Careers

KairosPDX is a non-profit organization focused on delivering excellent, equitable education to underserved children, their families and their communities. Through innovative pedagogy, community collaboration and family partnership we are closing Portland’s persistent achievement and opportunity gaps in measurable and sustainable ways. Our mission is to eliminate the prolific racial achievement and opportunity gaps by cultivating, confident, creative, compassionate, leaders. We do this through an organizational approach that includes: Kairos Learning Academy, Family Engagement Programming, Professional Development and Policy.

Working at KairosPDX

KairosPDX is always seeking candidates for year-round positions. Persons of color and members of other underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

We have partnered with Workplace Change for recruitment of some of our current opened positions you can see positions descriptions and apply via their website at:

• Director, Development
• Manager, Human Resources
• Manager, Community Relations
• Senior Coordinator, Training Academy
• Senior Coordinator, Communications

Current Positions Open for Applications via KairosPDX careers email (see position descriptions listed below):

• School Nurse
• Elementary Teacher Grades K-2 & 3-5
• Educational Assistant
• Americorps VISTA Information Technology & Community Education Specialist
• Bus Driver
• Advocacy Intern

KairosPDX Learning Academy was launched in 2014. It is a public charter school sponsored by Portland Public Schools (PPS), located on N. Gantenbein Avenue in Portland. Our educational model is inquiry-based. Our curriculum approach is culturally-responsive, workshop model that infuses mindfulness, restorative practice, studio art, STEM, music and fitness in our teaching. Small class sizes, extended school-day and year-round schooling are some of our distinguishing elements.

Kairos is Greek for a special moment in time and we believe we are creating this time and space for children and families, making KairosPDX a very special place to work. We are committed to the core values of Respect, Responsibility, Excellence, Honesty, and Service. We value data, reflection, feedback and continuous improvement as we work together on behalf of our children and families. We are collaborative, creative and passionate about being voices for change in our city. We believe that attacking systemic racism is foundational to our work and that considering our own identity, biases and experiences is a necessary step toward igniting change. Our expectation is that staff at Kairos are invested in our mission and participate in creating structures, developing school culture and communicating our work to families and the larger community. Staff work together to support the whole child – academically, socially, emotionally and culturally, using published curriculum, current research and children’s own interests to build their curriculums. KairosPDX values data, reflection, feedback and continuous improvement as we work together on behalf of our children and families.

Responsibilities for All KairosPDX Positions:

• Work toward the mission of KairosPDX:
  • to eliminate the prolific racial achievement and opportunity gaps by cultivating confident, creative, and compassionate leaders;
• Practice the values of KairosPDX in professional conduct and daily interactions:
  • respect, responsibility, honesty, excellence and service to community;
• Incorporate the beliefs of KairosPDX in all approaches and instruction:
  • Every child is uniquely capable, innately curious and inherently creative,
  • Character and agency are essential to achievement and are developed through relationship and service to others,
  • A multi-cultural context delivers a strong sense of self and is a requirement for participation in our global society,
  • Children must be supported in the context of their families;
• Support multicultural practice and inquiry based approaches that are:
  • Actively anti-racist — confronting bias in all of its forms,
  • Education for social justice — acknowledging history and studying the present to make informed decisions regarding a more equitable future,
  • Pervasive — examining practices in all levels of school culture and organization,
  • Personal — beginning with the necessary consideration of self as a cultural being,
  • Critical Pedagogy — pursuing multiple perspectives, anticipating contradictions and challenging assumptions,
  • Empowering — providing children the ego strength to challenge racist societal views,
  • Helping children think deeply about themselves and others.

