Aspiring Principals Learning & Performance Coach

As one of the nation's top-ranked colleges of education, NC State's College of Education leads the way in North Carolina in preparing extraordinary educators, conducting transformational research, and engaging communities where they are to improve the educational outcomes of all learners and advance the greater good.

The college's faculty are widely-recognized thought leaders who use their research to transform the practice of teaching, learning, and leading. They have particular strengths in improving technology-enhanced learning and teaching; fostering community-based learning and PK-16 partnerships; and innovating leadership and workforce development, educational policy, and evaluation. About two-thirds of the faculty are grant active. They are engaged in over 225 active projects totaling $151 million, making them the most productive in terms of research activity compared with other colleges of education in North Carolina and among the Top 5% in the nation. In FY24, the college's research expenditures exceeded $20 million.

The college has over 1,600 students studying across five graduate certificates, seven undergraduate majors, two undergraduate minors, 13 master's degrees, three Ph.D., and two Ed.D. programs housed in three academic departments: Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education; and Teacher Education and Learning Sciences, with approximately 130 tenure-track and professional-track faculty, 110 support and professional staff, and about 160 graduate and teaching assistants. The College of Education is also home to the Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research, the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, and Elevate, NC State's inclusive postsecondary education program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The college has over 18,000 living alumni, with over 6,000 working in public schools in every county in North Carolina. Those who are teachers rate among the highest in effectiveness on surveys of school employers in North Carolina.

NC State promotes an integrated approach to problem solving that transforms lives and provides leadership for social, economic, and technological development across North Carolina and around the world. NC State's land grant mission of teaching, research and service is dedicated to the service of North Carolina and its people. Applicants are encouraged to review the institution's mission, vision and strategic plan, and consider how their background, interest and experience would enable them to support the university.

NELA

The NC State Educational Leadership Academy ( NELA) is an innovative school leader preparation model designed to develop school leaders for rural, high-need schools. The grant-funded model has a number of unique features including: incorporates field-based experiences into coursework, experiences in the action of the school day for the aspiring school leaders in K-12 school settings, providing NELA Fellows (participants) with a student teacher to replenish the teaching pipeline, a principal mentor, and an executive leadership coach, visitations to high-performing schools across the state and nation, a community-based summer internship focused on building school-community connections and a paid year-long internship with rotational instructional rounds. NELA Fellows are individuals deeply committed to improving persistently low-achieving schools and will make a three-year, post-degree commitment to work in high-need schools.

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

The Aspiring Principals Learning & Performance Coach plays a pivotal role in the Master of School Administration ( MSA) program, supporting and developing a cohort of aspiring school leaders. This position is rooted in the belief that great leadership is built through intentional practice-not passive learning-and focuses on helping candidates grow into reflective, high-impact leaders aligned to the North Carolina Standards for School Executives.

In this role, you'll work closely with Fellows through structured coaching cycles, real-time feedback, and hands-on learning experiences that bring leadership theory to life in real school settings. You'll facilitate observations, lead simulations and role plays, and guide candidates through complex, authentic leadership challenges. Your coaching will be personalized and growth-focused, pushing Fellows to think critically, act strategically, and demonstrate meaningful progress. You'll provide ongoing, in-school coaching and support, beginning with school-based observations in Year 1, expanding to community-based experiences in Summer 2, and continuing with targeted coaching throughout Year 2. Your consistent presence and feedback will be key to each Fellow's development.

As both a coach and an accountability partner, you'll help ensure Fellows meet high standards and successfully complete all program requirements, including the electronic portfolio, Executive Standards Work Plan ( ESWP), and the North Carolina Principal Portfolio Assessment. You'll play an important role in maintaining program quality by supporting Fellows to refine their work until it reflects true mastery.

Collaboration is central to this role. You'll partner with the NELA Leadership Team and MSA faculty to ensure a cohesive, high-quality experience across cohorts. You'll also lead the training and support of Principal Mentors, coordinate with mentors and principal development advisors, and help oversee key learning experiences such as internships and residencies. This role includes regular time in schools coaching Fellows, participation in weekly program sessions, and collaboration with district and university partners. It also involves travel to school sites and evening and weekend commitments.

We're seeking a collaborative, adaptable leader who is deeply committed to developing future principals. The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic environment, takes initiative, and brings a strong focus on continuous improvement. If you're passionate about coaching, systems-level thinking, and preparing the next generation of school leaders through high expectations and meaningful support, this role offers an opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.

Please include as attachments a resume/CV, cover letter, and contact information for at least 3 professional references.

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.