Summary

The Manager of Student Culture is responsible for fostering a positive, inclusive, and structured school environment that supports student engagement, personal growth, and academic success. This role focuses on implementing behavioral systems, managing the restorative justice process, and ensuring effective communication with families. The Manager of Student Culture collaborates with staff, students, and families to create a cohesive school culture aligned with the mission and values of Kairos Academies.

Key Responsibilities:

Culture and Behavioral Systems Implementation:

• Develop, implement, and monitor schoolwide behavioral expectations and systems that align with the school’s culture and values.
•  Lead initiatives to reinforce positive behavior and recognize students who exemplify the school’s core values through rewards, recognition programs, and events.
•  Ensure consistency in the application of behavior management strategies and cultural practices throughout the school in collaboration with teachers and support staff.

Culture Room and Restorative Justice Management:

• Oversee the daily operations of the Culture Room, providing a space where students receive support, reflection opportunities, and restorative interventions.
• Manage and lead the restorative justice process, including facilitating restorative circles, mediations, and conflict resolution sessions to repair relationships and restore a positive school environment.
• Supervise and support staff involved in the restorative justice process, ensuring consistency, effectiveness, and alignment with school policies.

 Student Discipline and Family Communication:

• Take ownership of student discipline, ensuring a fair and consistent approach that prioritizes learning and growth while upholding school policies.
• Manage and implement discipline interventions, including in-school suspension (ISS) programs, to ensure students are supported academically and behaviorally.
• Act as the primary point of contact for families regarding disciplinary incidents, maintaining open, transparent, and empathetic communication to engage them in the process and gain their support.

Student Support and Behavior Management:

• Provide direct support for students exhibiting behavioral challenges, using restorative practices, de-escalation techniques, and behavior intervention plans.
• Collaborate with behavior coaches and para-professionals to implement personalized strategies and ensure consistent support throughout the school day.
• Engage in proactive behavior monitoring and intervention, ensuring students receive the support they need before behaviors escalate.

Collaboration with Staff and Families:

• Partner with teachers, support staff, and administrators to design and implement classroom and schoolwide strategies that promote a positive and inclusive culture.
• Lead professional development sessions for staff focused on best practices in behavior management, relationship-building, and student engagement.
• Develop a strong partnership with families, offering resources and support to address behavioral challenges and reinforcing positive behavior strategies at home.

Student Engagement and Leadership Development:

• Plan and facilitate student leadership programs and extracurricular activities that foster a sense of ownership, pride, and responsibility among students.
• Develop opportunities for student voice and involvement in shaping the school culture, including student councils, focus groups, and leadership training workshops.
• Coordinate events, assemblies, and campaigns that celebrate diversity, inclusion, and school spirit.
• Lead the Kairos House System including student and staff induction, pep rallies, house point tracking, and house competitions

Kairos House System:

• Conduct engaging student and staff induction ceremonies
• Organize spirited house pep rallies and events
• Maintain a fair and motivating house point tracking system
• Coordinate diverse inter-house competitions and challenges
• Cultivate house pride, unity, and healthy competition

Data Monitoring and Reporting:

• Track and analyze behavioral data to identify trends, measure the effectiveness of interventions, and adjust strategies as needed.
• Prepare regular reports for school leadership on behavior metrics, culture initiatives, and progress toward culture goals.
• Use data to inform decision-making and collaborate with the leadership team to refine culture and behavioral systems.

Crisis Response and Safety: 

• Lead the response efforts for behavioral crises, ensuring student safety and the well-being of all parties involved.
• Develop and maintain protocols for handling student safety concerns, including bullying, violence prevention, and crisis intervention.
• Train staff on emergency procedures related to student behavior and ensure compliance with school policies and regulations.

Desired Characteristics:

• Passion for Kairos Academy’s mission of equity and student achievement.
• Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and patience in challenging situations.
• Commitment to promoting a safe, structured, and positive learning environment.
• Comfort with data analysis and using data to drive behavior and culture improvements.

This Job ISN'T For You If You Won't…

• go above & beyond to do what’s best for kids (an innate work ethic is required) 
• figure things out yourself (don't wait for others to teach you, make yourself better)
• adapt to frequent change (rapidly iterate; every level of every team improves every cycle)
• happily give and take constructive feedback 

Who We Are

Now is the opportune moment (the kairos) to reimagine education for the 21st century. Our schools have been recognized by Forbes, Bellwether Education, NBC Today, Education Week, and others as among the most innovative and highest performing in the nation. That's why we replace lectures with engaging projects and dictatorial "behavior managers" with 1-1 executive functioning mentors who help students learn how to manage their own schedule and work habits. Kairos students practice navigating real-world choices (such as when, where, how, and with whom to work) within a safe, supportive school environment. Kairos develops students not just into freethinkers, ready to thrive in a modern economy, but self-governing citizens, ready to lead both themselves and their communities.

Technology Skills 

Competence in Microsoft Office applications and ability to use a variety of computer applications and platforms. Ability to use basic office equipment. Knowledge and experience in using a computer-based student Information Management system.

Safety Duties & Responsibilities 

Every employee of the School has an obligation to know our safety rules and procedures; to teach what they know to others; to recognize unsafe actions and situations; to warn others of unsafe situations; to react to emergency situations and to report hazardous or unsafe practices to those in a position to correct them.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Counseling, Social Work, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• At least 3 years of experience working in an educational or youth development setting, with experience in behavior management, student support, or school culture development.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build relationships with students, families, and staff.
• Knowledge of restorative practices, trauma-informed approaches, and culturally responsive strategies.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic environment and adapt strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with data analysis and using behavior management software or systems (e.g., Kickboard, PBIS).
• Certification in restorative justice or behavior intervention techniques.
• Experience in leading professional development sessions or training for staff.

Starting Salary: $50,000 annually based on experience

Benefits:

• Our commitment to you includes a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that covers health, dental, and vision. In addition, we offer performance-based stipends, opportunities for education advancement, and a dedication to fostering work-life balance. Our school community is built on diversity and support, with small class sizes and a cozy co-working atmosphere. You'll have access to a range of professional growth opportunities, both on and off-campus, and you'll become part of a network of schools that are fully committed to upholding Love, Equity, Agency, and Diversity.

Schedule:

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Saint Louis, MO 63118: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required). Please note, this is not a remote position. All Kairos teachers are required to deliver in-person instruction onsite, in our school in St. Louis