School Nurse Position

School Nurse Core Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the health service programs of KairosPDX
• Provide basic healthcare to students in case of injury or acute illness
• Treat students and staff as needed
• Develop care plans for students with ongoing conditions, chronic illnesses and disabilities
• Consult with educators, school administrators, special education and other school staff regarding student care
• Administer medication
• Participate in student IEP, 504 and Safety Planning & monitoring as needed
• Keep track of students’ vaccination records
• Educate students, staff and families on health procedures, healthy habits, such as proper nutrition and hygiene
• Support students who have disabilities
• Perform hearing, vision and other health screenings
• Detect health problems in early stages through regular screenings
• Update students’ medical history
• Ensure school environment is safe for children and school staff (e.g. prevention of communicable diseases)
• Write referrals for pediatricians and other health specialists
• Ensure compliance with national and local health laws
• Participate in professional development facilitating growth of each student, staff member and the organization
• Current Food Handlers Card
• Perform other related duties as assigned

School Nurse Qualifications

• Proper TSPC licensure to develop and deliver a comprehensive school health services, including current School Nurse Certification issued in the State of Oregon
• Minimum of one (1) year experience in public health nursing, community health nursing, school health nursing or pediatric nursing preferred
• Knowledge of many areas of health including mental health
• Knowledge of school laws and policies
• Ability to work independently or with others
• Ability to communicate well with others both written and orally
• Ability to assess situations and act quickly
• BLS/CPR certification
• Knowledge of state health regulations
• Ability to multitask
• Use a computer and various software applications.
• Willingness to learn about and adapt to KairosPDX culture
• Must be organized, accurate, thorough, and able to monitor work for quality
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Must be able to keep discretion and confidentiality
• Share KairosPDX’s stance that excellent public education is a civil right of all children and families
• Ability to pass a criminal background check and drug screen

Salary and Benefits

• Salary: Dependent on qualifications.
• Benefits include: Up to three weeks of school closure breaks, paid sick/personal leave days, paid holidays, participation in Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), employer contribution for health insurance, professional development opportunities.

How to Apply

Interested candidates please submit a cover letter and resume via email to: careers@kairospdx.org. Please state “School Nurse” in the subject line. In the cover letter please briefly describe any previous relevant experience, why you are interested in this position and what strengths you will bring to the job. Resumes will be accepted until the positions are filled.

Elementary Teacher Positions (K-2) & (3-5)

Elementary Teacher Core Responsibilities

• Work with a team of colleague to further the mission of the school;
• Teach and manage a classroom with approximately 20 children;
• Discipline students in a fair and consistent manner, using clear routines and expectations as well as school approved behavior support techniques;
• Interpret, plan and work toward the goals of the learning community;
• Plan and prepare the environment for the academic and non-academic needs of children;
• Assess for progress in the academic, social, emotional and cultural domains of student development;
• Align curriculum, instructional strategies, and student assessment to the Common Core;
• Document and maintain educational records for each child in the classroom;
• Utilize data to inform instruction;
• Responsible for planning for and orchestrating academic, social, emotional and cultural identity growth outcomes;
• Work with a team of colleagues and families to provide a nurturing and positive climate that encourages student responsibility and intrinsic motivation;
• Participate in continuous improvement practices including observation, reflection and collaboration;
• Communicate regularly with families concerning the school’s program and their child’s progress (including quarterly family conferences, and annual home culture visit);
• Participate in professional development to facilitate growth of each student, staff member and the organization overall;
• Attend several KairosPDX staff and family events;
• Participate in supervising students during recess and other non-class times and
• Assist in planning and supervising field trips (both local trips and overnights).

