Secondary Principal / Athletic Director (Middle & High School)

Position Summary

The Secondary Principal/Athletic Director serves as the instructional and operational leader of the middle and high school, responsible for establishing a safe, supportive, and academically rigorous environment for all students. In alignment with the North Carolina Standards for School Executives, the Principal leads school improvement efforts, develops staff capacity, and fosters a culture of high expectations and continuous growth. This role also includes oversight of the school’s athletic programs, ensuring compliance, student-athlete success, and community engagement.

Qualifications

- Master’s degree in School Administration or related field - Valid North Carolina Principal license - Minimum of 5 years successful teaching experience - Demonstrated experience in school leadership or administration - Strong background in curriculum, instruction, and school improvement - Experience with or knowledge of interscholastic athletics preferred

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership (NC Standard 1)

- Develop, implement, and monitor a shared vision for school success focused on student achievement - Lead the School Improvement Team in creating and executing the School Improvement Plan - Use data to drive decision-making and continuous improvement - Promote a culture of high expectations and accountability

Instructional Leadership & Academics (NC Standard 2)

- Ensure the implementation of a rigorous, standards-based instructional program - Monitor student academic performance and implement strategies to improve outcomes for all students - Lead curriculum alignment, instructional practices, and assessment systems - Support differentiated instruction and interventions to meet diverse student needs

Cultural Leadership & School Climate (NC Standard 3)

- Foster a safe, orderly, and inclusive school environment - Oversee student discipline, ensuring policies are applied consistently and fairly - Promote positive behavior supports and restorative practices - Build a culture of respect, responsibility, and student engagement

Human Resource Leadership (NC Standard 4)

- Recruit, hire, support, and retain high-quality staff - Conduct teacher evaluations in accordance with the NC Educator Evaluation System - Provide ongoing feedback and coaching to improve instructional effectiveness - Lead and facilitate meaningful professional development aligned with school goals - Develop teacher leadership and build staff capacity

Managerial Leadership & Operations (NC Standard 5)

- Oversee daily school operations, including scheduling, supervision, and resource allocation - Develop and manage the master schedule to maximize instructional effectiveness - Ensure compliance with district, state, and federal policies and regulations - Coordinate testing programs, reporting, and accountability measures - Manage school safety procedures and crisis response

External Development Leadership (NC Standard 6)

- Communicate effectively with parents, families, and community stakeholders - Address parent concerns with professionalism and responsiveness - Build partnerships with community organizations and local agencies - Promote family engagement in student learning and school activities

Micro-Political Leadership (NC Standard 7)

- Advocate for the needs of students, staff, and the school within the district and community - Navigate complex situations with professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment - Maintain ethical standards and confidentiality in all aspects of leadership

Athletic Director Responsibilities

- Provide leadership and oversight for all middle and high school athletic programs - Ensure compliance with state athletic association rules and district policies - Supervise, support, and evaluate coaches and athletic staff - Coordinate athletic schedules, transportation, facilities use, and event management - Promote academic success, eligibility, and character development of student-athletes - Oversee athletic budgets, equipment, and program resources - Foster sportsmanship and positive community engagement through athletics - Serve as the primary liaison between school, families, and athletic organizations

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

- Strong instructional and organizational leadership skills - Expertise in curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices - Ability to manage student discipline and complex school operations effectively - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills - Ability to lead professional development and build staff capacity - Skilled in data analysis and school improvement planning - Commitment to equity, diversity, and student success Please send cover letter and resume with references to Barbara Cohen, School Director, at bcohen@llcharter.org.