performance reviews and goal setting for team members.
Community Building and Communications

Strengthen community ties among students, parents, and staff with the leadership team.
Coordinate with School Directors for Family Association activities and meetings.
Foster strong, open relationships with parents.

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will offer most or all of the following qualifications and qualities:

Professional Qualifications

Demonstrated passion for designing and implementing student-centered, mastery-based education models.
A commitment to creating an environment where students participate in the day-to-day aspects of running a school.
Ability and eagerness to serve in a collaborative school-wide role as a member of the senior leadership team.
Experience with budgeting and aligning financial resources with student programming.
Experience with hiring, mentoring, supporting and evaluating teachers.
Familiarity with Khan Academy tools and the use of AI in educational settings.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and its role in school culture, curriculum, and admissions.
Support the growth of the Middle School from 50 to 75 students with the addition of the 6th grade program in the Fall of 2025.
Effective communicator.

Leadership Style

A collaborative, consensus-building leader who actively solicits input; listens well; communicates with inspiration and clarity; and effectively delegates and empowers staff.
A team-builder who will invigorate Middle School culture.
A proponent of thoughtful innovation and clarity of priorities.
Visible, communicative, approachable, and responsive.

Personal Qualities

Puts the best interests of students and teachers first.
Intelligent, reflective, well spoken, and upholds the highest levels of integrity and impartiality.
Warm, supportive, and consistent.
Eager to engage actively with teachers, students and parents.
Willingness to relocate to Mountain View, CA.

2024-25 SPECIAL INITIATIVES

In collaboration with the middle school team and the Lower School Director, co-lead the Middle School Transition Working Group, focusing on a smooth and effective transition of the 6th grade to the Mountain View Campus and the Middle School program for Fall 2025.
Play a pivotal role in the accreditation self-study renewal process.
Participate actively on the Long Term Facilities Planning Committee.
Collaborate with the other School Directors to align processes and programming effectively.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please submit the following:

A cover letter expressing interest in and qualifications for this position.

Current resume.

Khan Lab School in Mountain View, CA, has engaged DovetailED to lead a search for a Middle School Director beginning July 1, 2024. Interested candidates should review the opportunity statement and submit a cover letter, resume, and list of references with contact information as a single PDF document to DovetailED President Zack Lehman at zack@dovetailedsourcing.com. Please refrain from contacting the school directly.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this role is: $125,000 – $145,000.  Actual salary will take into consideration a candidate’s years of experience, education, professional experience and skills.
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits.
Discretionary Time Off (DTO).
Paid holidays and sick time per the employee handbook.

Start Date

July 1, 2024.

The school occupies two campuses

Upper School Campus: 1200 Villa Street, Mountain View, CA 94041
Lower School Campus: 3233 Cowper Street, Palo Alto, CA 94306

Khan Lab School is an EOE and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, place of national origin, sex, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, physical handicap, or any other category which may be protected by applicable state or federal law in its employment practice.

Tagged as: Middle School