Teacher Qualifications

• Valid TSPC license for the grade level(s) taught
• Documentation of “Highly Qualified Teacher Status” under the No Child Left Behind Act
• Bachelor’s Degree; Master’s, preferred
• Demonstrated ability to manage a classroom
• At least one or two years of experience teaching in an elementary classroom; three to five years of experience preferred
• At least one or two years relevant experience working with children from diverse racial and cultural backgrounds
• Training in early education and/or human development, preferred
• Experience working with children ages 5 to 11, preferred
• Training and/or experience with at least one special population such as special needs children, Talented and Gifted children, and/or English Language Learners, preferred
• Effective interpersonal skills in managing and interacting with diverse groups of stakeholders
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage conflict through equitable decision-making and effective problem solving
• Willingness to learn about and adapt to KairosPDX culture
• Open to learning and practicing a constructivist approach to teaching and learning
• Commitment to culturally relevant practices
• Commitment to professional reflection and ongoing collaboration
• Share KairosPDX’s stance that excellent public education is a civil right of all children and families
• Possess a passion for helping each child reach his or her social, emotional and academic potential including a commitment to differentiated instruction and ongoing assessment
• Current Food Handlers Card and CPR First Aid Certificate required (cost paid by applicant)
• Ability to pass a criminal background check

Salary and Benefits

• Salary: Dependent on qualifications
• Benefits include: Up to nine weeks of school closure breaks, paid sick/personal leave days, paid holidays, participation in Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), employer contribution for health insurance, professional development opportunities

How to Apply

Interested candidates please submit a cover letter and resume via email to: careers@kairospdx.org. Please state “Elementary Teacher application K-2 or 3-5” in the subject line. In the cover letter please briefly describe your previous teaching experience, why you are interested in this position and what strengths you will bring to the job. Resumes will be accepted until the positions are filled.

Educational Assistant Position

Educational Assistant Core Responsibilities

• Responsible for upholding classroom expectations and language as set by classroom teachers while providing supervision of children
• Assist classroom teacher and support team with development and implementation of individualized academic and behavior supports by:
  • Collaboration and communication of all observations and experiences while implementing support needs
  • Participating in professional development and training around trauma-informed care
  • Supporting individualized plans and providing consistent responses to daily behavior
  • Daily documentation in internal student databases
• Responsible for leading students in recess, park, nutrition beaks, transitions, lunch duty and community action sessions
• Assist classroom teacher with preparing the environment for the academic and non-academic needs of children
• Assist classroom teacher with individual and/or small group instruction for children
• Assist classroom teacher with facilitation of home/school information and relationship:
  • Responsible for the exchange of information between home and school ie: creation of flyers, conference reminders, etc.
  • Supporting classroom teachers to communicate with families regarding student behavior, needs and growth
• Assist classroom teachers to develop culturally relevant instructional opportunities that engage and empower all students
• Distributing food during nutrition breaks in classrooms
• Tracking and maintaining first aid and safety supplies in classrooms
• Participate in continuous improvement practices including observations, reflections and collaborations
• Preparing materials and technology needs in support of learning
• Perform other related duties as needed by teaching staff
• Participate in professional development to facilitate growth of each student, staff member and the organization overall;
• Attend several KairosPDX staff and family events;
• Participate in supervising students during recess and other non-class times and
• Assist in planning and supervising field trips (both local trips and overnights).

Educational Assistant Qualifications

• Two (2) years, relevant college experience
• Minimum two years of experience working in school, nonprofit, or community setting.
• At least one or two years relevant experience working with children from diverse racial and cultural backgrounds
• Interested in exploring the field of education
• Training in early education and/or human development, preferred
• Experience working with children ages 5 to 11, preferred
• Ability to work with children and families from a low-income background and with whom English is a second language
• Demonstrated ability to manage student behavior
• Willingness to learn about and adapt to KairosPDX culture
• Effective interpersonal skills in managing and interacting with diverse groups of stakeholders.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage conflict through equitable decision-making and effective problem solving
• Open to learning and practicing a new approach to teaching and learning
• Commitment to culturally relevant practices
• Share KairosPDX’s stance that excellent public education is a civil right of all children and families
• Possess a passion for helping each child reach his or her social, emotional and academic potential including a commitment to differentiated instruction and ongoing assessment
• Current Food Handlers Card and CPR First Aid Certificate required (cost paid by applicant)
• Ability to pass a criminal background check

Salary and Benefits

• Salary: Dependent on qualifications.
• Benefits include: Up to three weeks of school closure breaks, paid sick/personal leave days, paid holidays, participation in Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), employer contribution for health insurance, professional development opportunities.

