Education Administration Programs

Middle School Principal (2027-2028)

New York, NYOnsiteFull TimePrincipal$125,000–$180,000 /yrPosted 1 month agoVisa sponsorship available

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Required skills

Middle School Principal
school leader
high-performing teams
student outcomes
school culture
instructional excellence
data-driven approach
leadership development
performance management
academic data

Nice to have

vision setting
joyful school community
caring school community
social-emotional development
change agent
growth mindset

Role summary

Zeta is seeking a Middle School Principal for the 2027-2028 school year, to be based on-site in the Bronx, Upper Manhattan, or Queens. This role requires a minimum of 2 years of experience as a Principal or senior school leader, with ultimate responsibility for leading and developing high-performing teams, and a minimum of 3 years of classroom teaching experience. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of setting a bold vision, driving exceptional student outcomes through data-driven approaches, and fostering a joyful, rigorous, and caring school culture. Key responsibilities include setting and executing school-wide vision, ensuring instructional excellence, leading and developing staff, analyzing data to inform strategy, and building strong relationships with students, staff, and families. Zeta offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive environment for professional growth.

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.

The role at a glance

Role: Middle School PrincipalStart date: July 2027 or sooner, based on Zeta's immediate hiring needs and your availabilityLocation: Bronx, Upper Manhattan, or QueensWork model: Fully on-site in New York CitySalary range: $125,000–$180,000Reports 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.

Who you are

We are searching for a Middle 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

What you’ll be doing

In the Middle 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 and uphold the highest standards of instructional excellence, ensuring strong content knowledge, purposeful planning, and high-quality implementation across classrooms, grade levels, and content areas.

Own schoolwide academic outcomes through 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.

Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing school leadership team that effectively coaches teachers, manages performance, and drives strong academic, cultural, and operational outcomes.

Analyze academic, cultural, and behavioral data across the school, translating insights into strategic action plans with clear ownership, accountability, and follow-through.

Model a culture of problem-solving, ownership, and unwavering commitment to student achievement, setting the tone for excellence across the entire school community.

Lead the design and execution of schoolwide systems, routines, and structures that enable consistently strong execution and long-term success.

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, 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

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

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

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. Candidates must have permanent authorization to work in the United States.

To ensure a thoughtful and equitable review process, candidates may submit a maximum of one application for the same position within 30 days.

Ready to apply?

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