School Director

ABOUT KHAN LAB SCHOOL

Khan Lab School, founded by Sal Khan in 2014, is an innovative K-12 independent school with 3 campuses, serving over 260 students in Silicon Valley, CA and Wichita, KS. Our Lower School (grades K-5) is in Palo Alto, CA, our Middle and Upper Schools (grades 6-12) are in Mountain View, CA, and the KLS Wichita campus (grades 4-8) is in Wichita, KS.

We were established to test and refine the educational vision outlined in Sal Khan's 2012 book, The One World Schoolhouse, which explores the development of modern education, the origins of Khan Academy, and a forward-thinking approach to both in-person and online learning. Building on this foundation, Sal Khan's latest book, Brave New Words, further expands on his educational philosophy and vision for the future. At Khan Lab School, we're committed to implementing these innovative ideas and preparing students for success in the rapidly evolving knowledge economy.

ABOUT KHAN LAB SCHOOL: WICHITA

Khan Lab School Wichita is an innovative grade 4-8 mastery-based program located in Wichita, Kansas. As part of the Khan Schools Network, Khan Lab School Wichita is reimagining education by putting students at the center of their learning journey. Founded on the belief that every child has unlimited potential, the School combines personalized learning with real-world application. Students will progress at their own pace, master concepts deeply, and engage in hands-on projects that connect classroom learning to community impact.

The Wichita campus serves as a beacon for educational innovation in the Midwest. With small class sizes, dedicated educators, and strong community partnerships, it creates an environment where students don't just meet their goals— they discover their passions and develop the skills to pursue them.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The School Director will work closely with Khan Lab School: Mountain View to launch and lead the first Khan Lab School program outside California. The Director will also work with existing Khan Lab School staff to optimize and drive alignment around vision, systems and processes for the Midwest program.  Further, this individual will be able to support the design of a coherent and cohesive student experience, where each point of contact is a learning and growth opportunity that differentiates this academic program from physical and digital learning experiences that exist elsewhere. The work will include hiring and retaining staff and recruiting students. This position is based in Wichita, KS with occasional travel to our Silicon Valley location.
 

SPECIFIC JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The School Director serves as an entrepreneurial academic leader with deep understanding of mastery-based learning in K-12 education. This role requires close collaboration with KLS Silicon Valley to refine the instructional vision, structures, and systems while ensuring alignment with the organization's mission, philosophy, and values.  The School Director partners with the Executive Director, CFO, and other members of the Khan Lab School leadership team in Mountain View, CA.

Leadership

• Support clear, school-wide understanding of mastery-based learning implementation, from classroom practice to progress reports and transcripts


• Build and nurture a strong school community by leading faculty, supporting families, and maintaining high standards for each student's experience


• Oversee design and implementation of advisory systems and daily schedules


• Establish robust faculty observation and feedback systems in collaboration with KLS Silicon Valley best practices


• Supervise the KLS Wichita team

Enrollment & Marketing

• Meet annual enrollment targets and maintain accurate tracking records


• Master enrollment management tools (TADS, Dewars)


• Conduct regular open houses and recruitment activities beginning each September and continuing throughout the year


• Adhere to KLS brand guidelines in all communications

Community & Network Development

• Recruit families and cultivate relationships with community organizations


• Collaborate with KSN network schools 


• Represent the school within the broader educational community


• Support system wide accreditation processes

Operations & Human Resources

• Oversee day-to-day school operations


• Partner with KLS Silicon Valley HR team to hire, onboard, and retain exceptional faculty and staff


• Ensure compliance with employee handbook policies, including payroll, time tracking, and leave management


• Create quarterly reports for KLS Board

Financial Management

• Operate within approved annual budget


• Meet annual fundraising goals


• Follow KLS financial controls and approval processes for purchases, expense documentation, and financial obligations


• Comply with travel and expense guidelines

Safety & Risk Management

• Maintain daily visible presence on campus


• Ensure effective student supervision and safe environments for all school activities


• Address significant parent concerns and manage student disciplinary issues promptly

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & EXPERIENCE

Essential Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree is required; master’s degree preferred


• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the following areas:
  - Successfully managed a team of at least 3 direct reports
  - Worked in a leadership position in the education field, developed and managed a brand-new business function, project, or entity from the ground up
  - Managing expenses and a budget, practiced financial responsibility and best practices at a business
  
  


• Passion for designing and implementing learner-centered education models


• Strong operational and financial systems design experience


• Proven ability to recruit founding families and represent programs at community events


• Experience leading educational programs (in-person or online schools, after-school or summer program, etc.)


• Working knowledge of HR processes and compliance


• Track record of innovation and first-principles thinking


• Growth mindset with willingness to iterate and refine

Technical & Operational Skills

• Experience with Khan Academy tools and student implementation (preferred)


• Ability to architect student-centered learning approaches using technology


• Experience developing centralized operational systems (admissions, philanthropy, student records, marketing) for efficiency and cost savings


• Ability to create three-year financial forecasts across multiple sites

Leadership & Partnership Experience

• Strong alignment with Khan Lab School's founding principles


• Experience building partnerships with funders, universities, and ed-tech providers


• Direct early-stage school design experience 


• Familiarity with Khan Academy in a classroom setting 


• K-12 school experience 

• Willingness to travel between Mountain View and Wichita locations, as needed

PHYSICAL WORK REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION

• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, and pull up to 20 pounds as some regular organizational tasks involve moving desks, chairs, electronics, and other school supplies and equipment, as needed.


• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.


• Capability of moving about inside an office setting to access file cabinets, office equipment, etc.


• Ability to proficiently and frequently operate a computer and keyboard as well as other office equipment such as calculators, copy machines, printers, and projectors.


• Consistently practice safe working habits while using school supplies, equipment, and electronics as well as the ability to maintain a safe and hazard-free workstation for yourself and others at the school.


• Occasionally required to work weekends, nights, or be on-call for special events, which are sometimes outside and require working in varying weather conditions at all times of the year.


• Ability to properly communicate information and ideas so other people can understand as well as the ability to ascertain and understand information communicated from others.

WHAT WE OFFER

Khan Lab School is a community of learners and partners that have a deep commitment to their work. We get things done and believe that in our highly collaborative environment anything is possible. All our decisions are made through the lens of what is best for our students. We tackle tough questions without ego, are results oriented, and have high expectations for school and our students.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please submit the following:

• A current resume.


• Cover letter expressing your interest in, and qualifications for, this position.


• List of 3 professional references with their full name, phone number, e-mail, job title, and your working relationship with them. References won’t be contacted without the candidate’s permission. 

PAY & BENEFITS

• Start Date: September 1st, 2025


• Location: Wichita, KS 67202


• Classification: Exempt; Salaried


• Status: Full-time; Year-Round


• Pay Range: Dependent upon experience.


• Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage as well as a 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match, basic life insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance, a flexible spending account, employee assistance program (EAP), and paid time off.

Khan Lab School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The organization does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, color, creed, gender (including gender identity or gender expression), religion (all aspects of religious beliefs, observance or practice, including religious dress or grooming practices), marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disabilities, medical conditions (including medical history or genetic characteristics), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related conditions), genetic information, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws or regulations.