School Director | Grades 5-8
Charlotte Lab School, Raleigh, NC, United States
Career Opportunities with Charlotte Lab School
Charlotte Lab School is a public charter school committed to providing a rigorous, inclusive, and student-centered learning experience. Our model emphasizes strong instruction, whole-child wellness, equity, and continuous improvement. We believe schools thrive when adults grow together in a culture of trust, accountability, and shared purpose. Why This Role Matters
The School Director plays a critical role in bringing Charlotte Lab School’s instructional model, culture, and daily operations to life. This leader ensures that high-quality instruction, supportive systems, and equitable practices result in strong outcomes for students and a positive, sustainable experience for staff and families. This role is ideal for an experienced school leader with a proven track record of leading adults, driving instructional improvement, and contributing to strong student outcomes, who is ready to take on significant responsibility for schoolwide leadership within a collaborative team. Role Overview
The School Director leads instructional quality, school culture, and day-to-day operations within assigned grade bands or learning pods. Working in close partnership with the Head of School and Leadership Team, the Director supports teachers and staff through coaching, data-informed decision-making, and clear systems that promote student success and adult growth. This role combines hands‑on instructional leadership with people leadership and operational oversight and is designed to grow in scope and influence over time. What Success Looks Like in the First Year
A successful School Director will: Build strong, trust-based relationships with staff, students, and families Ensure consistent instructional expectations and practices across classrooms Strengthen the use of data to inform instruction and targeted interventions Support teacher growth through coaching, feedback, and accountability Learn and implement Lab’s instructional, wellness, and culture models with fidelity Contribute positively to a collaborative, mission-driven leadership team Key Responsibilities
Instructional Leadership & Adult Learning
Support high-quality, standards-aligned instruction through coaching, observation, and feedback Guide teachers in translating student mastery expectations into engaging instructional plans Advance culturally responsive, personalized, and equitable instructional practices Lead and support data analysis to inform instructional adjustments and interventions Plan and facilitate professional learning that results in observable changes in practice Ensure required assessments are planned, administered, and used effectively Serve as testing coordinator for assigned grade levels Culture, Wellness & Community
Establish and maintain systems that support a positive student culture focused on academic excellence Build positive relationships grounded in trust, respect, and integrity Model and support trauma-informed, restorative, and inclusive culture and discipline practices Support advisory and wellness programming aligned to the whole‑child mission Maintain a safe, welcoming, and emotionally supportive school environment Partner with families through events, communication, and community‑building efforts Operations & Systems
Support strong daily operations aligned to the school’s mission and priorities Collaborate on schedules, procedures, and systems that are aligned to the Lab model prioritize student learning Use time, resources, and staffing responsibly and ethically Partner with leadership team members to align resources to instructional and cultural goals The School Director has direct responsibility for instructional and cultural leadership and staff support within assigned areas and collaborates closely with the leadership team and peers on schoolwide priorities, systems, and strategic initiatives. This role is supported through coaching, collaboration, and shared leadership structures. Required Qualifications
Minimum of 5 years combined teaching and/or school leadership experience Demonstrated success leading adults Strong written and verbal communication skills Eligibility for or willingness to obtain North Carolina administrator licensure within one year Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities Commitment to equity, inclusion, and serving diverse student populations Comfort using technology and collaborative tools (e.g., Google Workspace) Preferred Qualifications
Experience as a principal, assistant principal, dean, instructional coach Experience in a charter, lab, or innovative school environment Experience with standards-based grading or personalized learning models Background in coaching, curriculum leadership, or instructional design Who Thrives at Charlotte Lab School
Growth-oriented, reflective, and open to feedback Collaborative and relationship-driven Adaptable and comfortable navigating ambiguity Instructionally curious and student-centered Humble, hardworking, and solutions-oriented Able to balance high expectations with care and humanity Nimble and able to handle a fast‑paced environment This is a Grade 5+ leadership role with compensation aligned to experience and scope, designed to support emerging and mid‑career school leaders. Charlotte Lab School offers: Competitive public‑sector compensation Medical insurance with optional dental and vision plans Paid time off (12 PTO days annually) Access to flexible spending accounts Priority enrollment consideration for employee children Final compensation is determined based on verified experience and Board‑approved salary structures. Application Process
Interested candidates should submit: A resume A cover letter describing their interest in Charlotte Lab School and readiness for this leadership role Applications can be completed through our online system. Charlotte Lab School is committed to building a diverse and inclusive staff and encourages candidates from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds to apply. Physical Requirements
The employee must have the ability to perform the following physical tasks. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for individuals with disabilities: Sit, stand, and walk for extended periods throughout the instructional day Lift and carry classroom materials, instructional resources, and student work (up to 50 pounds) With or without accommodations Bend, kneel, and reach to access materials, work at student level, and assist students Climb stairs and navigate multiple levels of the building as required Use fine motor skills including writing, typing, and manipulating small objects Hear and respond to student needs, questions, and behavioral issues See clearly to monitor student work, write on boards, and read instructional materials Speak clearly and project voice to be heard in classroom and group settings without amplification Assist students with personal hygiene needs as appropriate (for primary grades) Respond quickly to student safety emergencies and assist students in evacuation procedures Transport students or materials as needed for instructional purposes Use hand-eye coordination for writing, computer work, and classroom activities Charlotte Lab School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, national, ethnic origin, or any other reason prohibited by state or federal law.
