Principal in Residence (2027-2028)

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 are searching for a Principal in Residence who is an exceptional instructional and people leader with a proven track record of driving strong student outcomes, developing excellent teachers, and cultivating rigorous, joyful learning environments.

The role at a glance Role: Principal in Residence Start date: July 2027 Location: Bronx, Upper Manhattan, or Queens Work model: Fully on-site in New York City Salary range: $105,000 - $135,000 starting salary Reports to: Principal

Who you are You bring:

• A Bachelor’s degree
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in the Assistant Principal role, leading instructional teams and using data to drive excellent student outcomes
• A demonstrated track record of using data to drive achieving strong, measurable academic outcomes, close gaps, set goals, and adjust course when needed
• Deep instructional expertise and a clear vision for strong understanding of what it takes to achieve excellence across classrooms, grade levels, and content areas
• 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
• Exceptional people leadership, including developing strong teachers, building accountability, and addressing underperformance directly
• The ability to think beyond your immediate team and take increasing ownership for schoolwide priorities and outcomes
• A proven ability to develop people, build high-performing teams, and inspire others toward ambitious goals
• 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 genuine openness to feedback and continual growth

What you’ll be doing In the Principal in Residence 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.

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