Job Details

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes Best Employers lists each year. Including:
2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC systems westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

The primary location of this position is on-site at the WCU Cullowhee, NC campus.

Purpose
To serve as the school administrator of the Western Carolina University lab school, known as The Catamount School, the Principal will cultivate a culture of innovation that supports effective instructional practices and strategies to promote student academic success and personal success for all students and adults in the school. The Principal will work collaboratively to develop and implement policies, innovative programs, curriculum activities, professional development, and budgets to achieve the mission of the school. The Principal will work collaboratively with university staff to support the work of teacher and professional preparation as well as education research.

About the Western Carolina University School
Operated as a lab school by Western Carolina University (WCU) in partnership with Jackson County Public Schools (JCPS), The Catamount School (TCS) for grades 6, 7, and 8 is a learning community where all students are valued and care for themselves and others. We promote health and wellness and a commitment to learning through experience in a caring and collaborative environment. We recognize that students have learning differences, and work to identify an individualized approach so that each student has the opportunity to succeed. TCS is designed to explore teaching approaches and applied learning opportunities to help every student discover their full academic potential in a specially designed environment geared toward meeting the unique needs of young adolescents. TCS is located on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina.

Interested candidates must be legally eligible to work in the United States of America without the need for employment sponsorship or any other immigration-related assistance.

Masters degree in educational leadership or related field; success and experience serving in the role of school principal; excellent oral and written communication skills; evidence of skill in working with at risk student populations.

Qualifying degrees must be conferred and received from appropriately accredited institutions. A current license or eligibility for licensure in the area of supervision is required.

Preference will be given to candidates who have experience in leading innovative schools with a track record of improving student outcomes for all subgroups.

Preference will be given to candidates with public school service in North Carolina, particularly those with middle school teaching and leadership experience.

To be considered, candidates must submit a: (1) letter of application describing academic background, specific skills and experiences relevant to the position, (2) resume, (3) list of three references with their complete contact information (4) copies of educator and administrator licenses (5) unofficial copy of transcripts (6) three current letters of reference

Review of applicants begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. Official transcripts required prior to written contract offer.

For additional information, please contact:
Kim K. Winter, Ph.D.
Search Committee Chair
Dean, College of Education & Allied Professions
______________________________
Killian 204
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC 28723
828-227-3306
kkruebel@wcu.edu