Middle School Assistant 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.

Role: Assistant Principal of Middle School (Humanities or STEM concentration)
Start date: Early July 2027
Location: Bronx or Upper Manhattan
Work model: Fully on-site in New York City
Salary range: $105,000 - $122,000 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 Middle School Assistant Principal who is an exceptional instructional and people leader with a proven track record of driving strong student outcomes, developing excellent teachers, and cultivating rigorous, engaging classrooms where students build deep content knowledge, think critically, and solve complex problems. This is a departmentalized role focused on leading either Humanities or STEM instruction, based on the candidate's area of expertise.

You bring:

• A Bachelor's degree
• A minimum of 1 year of experience as an Assistant Principal, leading instructional teams and using data to drive excellent student outcomes
• A minimum of 2 years of classroom teaching experience
• A deep understanding of effective Middle School Humanities or STEM instruction 
• 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
• A proven ability to develop people, build high-performing teams, and inspire others toward ambitious goals.
• Strong judgment and the ability to navigate complex challenges with clarity, urgency, and solutions-oriented thinking.
• High expectations for yourself and others, paired with deep ownership of your team's growth and students' success.

In the Assistant Principal of Middle School 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 Humanities instructional excellence, ensuring deep content knowledge, purposeful planning, and high-quality implementation across English and History classrooms.
• Lead academic outcomes using a data-driven, results-oriented approach, monitoring progress in English and History across grades 6–8 to ensure every student meets ambitious goals.
• Coach, develop, and inspire English and History teaching teams to deliver exceptional instruction, strong social-emotional learning, and effective classroom culture and management.
• Analyze academic, cultural, and behavioral data across Humanities 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.

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.