Elementary School Principal (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.

The role at a glance

Role: Elementary School Principal
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: $125,000–$180,000
Reports to: Network School Manager

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.

Who you are

We are searching for an Elementary School Principal with a proven track record of setting a bold vision, building a high-performing team, and driving exceptional student outcomes in a rigorous, joyful, and caring school community where every student and adult thrives.

You bring:

• 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

What you'll be doing

In the Elementary School Principal role, you will:

• 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, monitoring progress, diagnosing gaps, and adjusting strategy across grade levels and content areas to drive 90%+ of students to grade-level mastery by year-end.
• 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.

Join our purpose-driven community

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

How does Zeta invest in you? 

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 
• 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

Apply Now 

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.

To ensure a thoughtful and equitable review process, candidates may submit a maximum of one application for the same position within 30 days.