Middle School Principal NYC | Charter School Leadership

About the role

At Zeta, we pursue an unprecedented combination of high academic achievement and social-emotional development for our students. We insist that every student receives a world-class education while fostering a love for learning. We are passionate about changing the landscape of public education in New York City and beyond, and we are uncompromising in our mission. We currently operate multiple elementary and middle schools across the Bronx, Upper Manhattan, and Queens, and continue to grow—opening 1–2 new schools each year, because children in every community deserve excellent, equitable education.

As part of this organizational expansion, we are preparing to welcome our first-ever Zeta High School class of 9th graders in the 2026-27 school year, a milestone that marks the next chapter in our mission to provide a world-class, PreK-12 pathway.

Responsibilities

• Build a joyful, safe, and intellectually rigorous school culture that unites leaders, teachers, staff, students, and families around a shared vision of excellence.
• Foster authentic and trusting relationships with staff, students, and families, creating a strong foundation for collaboration, belonging, and student success.
• Uphold and model the highest standards of instructional excellence, ensuring strong content knowledge, purposeful planning, and high-quality implementation across classrooms.
• Lead academic outcomes using a data-driven, results-oriented approach, monitoring progress across grade levels and content areas to ensure all students meet ambitious goals.
• Coach, develop, and inspire teaching teams to deliver exceptional instruction, strong social-emotional learning, and effective classroom culture and management.
• Analyze academic, cultural, and behavioral data across teaching teams, identifying trends and executing strategic action plans that leverage school leaders, teachers, and families to accelerate student growth.
• Model a culture of problem-solving, ownership, and unwavering commitment to student achievement, setting the tone for excellence within the school leadership team.
• Contribute as a key member of the school's leadership team, shaping systems, routines, and structures that drive high-quality execution and long-term success.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• 3 or more years of experience teaching and leading teams to excellent student outcomes
• Passion for team success and continual improvement

About Zeta

Zeta teammates are lifelong learners who live with child-like joy and a deep sense of purpose. We disrupt the status quo and tackle problems together. Our team stands united by our commitment to a limitless future for every child. Our Zeta team is comprised of top talent with incredible schooling and private sector experience. At Zeta:

• We are passionate about our mission of providing world-class education to all students
• We bring a mindset of growth, flexibility, and openness to feedback
• We are hungry and determined to not only meet our goals, but surpass them
• We are humble, willing to put the team's needs ahead of our own, and committed to contributing to a collaborative work environment
• We have a high bar for excellence and sweat over the details
• We are caring and put team over individual at all times

Pay

The salary range for this position is between $125,000 and $180,000, with eligibility for up to a 10% performance bonus. Additional stipends are available for leaders managing testing grades. New hires can expect to be brought into the organization at a salary at or near the start of the range, depending on relevant experience in school leadership and internal equity. Compensation is based on our salary scales.

Zeta offers a relocation reimbursement of up to $2,500 for eligible staff relocating to join our school community.

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
• Monthly stipend for wellness and lifestyle expenses (gym memberships, salon appointments, concerts—it's up to you!)
• 4 live therapy sessions per month through Talkspace and free Headspace subscription
• MacBook Air and specified monthly reimbursement for use of a mobile phone
• Fully stocked teacher workrooms with favorite snacks and Nespresso machine
• Zeta swag, team outings, and NYC's finest sweet treats
• Books for professional development

Professional Development

• Clear pathway to professional growth
• Consistent feedback and support from managers and teammates
• Community Circle practice to build and strengthen our sense of team
• Interactive Mindfulness and DEIJ programming

Hiring for the 2026-2027 school year. Summer professional learning begins for new leaders in early July.