Assistant Principal (2026-2027)

Zeta Charter Schools; New York (NY); On-site; USD 105,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support to NYC

Wellness stipend

Therapy sessions (Talkspace)

MacBook Air & phone stipend

Fully stocked team spaces & coffee

Zeta swag & team outings

Professional development resources

Job summary

Zeta Charter Schools in New York City is seeking an Assistant Principal to lead instructional teams, drive student outcomes, and mentor teachers across our Pre-K through 12 network. This on-site role demands collaboration with the Principal and school leadership to sustain a culture of rigorous learning and inclusive practices.

You will oversee a data-informed approach, coach teachers, and build capacity within the school to reach ambitious goals while maintaining a joyful, student-centered

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in the Assistant Principal role leading instructional teams and using data to drive excellent student outcomes
• Minimum of 2 years of classroom teaching experience
• A deep understanding of effective instruction and what it takes to achieve excellence in every classroom
• Experience using student work, assessment data, and classroom observations to identify gaps, coach instructional teams to adjust instruction, and drive strong student academic outcomes by year-end
• 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, in partnership with your Principal
• High expectations for yourself and others, paired with deep ownership of your team’s performance and students’ success

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

Skills

Instructional leadership

Data-driven decisions

Teacher coaching

People development

High expectations

Collaboration with Principal

Job description

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: Assistant Principal
Start date: Early July 2027
Location: Bronx, Upper Manhattan, or Queens
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.

Who you are

We are searching for an Assistant Principal who is an exceptional instructional and people leader, with a proven track record of driving strong student outcomes, developing excellent teachers, and leading with the care and conviction needed to help every student thrive as a whole person.

You bring:

• A minimum of 1 year of experience in the Assistant Principal role, 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 instruction and what it takes to achieve excellence in every classroom
• Experience using student work, assessment data, and classroom observations to identify gaps, coach instructional teams to adjust instruction, and drive strong student academic outcomes 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, in partnership with your Principal
• High expectations for yourself and others, paired with deep ownership of your team’s performance and students’ success

What you’ll be doing

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

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.

• 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
• 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.