How to Apply

Interested candidates please submit a cover letter and resume via email to: careers@kairospdx.org. Please state “Educational Assistant application” in the subject line. In the cover letter please briefly describe any previous experience you have working with children, why you are interested in this position and what strengths you will bring to the job. Resumes will be accepted until the positions are filled.

Americorps VISTA Information Technology & Community Education Specialist Position

Bus Driver Position

Bus Driver Core Responsibilities 

• Share responsibility with a team of colleagues and parents to honor the mission and values of the school;
• Safely operates school bus for the purpose of transporting students over scheduled routes to and from school
• Operates District school bus in accordance with procedures and in compliance with all State of Oregon traffic laws and regulations regarding the operation of a school bus
• Appropriately and safely operates all devices associated with operating and inspecting a school bus, including but not limited to: electronic inspection devices; first aid kits; bodily fluid kits; fire extinguishers; emergency triangles; tire irons; car seats; safety vests; wheelchairs and wheelchair securements; wheelchair lifts; oxygen tanks; backpacks; securement straps; seat belts; and two-way radios.
• Support, manage and discipline students in a fair and consistent manner, using clear routines and expectations as well as school approved behavior support techniques;
• Regulates heating and ventilating equipment provided on bus for the comfort of passengers.
• Instructs, supervises, and assists students and other passengers in safely crossing roadways and the safe entry and exiting of the bus during regular and emergency situations. Twice each year instructs students and other riders on safe bus riding and bus evacuations as required by law.
• Performs designated pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the assigned school bus in accordance with District procedures and laws of the State of Oregon. Undertakes inclement weather procedures as necessary, including chaining the bus when necessary.
• Cleans interiors and windshields of school buses for the purpose of ensuring safety, appearance and sanitation of the vehicle in accordance with District procedures.
• Prepares all required reports, forms or other documents and maintains accurate records.
• Maintains confidentiality, with specific understanding of the privacy rights of students.
• Effectively communicates with students and parents to create an orderly and safe experience for student riders.
• Maintains effective working relationships with other members of the transportation staff, school personnel, students, and parents. Effectively works and communicates with students, parents, and staff from diverse cultures or backgrounds including those who speak limited or no English.
• Complies with all procedures outlined in the Code of Professional Conduct and Annual Notices for Education Practitioners, Teachers, Support Staff, Administrators, Substitutes Handbook; and the Employees Handbook; and all other District Policies and Procedures.

Bus Driver Required Qualifications

• Must be able to operate all student transportation vehicles.
• Must have successfully completed a Bus Driver Trainee program.
• Must possess a satisfactory driving record and an understanding of safe driving practices.
• Must read, speak, and write the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public.
• Must understand highway signs and signals in the English language.
• Must be able to demonstrate the ability to chain a bus.
• Must maintain a sound driving record.
• Must remain drug-free and will be subject to drug testing at various times: pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident and return to work.
• Perform other related duties as needed.

