School Leader - North Carolina Connections Academy

North Carolina Connections Academy (NC Connections Academy) seeks a dynamic, visionary leader and change agent to serve as its founding School Leader for the 2026-2027 School Year. This role ensures that all students receive a personalized learning plan through the effective implementation of a high‑quality virtual learning program. The School Leader is responsible for establishing a strong, student‑ and family‑centered organizational culture and for building productive relationships with Pearson Virtual Schools’ partners, external stakeholders, and the broader school community.

As the founding School Leader, this position requires a builder’s mindset, designing and implementing schoolwide systems, preparing the organization for launch and long‑term sustainability, and partnering closely with the board and Pearson Virtual Schools (PVS) on strategic planning, compliance, and operational readiness.

Working from home and in the Durham‑area office, the School Leader will manage staff as they support students and Learning Coaches, ensuring that each child successfully completes their instructional program. The School Leader will oversee day‑to‑day school operations in collaboration with parents, students, support staff, and North Carolina–certified teachers, delivering a virtual, home‑based instructional model. Most of the School Leader’s time will be spent working with PVS and the board on matters of policy, budgeting, academic outcomes, reporting, and schoolwide supervision. The School Leader is an employee of Pearson Virtual Schools.

Key responsibilities: 

• Set forth and embody compelling mission, vision and value statements that are effectively communicated to the staff, students, parents and applicable stakeholders


• Deliver the academic success and outcomes of the school, based on annual school goals which will include the school’s charter goals as well as the North Carolina School Accountability Model


• Oversee the implementation of the Pearson-provided school curriculum and school operation protocols


• Build, train and manage a high performing leadership team and staff while creating a student-centered, positive and academic outcome focused school culture 


• Build, model and oversee a strong community of practice culture through supporting the Professional Learning Community (PLC) structure, designing and executing effective professional development agendas that support educational staff in continuous growth opportunities


• Ensure that staff exhibit and maintain a high level of professionalism, instructional support, and engage families while implementing the school’s mission


• Work with school staff and PVS to create, implement, manage, and monitor the School Improvement Plan and progress towards annual goals 


• Responsible for establishing, monitoring, implementing the school’s budget; including working closely with PVS on staffing, budgeting, grants, and contracts in accordance with North Carolina laws and regulations, as well as federal laws and regulations 


• Work closely with Pearson Virtual Schools staff to implement the core Connections Academy operational model


• Work with administrative team to implement any program changes to processes and procedures, and/or new software application introductions


• Oversee the delivery of Special Education and English Language Learning services to ensure that the school follows state and federal laws 


• Act as the “face of the school” at school events and with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), this could include testimony


• Oversee the implementation and coordination of state standardized testing process and ensure high student participation rates meet state and federal guidelines 


• Supervise and evaluate all school staff with PVS guidance, as required by the state 


• Ensure all state reporting is completed correctly and on time 


• Build and maintain a positive and transparent relationship with the Charter School Board while being responsive to the Board’s strategic plan 


• Exhibit high quality, timely communication with all school staff, students, and families 


• Work closely with appropriate Legal Counsel as needed 


• Handle any student, parent or teacher issues escalated from stakeholders


• Perform all other duties as assigned

Capabilities: 

• Customer Centric – Acts with a strong customer mindset (both internal and external) and is a visible advocate for the customer. Builds strong relationships with school staff, students and families and uses those to improve their experience and outcomes. 


• Delivering Financial Results – A strong track record of delivering against budgets and commitments. 


• Communications - A great communicator who engages teams and stakeholders with thoughtful delivery and messages that resonate. Confident Public Speaker. Produces high-quality written communications. 


• Building a strong team - Creates strong morale and inclusive spirit within the team. Proactively addresses team performance and communication challenges and blends new people into teams when needed. Has a track record of hiring and quickly and effectively onboarding great talent. Demonstrated success in developing and promoting talent. 


• Works well in a matrix - Models collaboration, solves problems efficiently and constructively with peers, builds trust and support. Agile and flexible in day-to-day operations and duties. Demonstrated ability to work well in fast-paced environment 


• Takes personal responsibility – Can be relied on to complete tasks timely and well, demonstrates “ownership” regardless of the outcome, proactive in exploring and exploiting new opportunities. Shows a commitment to goal-directed management and accountability 

Requirements:

• Active North Carolina Principal License or eligibility for licensure prior to start date


• Residency in North Carolina is required


• 5+ years of Administrative or management experience required, charter school management required, virtual school experience preferred


• Experience in creating and managing school budgets 


• Master’s Degree from an accredited college/university in Educational Leadership or a related field 


• Ability to travel within and out of state as needed for school business 


• Ability to effectively work and manage remotely 


• Must be able to use a personal electronic device and email address for 2-step authentication


• Technologically proficient (especially with Microsoft Office products and Google Suite)

This position will begin full-time no later than June 1, 2026. We will collaborate with the selected candidate to establish an earlier start date to support a successful school launch.