Careers
Teacher Testimonials
When I came to ZECA, I thought I was just changing schools. I was actually changing my life. The support for my own wellbeing — the reset room, the planning time, the monthly cohorts — made me a better teacher and a healthier person. My students feel that. My colleagues feel that. This is where I want to build my career.
Mrs. Sirkera Roberson, Kindergarten, ZECA School of the Arts and Technology
We Are Hiring
Five teaching positions are available for the 2026-27 school year. We review applications on a rolling basis — early applicants receive priority consideration.
ZECA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace.
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POSITION TITLE: Teachers
LOCATION: Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology | 1249 Hargett Street | Jacksonville, NC 28540
REPORTS TO: School Director
ABOUT THE ROLE:
We are seeking a passionate, licensed teachers to join our team. You will teach in a small class environment where each child is known individually. Your role is to develop academic foundations while fostering social-emotional growth, creativity, and confidence in five and six-year-old learners.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Deliver standards-aligned instruction in reading, math, science, and social studies using the REAL Approach framework
Implement whole-child strategies that address academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs
Participate in Monday professional development sessions on trauma-informed teaching
Communicate regularly with families about student progress
Create a safe, inclusive classroom where all learners feel valued and challenged
QUALIFICATIONS:
North Carolina teaching license for Elementary Education K-6 preferred. Candidates actively pursuing alternative licensure with strong pedagogical training will be considered.
Strong understanding of child development and differentiated instruction
Experience or training in trauma-informed or social-emotional learning practices preferred
Commitment to whole-child education and student success
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Position Summary
Under the supervision of the Transportation Director, the School Bus Driver is responsible for the safe, efficient, and timely transportation of students to and from school and school-related activities. This position operates in full compliance with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) Transportation Services guidelines, NC Administrative Code 16 NCAC 06D, and all applicable federal and state laws governing pupil transportation.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
The following duties are representative of the responsibilities associated with this position. Additional duties may be assigned.
- Operate a school bus in a safe, responsible, and courteous manner in compliance with NCDPI transportation regulations and NC Motor Vehicle Laws.
- Transport students over assigned routes according to established schedules, ensuring punctuality and student safety at all times.
- Conduct pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections as required by NCDPI and report all mechanical defects or safety concerns to the Transportation Director immediately.
- Maintain accurate daily mileage, ridership, and incident logs using district-approved forms.
- Enforce student discipline standards consistent with school board policy while maintaining a safe and respectful environment on the bus.
- Attend all required trainings, including annual NCDPI bus driver re-certification, first aid/CPR, and mandatory drug/alcohol awareness training.
- Transport students with disabilities in accordance with IEP/504 accommodations and applicable state and federal requirements.
- Report accidents, injuries, or unsafe road conditions promptly and complete required incident documentation.
- Maintain cleanliness of the assigned vehicle, performing minor cleaning duties as needed.
- Communicate professionally with parents, school personnel, and community members.
Minimum Qualifications
Education & Licensure:
- High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
- Valid North Carolina Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) – Class B with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements, or ability to obtain prior to employment.
- Valid North Carolina School Bus Driver Certificate issued by NCDPI or ability to obtain within the probationary period.
Experience & Other Requirements:
- Minimum of two (2) years of licensed driving experience preferred.
- Must pass a criminal background check per NC G.S. § 115C-332 and sex offender registry check.
- Must pass NCDPI-required pre-employment and random drug/alcohol testing per 49 CFR Part 40.
- Must possess or obtain current CPR/First Aid certification within 90 days of hire.
- Must be at least 18 years of age (21 preferred for CDL purposes).
- Ability to pass a DOT physical examination and meet NCDPI medical fitness standards.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Knowledge of NC traffic laws, school bus safety regulations, and NCDPI transportation policies.
- Ability to manage student behavior in a calm, consistent, and professional manner.
- Demonstrated ability to operate a large vehicle safely in varied traffic and weather conditions.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with students, families, and staff.
- Ability to respond quickly and appropriately in emergency situations.
- Dependability and punctuality are essential.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
This position requires the ability to sit for extended periods, operate foot pedals, and perform physical checks of the vehicle interior and exterior. The employee must be able to assist students boarding and exiting the bus, including those with mobility challenges. Exposure to outdoor weather conditions and vehicle exhaust is expected. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
NCDPI Compliance Notice
This position is subject to all applicable NCDPI policies, including but not limited to: NC Administrative Code 16 NCAC 06D .0101–.0108 (Pupil Transportation), NC G.S. § 115C-240 through § 115C-249, and NCDPI Transportation Services Operational Guidelines. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of all required licensure, background checks, and drug screenings.
