Elementary School Principal

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: Elementary School Principal
Start date: July 2027
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.

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

In the 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…