Elementary School Principal (2027-2028)
About The Position
Zeta is seeking an Elementary School Principal to help build the next chapter of educational excellence. Zeta pursues an unprecedented combination of high academic achievement and social-emotional development for its students, ensuring every student receives a world-class education while fostering a love for learning. Zeta is passionate about changing the landscape of public education in New York City and beyond, and is growing its Pre-K through 12th grade network at an ambitious pace. Joining Zeta means joining a team that is actively building the next generation of our school network and serving as a change agent for children. This role is for the 2027-2028 school year and will be located in the Bronx, Upper Manhattan, or Queens. The work model is fully on-site in New York City. Zeta hires for this role at different points throughout the year as positions become available, and onboard on a rolling basis. Compensation is determined according to Zeta’s applicable salary scale, which factors in relevant experience and internal equity. This position is eligible to receive an annual discretionary, merit-based performance bonus.
Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree
- A minimum of 2 years of experience serving as a Principal or senior school leader, with ultimate responsibility for leading and developing high-performing teams
- A minimum of 3 years of classroom teaching experience
- Deep alignment with Zeta’s mission and an unwavering belief in every student’s potential
- A proven track record of using data to drive strong, measurable school-wide academic outcomes, close instructional gaps, set goals, and adjust course when needed
- Deep instructional expertise and a clear vision for excellence across classrooms, grade levels, and content areas
- Exceptional people leadership, including developing strong teachers and leaders, building accountability, and addressing underperformance directly and timely
- The ability to build both a joyful and rigorous school culture that rallies staff, students, and families around an ambitious vision
- Strong, strategic judgment and the ability to navigate high-stakes challenges with clarity, composure, urgency, and follow-through
- Clear, confident communication paired with humility, self-awareness, and a hunger for feedback and continual growth
Responsibilities
- Set and execute an ambitious school-wide vision, establishing clear priorities and uniting leaders, teachers, staff, students, and families around a shared definition of excellence.
- Build a joyful, safe, and intellectually rigorous school culture in which every student is known, supported, challenged, and inspired to grow.
- Foster authentic and trusting relationships with staff, students, and families, creating a strong foundation for collaboration, belonging, and student success.
- Define and uphold the highest standards of instructional excellence, ensuring strong content knowledge, purposeful planning, and high-quality implementation across classrooms, grade levels, and content areas.
- Own schoolwide academic outcomes through a data-driven, results-oriented approach, identifying gaps, setting goals, monitoring progress, and adjusting strategy to ensure every student meets ambitious goals.
- Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing school leadership team that effectively coaches teachers, manages performance, and drives strong academic, cultural, and operational outcomes.
- Analyze academic, cultural, and behavioral data across the school, translating insights into strategic action plans with clear ownership, accountability, and follow-through.
- Model a culture of problem-solving, ownership, and unwavering commitment to student achievement, setting the tone for excellence across the entire school community.
- Lead the design and execution of schoolwide systems, routines, and structures that enable consistently strong execution and long-term success.
Benefits
- Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, and vision plans
- Flexible spending accounts for eligible medical purchases and commuter expenses
- 403(b) retirement plan; Zeta offers matching contributions toward your savings
- Competitive compensation and additional stipends are available for leaders managing testing grades
- Relocation support to help eligible candidates make the move to New York City
- Monthly stipend for wellness and lifestyle expenses
- Four live therapy sessions per month through Talkspace and a free Headspace subscription
- MacBook Air and specified monthly reimbursement for use of a mobile phone
- Fully stocked team spaces with snacks and quality coffee
- Zeta swag, team outings, and some of NYC’s finest sweet treats handpicked from our CEO
- Books and resources for professional development
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
