Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume to Mr. Mark Hamann at mhamann@board.llcharter.org. 

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   

1. 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.  

2. 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. 3. 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.  

 4. 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. 

  5. 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.