Executive Director

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.

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 mhamman@board.llcharter.org.