Bus Driver Qualifications

• At least one or two years relevant experience working with children from diverse racial and cultural backgrounds.
• Experience working with children ages 5 to 11, preferred
• Demonstrated ability to manage student behavior
• Willingness to learn about and adapt to KairosPDX culture
• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record that meets the standards in place by the District.
• At the point of hire, must be able to pass the Physical Capacity/Agility Test and must pass a
• DOT physical examination and drug test. Must attain and maintain a DOT Physical Card.
• At the point of hire, must be able to attain and maintain an Oregon Commercial Drivers’
• License and Oregon School Bus Driver Certification.
• Must possess and maintain a First Aid/CPR Card.
• Must pass a Criminal Background Check.
• Must pass a Drug Screening Test.
• Must obtain all other necessary certifications and licenses necessary to operate a school bus in the state of Oregon including complying with new regulations that may be enacted subsequent to the first day of employment.
• Must possess a reaction time of 3/4 of a second or less from the throttle to the brake control.
• On a continuous basis, hearing must be not less than 7/15 in at least one (1) ear.
• On a continuous basis, vision must be with near acuity and far acuity of no less than 20/40 in each eye either with or without corrective lenses binocular acuity of at least 20/40 (Snellen) in each eye with or without corrective lenses a field of vision of not less than a total of 140 degrees depth perception and color vision to distinguish red, green and yellow colors.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary: Dependent on qualifications;
• Benefits include:  Up to three weeks of school closure breaks, paid sick/personal leave days, paid holidays, participation in Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), employer contribution for health insurance, professional development opportunities.

Working Conditions

• This position works outside in all kinds of weather, and often in the dark.  Much of this positions work time consists of seated time in the driver’s seat of a school bus.  This position will routinely ascend and descend stairs, use leg and hand motions associated with the driving of a bus.
• This position will have potential exposure including, but not limited to, chemical, diesel, grease and oil fumes; fuel, grease and oil; blood-borne pathogens; heavy traffic patterns; cold and hot temperatures; and inclement and severe weather.

How to Apply

Interested candidates please submit a cover letter and resume via email to: careers@kairospdx.org. Please state “Bus Driver application” in the subject line.  In the cover letter please briefly describe your previous experience, why you are interested in this position and what strengths you will bring to the job. Resumes will be accepted until the positions are filled.

Advocacy Intern

Advocacy Intern Core Responsibilities 

• Ability to work within the community and with parents/families;
• Ability to update the newsletter weekly, social media, email updates;
• Experience writing summaries related to grants, policies, bills and legislation;
• Experience in conducting intensive research, that will be analyzed and shared;
• Support Executive Director with KairosPDX vision;
• Background, experience, or knowledge of writing testimony, cheat sheets, phone banking, lobbying, and other politically charger work;
• Ability to attend meetings and be a liaison with community partners;
• Knowledge of advocacy and organizing work;
• Work with a team of colleagues to further the mission of the school;
• Participate in continuous improvement practices including observation, reflection and collaboration;
• Participate in professional development to facilitate growth of each student, staff member and the organization overall.

Intern Qualifications

• • Full-time student
    • Undergraduate (completed freshman year);
  • Minimum of a B average (cumulative 3.0 on 4.0 scale);
  • Plan to continue education in the following term/semester
    • Internship assignment may coincide with last term/trimester, inter must disengage upon graduation;
  • Effective communication skills;
  • Ability to analyze and summarize data/research;
  • Ability to work independently;
  • Effective interpersonal skills in managing and interacting with diverse groups of stakeholders;

• Excellent time management and organizational skills;
• Demonstrated ability to manage conflict through equitable decision-making and effective problem solving;
• Willlingness to learn about and adapt to KairosPDX culture;
• Knowledge and understanding of Kairos’ mission and values;
• Commitment to culturally relevant practices;
• Commitment to professional reflection and ongoing collaboration;
• Experience working with children ages 5 to 11, preferred;
• Ability to pass a criminal background check.

Submit with Application

• Resume;
• Recent transcript attesting to their GPA and standing as a full-time student;
• Unpaid interns must also provide documentation of the participation in a bona-fide college intern program under which their internship either qualifies them to receive course credit OR fulfills a graduation/coursework requirement.

How to Apply

Intersted candidates please submit a cover letter and resume via email to: careers@kairospdx.org.  Please state “Advocacy Intern application” in the subject line.  In the cover letter please briefly describe your previous advocacy experience, why you are interested in this position and what strengths you will bring to the job.  Resumes will be accepted until the positions are filled.

KairosPDX is an equal opportunity employer.  KairosPDX will not discriminate against any job applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, marital status, age, sexual orientation and/or gender identification.