School Leader - North Carolina Connections Academy

Connections Academy•Durham, NC

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

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 highâquality virtual learning program. The School Leader is responsible for establishing a strong, studentâ and familyâcentered 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 longâterm 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 Durhamâarea 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 dayâtoâday school operations in collaboration with parents, students, support staff, and North Carolina–certified teachers, delivering a virtual, homeâbased 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.

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)

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