School Director 9-12
Charlotte Lab School, Charlotte, NC, United States
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 Successful leaders at Lab tend to be:
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)
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 is strongly committed to hiring a diverse and multicultural staff and we encourage applications from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds. 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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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 Successful leaders at Lab tend to be:
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)
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 is strongly committed to hiring a diverse and multicultural staff and we encourage applications from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds. 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr