Founding High School Principal

Zeta Charter Schools; New York (NY); On-site; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic High School Principal to lead a transformative educational vision. This role offers the chance to make a significant impact in the lives of students, fostering both academic excellence and social-emotional growth. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in school leadership, with a commitment to building a joyful and rigorous school culture. Join a passionate team dedicated to changing the landscape of public education in New York City. If you are ready to inspire and lead a community towards a limitless future for every child, this opportunity is for you.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans

403(b) retirement plan with matching contributions

Monthly wellness stipend

Live therapy sessions through Talkspace

Free Headspace subscription

MacBook Air provided

Fully stocked teacher workrooms

Books for professional development

Team outings and Zeta swag

Interactive Mindfulness programming

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required with 3+ years of teaching experience.
• Minimum 2 years leading a school with extraordinary outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Execute the vision of excellence, ensuring alignment with academic goals.
• Foster a joyful school culture and cultivate relationships within the community.
• Lead a senior leadership team to manage staff and ensure academic success.

Skills

Leadership

Teaching Experience

Data Analysis

School Culture Development

Academic Excellence

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree

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 preparing to open our first high school in the 2026-27 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.

Deliver powerful results

To achieve our vision, we are searching for a High School Principal with a Bachelor's degree, at least 3 years teaching experience, and at least 2 years successfully leading a school to extraordinary outcomes.

Responsibilities:

• Execute Zeta’s vision of excellence across the school community, ensuring alignment with academic and cultural goals.
• Foster a joyful and rigorous school culture, cultivating meaningful relationships among leaders, teachers, staff, students, and families.
• Set high standards for academic excellence to meet annual goals, ensuring teachers consistently deliver rigorous content through effective planning and implementation.
• Take ownership of the academic success and well-being of all students, prioritizing measurable, high-impact outcomes.
• Ensure attention to detail in both daily operations and long-term strategic initiatives to maintain high standards.
• Collaborate with the network and school leadership team to refine and improve instructional practices, school systems, and student support services.
• Leverage data to refine teaching strategies, monitor student progress, and make necessary adjustments for continuous improvement.
• Lead with integrity, inspiring a culture of excellence, accountability, and growth across the school community.
• Align academic rigor with social-emotional whole child learning, preparing students for success in college and beyond.
• Drive a robust and senior leadership team to manage and coach staff, ensuring success in academic outcomes, classroom management, social-emotional learning, and school operations.

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 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 hiring for a July 2025 start date. The salary range for this position is between $125,000 and $150,000. 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 leading schools and internal equity. Compensation is based on our salary scales. This position is eligible to receive an annual discretionary, merit-based performance bonus.

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.

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 a free Headspace subscription.
• MacBook Air, and specified monthly reimbursement for use of 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.

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