CHARTER SCHOOL FOUNDING PRINCIPAL
Location: Charlotte, NCPosition Type: Full-Time, ExemptReports To: Board of Directors / Executive Director
JOB SUMMARY
The Charter School Founding Principal serves as the chief instructional leader and administrative manager of Celeste Beauty Academy Charter High School. This role is fully responsible for establishing a rigorous academic vision, driving exceptional student outcomes, and cultivating a vibrant, mission-aligned school culture.
As the Founding Principal, this leader will play a critical role in launching Celeste Beauty Academy and establishing the systems, culture, instructional practices, staffing structures, and community partnerships necessary for long-term success. The Principal will champion the school's unique mission of integrating rigorous academics, cosmetology licensure preparation, entrepreneurship education, career readiness, and workforce development opportunities.
Unlike traditional public school roles, this leader possesses enhanced operational autonomy over the school's unique charter model, student recruitment efforts, and strategic budget management while maintaining strict accountability to the school's charter agreement, North Carolina Charter School Review Board requirements, and State Board of Education performance frameworks.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
- INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP & STAFF DEVELOPMENT
- Set and communicate an ambitious college-ready, career-focused, and entrepreneurship-centered vision that drives student achievement.
- Conduct frequent teacher observations and instructional walkthroughs, providing actionable feedback that continuously improves classroom instruction.
- Oversee implementation of the North Carolina Standard Course of Study, Future-Ready Core graduation requirements, and the school's specialized cosmetology and entrepreneurship curriculum.
- Lead regular Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) that utilize student achievement data to improve instruction and student outcomes.
- Establish a culture of high expectations, continuous improvement, and instructional excellence.
- Develop and implement professional development plans for all instructional staff.
- Monitor academic performance, student growth, graduation progress, and licensure readiness indicators.
- OPERATIONAL, FINANCIAL & CHARTER GOVERNANCE
- Manage the school's annual operating budget with fiscal responsibility and transparency.
- Lead student recruitment, enrollment, retention, and attendance initiatives to meet enrollment targets and ensure long-term sustainability.
- Direct talent acquisition efforts, including recruiting, hiring, onboarding, evaluating, and retaining highly qualified educators and support staff.
- Prepare and present comprehensive compliance, academic, operational, and financial reports to the Board of Directors and charter authorizers.
- Ensure compliance with all North Carolina Charter School requirements, accountability measures, federal and state regulations, EC and MLL requirements, reporting obligations, and charter renewal expectations.
- Oversee implementation of Career and Technical Education (CTE), cosmetology, entrepreneurship, and work-based learning programs in alignment with the school's charter and mission.
- Develop systems, policies, procedures, and operational structures necessary for successful school launch and long-term growth.
- Collaborate with the Executive Director and Board to execute strategic initiatives and long-range planning efforts.
- SCHOOL CULTURE, DISCIPLINE & SAFETY
- Build a supportive, inclusive, and achievement-oriented learning environment that reflects the school's mission and values.
- Establish and monitor Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to address academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
- Enforce student discipline policies and support programs while ensuring fairness, consistency, and due process.
- Promote student leadership, character development, professionalism, and career readiness.
- Ensure compliance with all school safety requirements, emergency preparedness procedures, and state-mandated drills.
- Foster a positive school culture that supports student engagement, belonging, and success.
- COMMUNITY, FAMILY & INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT
- Foster strong relationships with students, families, and community stakeholders to maximize student success.
- Serve as the public face of the school and ambassador for the Celeste Beauty Academy mission.
- Develop partnerships with industry leaders, cosmetology professionals, colleges, universities, employers, and workforce development organizations.
- Expand opportunities for internships, mentorships, apprenticeships, guest speakers, and work-based learning experiences.
- Engage prospective families and community partners through outreach events, information sessions, and recruitment activities.
- Build strategic partnerships that support student achievement, career pathways, and organizational sustainability.
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
Required
Education: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Minimum of 3–5 years of successful classroom teaching experience. Demonstrated success in educational leadership roles such as Assistant Principal, Dean, Instructional Coach, School Leader, or equivalent. Experience supervising staff and improving student achievement outcomes.
Knowledge: Strong understanding of North Carolina public education requirements. Working knowledge of federal, state, and North Carolina Charter School laws and regulations. Knowledge of instructional best practices, data analysis, and school improvement planning.
Competencies: Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills. Strong organizational and strategic planning abilities. Data-driven decision-making skills. Ability to lead change, solve problems, and build systems from the ground up.
Preferred
Education & Licensure: Master's Degree in Educational Leadership, School Administration, or related field. Valid North Carolina Administrator License or eligibility to obtain licensure.
Charter & Startup Experience: Experience opening, leading, or supporting a charter school, academy, or new educational initiative. Experience working within a high-performing public charter school environment.
Career & Technical Education: Experience with Career and Technical Education (CTE), workforce development, internships, apprenticeships, industry credentialing programs, or career-focused educational models. Familiarity with cosmetology education, entrepreneurship education, workforce readiness, or specialized career pathway programs.
Student Population Experience: Demonstrated success serving diverse student populations, including Students with Disabilities (EC), Multilingual Learners (MLL), and economically disadvantaged students.
Community & Partnership Development: Experience building community partnerships, industry relationships, and work-based learning opportunities.
Mission Alignment: Experience leading a college-ready, career-focused, and entrepreneurship-centered instructional program with a commitment to educational equity, workforce development, and student success.
WHY CELESTE BEAUTY ACADEMY?
Celeste Beauty Academy is a tuition-free public charter high school designed to empower students through rigorous academics, cosmetology licensure preparation, entrepreneurship education, leadership development, and workforce readiness.
The Founding Principal will have the rare opportunity to help build a transformative educational institution from the ground up while shaping a generation of students prepared for college, careers, business ownership, and leadership in the beauty and wellness industry.
Celeste Beauty Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes candidates who are passionate about innovation, educational excellence, and expanding opportunities for students.
Pay: $50,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
