High School Principal (Immediate Opening)

Position Overview

The High School Principal serves as the chief academic and cultural leader of KIPP Tulsa University Prep High School and is responsible for driving exceptional student outcomes through strong instructional leadership, talent development, and operational excellence. The Principal sets and executes a bold vision for student achievement, builds a high-performing adult culture, and ensures that every student experiences a safe, joyful, rigorous, and equitable learning environment.

This role requires a student-centered, results-driven leader with a deep belief in the potential of all students, exceptional instructional acumen, and the ability to build and sustain powerful systems that accelerate learning.

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership & Student Achievement

• Lead the development and execution of a clear, data-driven academic vision aligned to KIPP's academic priorities and state standards.
• Ensure the consistent implementation of high-quality, standards-aligned instruction in all classrooms.
• Observe classrooms regularly, provide actionable feedback, and develop instructional leaders across content areas.
• Oversee the use of data to monitor student progress, inform instruction, and drive multi-tiered systems of support.
• Ensure strong intervention systems for students performing below grade level and appropriate acceleration for advanced learners.
• Lead school-wide efforts to improve literacy, numeracy, and college readiness outcomes.

School Culture & Student Experience

• Build and sustain a joyful, safe, and academically rigorous school culture rooted in belonging, accountability, and high expectations.
• Ensure consistent implementation of KIPP character strengths, positive behavior systems, and restorative practices.
• Partner with students, families, and staff to cultivate strong community trust and engagement.
• Lead systems that promote strong attendance, student engagement, and social-emotional growth.
• Ensure compliance with all student safety, discipline, and child protection policies.

Talent Development & Adult Culture

• Recruit, hire, develop, and retain a diverse, high-performing team of educators and school leaders.
• Build an adult culture of excellence, collaboration, feedback, and continuous improvement.
• Provide regular coaching, evaluation, and professional development aligned to KIPP and district frameworks.
• Develop leadership capacity in assistant principals, teacher leaders, and aspiring administrators.
• Address performance issues decisively and with care, always prioritizing student outcomes.

Strategic Planning & School Operations

• Own the development and execution of the school's annual strategic plan and academic priorities.
• Partner with operations leaders to ensure smooth school operations, including scheduling, budgeting, testing, student enrollment, and compliance.
• Ensure fidelity to all local, state, and federal policies, as well as KIPP Tulsa and KIPP Foundation requirements.
• Use data to forecast needs, assess program effectiveness, and make informed adjustments.
• Collaborate with the Superintendent and network leaders to advance region-wide priorities.

Family, Community & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary ambassador for the school with families, community partners, and external stakeholders.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with families to support student success and persistence.
• Lead family engagement efforts around academic progress, postsecondary planning, and school culture.
• Partner with community organizations, higher education institutions, and workforce partners to strengthen student pathways.

Qualifications & Requirements

Required

• Bachelor's degree (Master's degree strongly preferred).
• Valid Oklahoma administrator certification (or eligibility to obtain).
• Minimum of 3-5 years of successful instructional leadership experience (Assistant Principal, Dean, or equivalent).
• Demonstrated record of improving student achievement, particularly for historically underserved students.
• Deep knowledge of high-quality instruction, assessment, and data-driven decision-making.
• Strong people leadership, coaching, and team-building skills.
• Unwavering belief in the brilliance and potential of all students.

We Are a Team & Family

At KIPP Tulsa University Prep High School, every student's story matters, and our Principal plays a defining role in shaping those stories. As the instructional and cultural leader of our high school, you will set the vision, build strong systems, and cultivate a community where students feel known, challenged, and inspired to reach their fullest potential. Through trust, high expectations, and authentic relationships, you will lead a campus where students grow academically, socially, and emotionally, preparing them for college, career, and life.

You'll Lead Students Toward Life-Changing Growth

At KIPP Tulsa, we believe every student is capable of academic excellence and leadership. As Principal, you will drive a relentless focus on high-quality instruction, ensuring that every classroom prepares students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed beyond high school. You will champion student achievement, celebrate progress, and inspire both staff and students to persevere through challenges.

You'll Be the Anchor of School Culture & Belonging

Your leadership will shape a school environment where students feel safe, valued, and empowered to be their authentic selves. By fostering a culture rooted in joy, accountability, and high expectations, you will ensure that students and staff alike are supported and motivated. You will set the tone for excellence, consistency, and community in every hallway, classroom, and interaction.

You'll Empower & Develop Exceptional Educators

You will build, coach, and retain a high-performing team of teachers and staff who share a deep commitment to student success. Through thoughtful feedback, professional learning, and collaborative structures, you will grow instructional leaders at every level of the campus. Your leadership will create clarity, alignment, and purpose, so every adult understands their role in advancing student outcomes.

You'll Drive Strategic Vision & Data-Informed Systems

Your decisions will shape the future of the school. From setting academic priorities and operational systems to analyzing data and strengthening interventions, you will lead with both strategy and heart. You will ensure that systems are equitable, efficient, and relentlessly focused on results, so that every student receives what they need to thrive.

You'll Create a Legacy of Excellence & Opportunity

Few roles offer the opportunity to shape lives at this scale. As Principal, you will witness students overcome obstacles, earn college acceptances, develop leadership skills, and step confidently into their next chapter. Your leadership will leave a lasting imprint, not only on a campus but on families, the community, and future generations. The impact you create at KIPP Tulsa University Prep will extend far beyond graduation day.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Compensation and Benefits

• This is a Full-Time, 12-month leadership position.
• Salary is commensurate with principal experience.
• Employees are eligible to participate in employer benefits, including health, dental, life, accidental death and dismemberment, short-term and long-term disability, and participation in Oklahoma Teacher Retirement plans.