Job Title: School Director / Executive Principal
Location: Lake Lure Classical Academy – Lake Lure, NC
Reports To: Board of Directors
The Opportunity
Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake Lure Classical Academy (LLCA) is seeking a visionary, high-energy leader to serve as our School Director. As a tuition-free public charter school, LLCA provides a rigorous classical education that emphasizes citizenship and scholarship.
We are looking for an Inspirational Leader who doesn’t just manage a building, but fosters a culture of excellence. The ideal candidate is someone who can balance the timeless traditions of Classical Education with the bold future of modern workforce development and AI-enhanced learning.
Core Responsibilities & Skills
- Academic Leadership & Innovation
- Passion for Excellence: Drive high academic standards through the Core Knowledge Sequence and Classical curriculum.
- Outdoor & Hands-on Learning: Champion our unique rural setting by integrating outdoor education and experiential learning into the student experience.
- Future-Ready Education: Lead the school into the future by being open to innovation, specifically the integration of AI tutoring platforms and the development of robust work/study programs for secondary students.
- External Growth & Marketing
- Front-Facing Partnership Development: Act as the face of LLCA. You will cultivate relationships with local businesses, community leaders, and higher education institutions to expand student opportunities.
- Marketing Strategy: Utilize your marketing experience to drive enrollment, tell the school’s unique story, and solidify LLCA as a premier educational choice in Western North Carolina.
- Resource Development: Proven skills and experience in financial development within an educational setting.
- Staff Coaching & HR
- Professional Mentor: Serve as a coach and role model for staff. You should be someone teachers want to follow, providing actionable feedback and professional development.
- HR Management: Oversee talent acquisition, performance evaluations, and personnel management with a focus on retention and culture-building.
- Operational & Financial Stewardship
- Budgetary Oversight: Expertly manage the school’s finances, ensuring resources are allocated to maximize student impact while maintaining long-term fiscal health.
- Charter Governance: Apply a deep understanding of charter school law and North Carolina state requirements to ensure compliance and successful renewals.
- Culture & Community Relations
- High-Level Discipline: Manage complex student behavior issues and family concerns with a fair, firm, and restorative approach.
- Community Trust: Maintain an "open-door" philosophy that builds trust with parents, ensuring the school remains a pillar of the Lake Lure community.
Qualifications
- Education: Master’s Degree or higher in Education, School Administration, or a related field.
- Experience: Proven track record in school leadership (Charter experience is a significant plus).
- Classical Knowledge: Familiarity with Classical Education and the Core Knowledge curriculum.
- Tech Savvy: Comfortable navigating and implementing educational technology
and AI tools.
- Communication: Exceptional public speaking and written communication skills.
Why Lake Lure Classical Academy?
LLCA offers the chance to lead a school in one of the most beautiful locations in the country. We provide the autonomy to innovate within a supportive, mission-driven community. If you are a leader who believes that education should be an adventure—combining the best of the past with the possibilities of the future—we want to hear from you.
To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter detailing your philosophy on Classical Education, and three professional references to Mr. Mark Hamman at [email protected].