Area Superintendent-Northern

Overview

POSITION TITLE (Oracle title)

AREA SUPERINTENDENT

WORKING TITLE

Area Superintendent

SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT

Chief of Schools 

LOCATION

Crossroads I, Cary, NC

PAY GRADE

Contract as established by Superintendent/Board of Education

FLSA STATUS

Exempt

ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT

Yes

WORK WEEK SCHEDULE

Monday-Friday (occasional evenings and weekends) Position is not available for a hybrid telework workweek 

POSITION PURPOSE:

Accountable for school effectiveness and performance of assigned schools. Acts as the instructional leader, operational manager, and administrative advocate for schools in an assigned area. Provides direction and accountability for principals and school-based staff by monitoring, assessing, and evaluating school effectiveness to ensure that a high-quality instructional program is provided for all students and district desired results are achieved in an efficient and effective manner. Promotes increased partnership and collaboration among school staff, parents, businesses, other community stakeholders and School Board members in the areas of student achievement, quality of learning environment, and the resolution of difficult issues. Works closely with other members of the executive staff to develop, plan, and implement policies and programs that ensure high academic success for all students.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of public-school administration, including Federal and State public school laws and the policies and regulations of the Wake County Board of Education;

• Comprehensive knowledge of school operations, including site-based budgeting;

• Knowledge of research and current trends in public school education;

• Exceptional conceptual, analytical, organizational, and management skills;

• Extensive knowledge of data analysis and statistical control techniques useful in assessing and improving program equality and effectiveness;

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback;

• Ability to provide effective leadership for a large and diverse staff;

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school officials, school administrators, teachers, support staff, outside advocacy groups, and other community members, with an expertise in consensus building.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university in educational administration, supervision, or curriculum development;

• Eight years of successful experience as a principal at two different schools;

• Demonstrated success working with high needs populations;

• Demonstrated success in planning for and implementing systems that establish, track, and evaluate achievement of desired outcomes. Includes experience with quantitative and qualitative data use;

• Commitment to educational excellence and continuous improvement demonstrated through the development and implementation of successful K-12 instructional programs and exercised in the selection, training, and evaluation of staff.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• Hold or be eligible for North Carolina Professional Educator's License for Superintendent, Principal, or Curriculum Instructional Specialist;

• Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s license according to the State of North Carolina requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Doctoral degree in education administration, supervision, or curriculum development. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Accountable for the overall student achievement for assigned schools.

Directs the monitoring and assessment of student achievement of each school. Visible in schools and the community as the area superintendent responsible for the effective operation of the schools and the effectiveness of employees. Reviews, evaluates, approves, and implements school improvement plans. Accountable for formative and summative assessments of school improvement plans throughout the year. Makes recommendations for improving the achievement of diverse learners and closing the disparities in achievement among students.

Coordinates the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of instructional programs and materials. Ensures that the instructional needs of each school are addressed promptly and completely. Reviews proposals for new educational or administrative programs; and supports the implementation of approved programs. Disseminates and reviews appropriate research and data regarding school effectiveness to schools.

Supervises and provides leadership to Principals. Initiates appropriate actions to support Principals and schools. Provides administrative oversight and support through modeling and encouraging dynamic, innovative, and effective local school leadership. Evaluates each Principal’s performance in terms of the school’s productivity in achieving the district’s priorities and expected results. Coordinates training of school-based administrators.

Responds to concerns and requests regarding student management issues. May act as Superintendent’s designee in student grievance procedures and student due process. Addresses parental concerns that cannot be resolved at the local school.

Acts as a liaison with parents and parent groups, civic agencies and related community groups and maintains oral and written communications. Provides essential feedback from the community to the school. Promotes community involvement and dissemination of information to the community.

Recognizes and is sensitive to the multicultural needs of schools, staff, and community. Promotes equity in services, staffing and student outcomes. Assists Principals in developing and maintaining a competent staff that reflects the cultural and ethnic diversity of Wake County.

Ensures articulation and communication within the region schools; maintains communication and cooperation with schools in other regions. Disseminates local, State, and Federal policies, rules, and regulations for staff in accordance with directives from the Deputy Superintendent for School Performance. Ensures both the implementation of Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) policies and procedures and the compliance with State and Federal mandates.

Manages the screening and recommendation process for principals and Central Services assigned office staff; evaluates Principals and Central Services assigned office staff; coordinates employee investigations, identifies candidates for promotion, and oversees other aspects of Human Resource (HR) management.

Serves in collaboration with other educational leaders on work groups, committees, and teams to plan and implement sound instructional programs. Maintains liaison with appropriate government agencies and professional groups; and may serve on advisory boards.

Participates in development of the district-wide budget with the Deputy Superintendent for School Performance. Oversees budget preparation for schools. Monitors administration of funds and allocates discretionary school resources.

Maintains timely and accurate information and is accountable for the quality of information maintained by those the Area Superintendent supervises.

Advises the Superintendent and the Deputy Superintendent for Academic Advancement on current school critical issues and incidents.

Performs other related duties, as assigned by the Board of Education, Superintendent, or Deputy Superintendent for Academic Advancement.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This job operates in a professional office environment and has a noise level of mostly low to moderate. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. The position, at times, must be able to come into direct contact with school system staff and staff members of external funding agencies, and the community. Work is considered light physical work, requiring the exertion of up to ten pounds of force. The work frequently requires activities involving driving automotive equipment.

EFFECTIVE DATE:6/2026

DISCLAIMER:  The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position.  They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required by the employees assigned to this position.  This description may be revised by HR and approved at any time.