Legal Counsel and Special Projects

Job Description

Job Description

Follow your passion 

Are you looking to make a BIG impact? 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.

Currently, we operate multiple elementary and middle schools in the Bronx and Upper Manhattan, and are opening three new elementary schools in Queens for the 2025-26 school year. We plan to grow and open 1-2 schools each year because children in every community deserve excellent, equitable education. Join our growing team today, and be a change agent for children.

To achieve our vision, we are searching for a results-driven Legal Counsel with 4+ years of legal experience to join our team. This role is an opportunity for a creative, talented attorney to join a committed start-up team dedicated to delivering excellent, free public education to children of all backgrounds and transforming the landscape of public education.

As a Legal Counsel, you research and advise on a wide variety of schooling and legal matters and manage mission-critical special projects necessary to support our growth, including:

• Researching and advising on legal questions touching all aspects of our organization (education law/regulations, special education, intellectual property, tax-exempt, litigation, employment, contract review, building code, facilities/real estate, etc.)
• Drafting charter applications and program descriptions
• Developing and drafting organizational policies and procedures
• Seeking grant opportunities and drafting grant applications
• Monitoring education-related policy and legislative developments and advancing policy strategies that increase access to high-quality public education
• Compliance reporting and oversight (regulatory and grant requirements)
• Supporting operations team on building short-term and long-term operational practices and systems to shape every aspect of our operations
• Overseeing and managing special projects at a high level
• Interfacing with and overseeing outside counsel, stewarding these relationships
• Proactively driving innovation, trying new approaches, and tackling problems from many angles to find creative solutions
• Identifying and spreading best practices and innovations that lead to excellent outcomes and processes
• Wearing multiple hats as a part of a lean startup-up team, supporting the work of others on the team and taking on new projects and tasks as needed

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

We are accepting applications on a rolling basis. The salary range for this position is between $100,000 and $125,000. 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 and internal equity. Compensation is based on our salary scales. This position is eligible to receive an annual discretionary, merit-based performance bonus.

Our Network office is located at 401 W. 218th St., New York, NY 10034. Our Network team follows a hybrid work schedule: we work in-person from our office on Tuesdays and Thursdays with optional remote days on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, law school transcript, and legal writing sample (10 pages or less).

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

We provide awesome perks: 

• 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

We care deeply about your personal and professional growth:

• 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

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 (candidate must have permanent authorization to work in the U.S.).