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Position Summary
ZECA is seeking an exceptionally capable, highly organized, and strategically minded Executive Secretary to serve as the right hand of the Executive Director. This is not a traditional administrative role — it is a mission-critical position that requires an individual who can independently manage complex operations, navigate a dynamic and fast-paced educational environment, and serve as a trusted confidant who ensures nothing falls through the cracks.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned professional who anticipates needs before they arise, exercises sound independent judgment, and brings a calm, solutions-focused presence to every challenge. This person will routinely manage multiple high-priority deliverables simultaneously, interface with school board members, community stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and district leaders — all while maintaining the highest level of professionalism and discretion.
If you thrive under pressure, take ownership without being asked, and find deep satisfaction in being the operational force that keeps an organization moving — we want to hear from you.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Executive Support & Operations
- Serve as the primary point of contact for the Executive Director, managing calendars, scheduling, travel arrangements, and correspondence with precision and professionalism.
- Independently draft, edit, and finalize correspondence, reports, memoranda, board packets, grant narratives, and communications on behalf of the Executive Director.
- Proactively identify and resolve administrative bottlenecks before they escalate, exercising significant independent judgment in time-sensitive situations.
- Maintain a rigorous system of tracking action items, deadlines, policy submissions, and compliance requirements — ensuring the Executive Director is always prepared and never caught off guard.
- Manage competing priorities across multiple active initiatives simultaneously without prompting or micromanagement.
Board & Governance Support
- Coordinate all logistics for ZECA Board of Directors meetings, including preparation and distribution of agendas, board packets, minutes, and follow-up action items.
- Record and maintain accurate minutes of all board meetings in compliance with NC G.S. § 143-318 (Open Meetings Law) and NCDPI charter school governance requirements.
- Track board member terms, required training, and annual compliance filings.
- Serve as a liaison between the Executive Director, board members, and key stakeholders with professionalism and discretion.
NCDPI & Regulatory Compliance
- Coordinate the preparation and timely submission of all reports required by NCDPI, the NC Office of Charter Schools, and applicable federal agencies.
- Maintain and organize official school records in compliance with NC G.S. § 115C and all applicable state and federal regulations.
- Monitor regulatory calendars and communicate upcoming deadlines to appropriate staff, ensuring zero missed submissions.
- Support the Executive Director in maintaining the school’s charter contract, annual reporting, and renewal documentation.
Communication & Community Relations
- Serve as a professional and composed first point of contact for parents, community leaders, and external partners seeking access to executive leadership.
- Manage confidential communications, sensitive personnel matters, and proprietary institutional information with absolute discretion.
- Draft and distribute school-wide communications, newsletters, and official announcements on behalf of the Executive Director.
- Represent the Executive Office with professionalism in all in-person, phone, and written interactions.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Education Administration, Public Administration, or a related field required.
- Master’s degree or post-baccalaureate credential in a relevant field strongly preferred.
Experience:
- Minimum of five (5) years of progressive administrative experience, with at least two (2) years in a senior or executive-level support role.
- Prior experience in an educational institution, charter school, nonprofit, or government agency strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated experience managing board governance processes, regulatory submissions, or compliance reporting a significant plus.
Technical Skills:
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Google Workspace.
- Experience with student information systems (e.g., PowerSchool, Infinite Campus) and document management platforms preferred.
- Ability to learn new platforms quickly and adapt to changing technology needs.
Critical Competencies — What Sets the Right Candidate Apart
We are not simply looking for someone to answer phones and manage a calendar. We are looking for a professional who:
- Handles a high volume of complex, simultaneous responsibilities without losing accuracy, composure, or deadlines.
- Operates with radical ownership — if it needs to get done, they make sure it gets done, without being asked twice.
- Reads the room and the calendar — anticipating what the Executive Director needs before being told.
- Exercises sound, independent judgment when the Executive Director is unavailable, acting in the best interest of the organization.
- Thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment where no two days are alike.
- Communicates with clarity, warmth, and authority — whether corresponding with a parent, a board member, or NCDPI leadership.
- Maintains uncompromising discretion and confidentiality at all times.
- Brings a steady, calm, can-do presence that anchors the Executive Office even during periods of high demand or organizational change.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
This position is primarily office-based and requires extended periods of sitting, keyboarding, and screen work. The employee must be able to move throughout the campus, attend meetings and events, and occasionally lift or carry materials up to 25 pounds. Some evening and weekend availability may be required for board meetings, community events, or time-sensitive deadlines. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
NCDPI & Charter School Compliance Notice
This position is subject to all applicable NCDPI and NC Office of Charter Schools policies, including charter contract governance requirements, NC G.S. § 115C-218 et seq. (Charter School statutes), NC G.S. § 143-318 (Open Meetings Law), and applicable federal employment laws. Employment is contingent upon a successful criminal background check per NC G.S. § 115C-332.
How to Apply
Qualified candidates should submit the following materials to the ZECA Human Resources Office:
- Letter of interest specifically addressing your experience managing complex executive-level responsibilities
- Current resume
- Three (3) professional references (supervisory references preferred)
- Copies of relevant credentials and certifications
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. This position will remain open until filled by the right candidate.