Principal in Residence (2027-2028)

Job Description

Job Description

Follow your passion

Are you ready to help build the next chapter of educational excellence?

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.

Zeta serves students across the Bronx, Upper Manhattan, and Queens and continues to grow our Pre-K through 12th grade network at an ambitious pace. This year alone, we opened our first high school, added another elementary school in Queens, and launched two additional middle schools in the Bronx. And we are not slowing down. We have big plans to continue growing each year so that more children have access to an excellent education. 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.

Role: Principal in Residence
Start date: July 2027 or sooner, based on Zeta's immediate hiring needs and your availability
Location: Bronx, Upper Manhattan, or Queens
Work model: Fully on-site in New York City
Salary range: $105,000 - $135,000 starting salary
Reports to: Principal

We hire for this role at different points throughout the year as positions become available, and onboard on a rolling basis. If your experience aligns with what we are looking for, our team may reach out to explore a current or upcoming opportunity and whether the timing is right for both you and Zeta.

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.

We are searching for a Principal in Residence who is an exceptional instructional and people leader with a proven track record of driving strong student outcomes, developing excellent teachers, and cultivating rigorous, joyful learning environments. You are ready to expand your impact beyond individual teams, grow into setting an ambitious schoolwide vision, and ultimately lead a caring, high-performing school community where every student and adult thrives.

You bring:

• A Bachelor's degree
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in the Assistant Principal role, leading instructional teams and using data to drive excellent student outcomes
• A demonstrated track record of using data to drive achieving strong, measurable academic outcomes, close gaps, set goals, and adjust course when needed
• Deep instructional expertise and a clear vision for strong understanding of what it takes to achieve excellence across classrooms, grade levels, and content areas
• Experience using student work, assessment data, and classroom observations to identify gaps, coach instructional teams to adjust instruction, and drive 90%+ of students to grade level mastery by end-of-year
• Exceptional people leadership, including developing strong teachers, building accountability, and addressing underperformance directly
• The ability to think beyond your immediate team and take increasing ownership for schoolwide priorities and outcomes
• A proven ability to develop people, build high-performing teams, and inspire others toward ambitious goals
• 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 genuine openness to feedback and continual growth

In the Principal in Residence role, you will:

• 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.

The Zeta Principal in Residence role is for experienced school leaders who are aspiring Principals and ready to take the next step in their leadership journey. As a Principal in Residence, you will take on increasing ownership of schoolwide priorities while receiving intensive coaching and support from your Principal and Network Leaders. Through this experience, you will deepen your instructional, people, and strategic leadership skills and develop the knowledge and capabilities needed to successfully lead an entire school and be on track for promotion to Principal.

Zeta teammates are lifelong learners who live with child-like joy and a deep sense of purpose. We disrupt the status quo, tackle problems together, and stand united by our commitment to a limitless future for every child. 

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 offer great 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
• Relocation support to help eligible candidates make the move to New York City

We provide awesome perks

• Monthly stipend for wellness and lifestyle expenses – from gym memberships to salon appointments, concerts, and more
• 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 to keep you fueled throughout the day
• Zeta swag, team outings, and some of NYC's finest sweet treats handpicked from our CEO
• Books and resources for professional development 

We care deeply about your personal and professional growth

• Clear pathways 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

Equity is at the heart of our mission. We have a deep commitment to pursuing diversity and striving for equity. Zeta is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Work authorization is required. Candidates must have permanent authorization to work in the United States.