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Charlotte Lab School is a public charter school committed to providing a rigorous, inclusive, and student-centered learning experience. Our model emphasizes strong instruction, whole-child wellness, equity, and continuous improvement. We believe schools thrive when adults grow together in a culture of trust, accountability, and shared purpose. Why This Role Matters
The School Director plays a critical role in bringing Charlotte Lab School’s instructional model, culture, and daily operations to life. This leader ensures that high-quality instruction, supportive systems, and equitable practices result in strong outcomes for students and a positive, sustainable experience for staff and families. This role is ideal for an experienced school leader with a proven track record of leading adults, driving instructional improvement, and contributing to strong student outcomes, who is ready to take on significant responsibility for schoolwide leadership within a collaborative team. Role Overview
The School Director leads instructional quality, school culture, and day-to-day operations within assigned grade bands or learning pods. Working in close partnership with the Head of School and Leadership Team, the Director supports teachers and staff through coaching, data-informed decision-making, and clear systems that promote student success and adult growth. This role combines hands‑on instructional leadership with people leadership and operational oversight and is designed to grow in scope and influence over time. What Success Looks Like in the First Year
A successful School Director will: Build strong, trust-based relationships with staff, students, and families Ensure consistent instructional expectations and practices across classrooms Strengthen the use of data to inform instruction and targeted interventions Support teacher growth through coaching, feedback, and accountability Learn and implement Lab’s instructional, wellness, and culture models with fidelity Contribute positively to a collaborative, mission-driven leadership team Key Responsibilities
Instructional Leadership & Adult Learning
Support high-quality, standards-aligned instruction through coaching, observation, and feedback Guide teachers in translating student mastery expectations into engaging instructional plans Advance culturally responsive, personalized, and equitable instructional practices Lead and support data analysis to inform instructional adjustments and interventions Plan and facilitate professional learning that results in observable changes in practice Ensure required assessments are planned, administered, and used effectively Serve as testing coordinator for assigned grade levels Culture, Wellness & Community
Establish and maintain systems that support a positive student culture focused on academic excellence Build positive relationships grounded in trust, respect, and integrity Model and support trauma-informed, restorative, and inclusive culture and discipline practices Support advisory and wellness programming aligned to the whole‑child mission Maintain a safe, welcoming, and emotionally supportive school environment Partner with families through events, communication, and community‑building efforts Operations & Systems
Support strong daily operations aligned to the school’s mission and priorities Collaborate on schedules, procedures, and systems that are aligned to the Lab model prioritize student learning Use time, resources, and staffing responsibly and ethically Partner with leadership team members to align resources to instructional and cultural goals The School Director has direct responsibility for instructional and cultural leadership and staff support within assigned areas and collaborates closely with the leadership team and peers on schoolwide priorities, systems, and strategic initiatives. This role is supported through coaching, collaboration, and shared leadership structures. Required Qualifications
Minimum of 5 years combined teaching and/or school leadership experience Demonstrated success leading adults Strong written and verbal communication skills Eligibility for or willingness to obtain North Carolina administrator licensure within one year Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities Commitment to equity, inclusion, and serving diverse student populations Comfort using technology and collaborative tools (e.g., Google Workspace) Preferred Qualifications
Experience as a principal, assistant principal, dean, instructional coach Experience in a charter, lab, or innovative school environment Experience with standards-based grading or personalized learning models Background in coaching, curriculum leadership, or instructional design Who Thrives at Charlotte Lab School
Growth-oriented, reflective, and open to feedback Collaborative and relationship-driven Adaptable and comfortable navigating ambiguity Instructionally curious and student-centered Humble, hardworking, and solutions-oriented Able to balance high expectations with care and humanity Nimble and able to handle a fast‑paced environment This is a Grade 5+ leadership role with compensation aligned to experience and scope, designed to support emerging and mid‑career school leaders. Charlotte Lab School offers: Competitive public‑sector compensation Medical insurance with optional dental and vision plans Paid time off (12 PTO days annually) Access to flexible spending accounts Priority enrollment consideration for employee children Final compensation is determined based on verified experience and Board‑approved salary structures. Application Process
Interested candidates should submit: A resume A cover letter describing their interest in Charlotte Lab School and readiness for this leadership role Applications can be completed through our online system. Charlotte Lab School is committed to building a diverse and inclusive staff and encourages candidates from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds to apply. Physical Requirements
The employee must have the ability to perform the following physical tasks. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for individuals with disabilities: Sit, stand, and walk for extended periods throughout the instructional day Lift and carry classroom materials, instructional resources, and student work (up to 50 pounds) With or without accommodations Bend, kneel, and reach to access materials, work at student level, and assist students Climb stairs and navigate multiple levels of the building as required Use fine motor skills including writing, typing, and manipulating small objects Hear and respond to student needs, questions, and behavioral issues See clearly to monitor student work, write on boards, and read instructional materials Speak clearly and project voice to be heard in classroom and group settings without amplification Assist students with personal hygiene needs as appropriate (for primary grades) Respond quickly to student safety emergencies and assist students in evacuation procedures Transport students or materials as needed for instructional purposes Use hand-eye coordination for writing, computer work, and classroom activities Charlotte Lab School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, national, ethnic origin, or any other reason prohibited by state or federal law.
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