Assistant Principal of Specialty

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: Assistant Principal of Specialty
Start date: July 2027 or sooner, based on Zeta's immediate hiring needs and your availability
Location: Bronx or Upper Manhattan
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.

Who you are

We are searching for an Assistant Principal of Specialty who is an exceptional instructional and people leader with a deep passion for Specialty education and the ability to establish excellence across diverse disciplines, develop outstanding teachers, and create joyful, engaging programs that help every student thrive and realize their fullest potential.

You bring:

• A Bachelor’s degree
• A minimum of 1 year of experience leading, coaching, and developing educators across multiple disciplines or program areas (including but not limited to Music, Chess, Soccer, Taekwondo, Art, Dance, Theater, and Basketball)
• A minimum of 2 years of classroom teaching experience
• A clear vision for excellence in Specialty instruction, community-wide engagement, and classroom culture, with the ability to recognize and coach toward excellence in disciplines outside your own content expertise
• A passion for developing and strengthening Zeta’s Specialty programming, while expanding students’ access to enriching opportunities across NYC that deepen their interests and talents
• 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 growth and students’ success

What you’ll be doing

In the Assistant Principal of Specialty 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.
• Set and uphold an uncompromising bar for Specialty excellence, ensuring rigorous curriculum execution, purposeful planning, strong instruction, and student mastery while taking full ownership of the quality of Specialty programming across elementary, middle, and high school.
• Lead exceptional Specialty events and student experiences, ensuring showcases, performances, competitions, tournaments, belt tests, and other experiences are thoughtfully planned and reflect the excellence of our programs.
• Coach, develop, and inspire Specialty teachers across diverse disciplines to deliver exceptional instruction, meaningful social-emotional learning, and strong classroom culture and management.
• Own Z Club and Z Team enrollment and quality, driving 100% enrollment while ensuring practices, rehearsals, and programming are purposeful, rigorous, well-managed, and focused on student growth.
• Use data to continuously strengthen Specialty programming, analyzing instructional, cultural, behavioral, enrollment, and student performance trends to identify gaps, set priorities, and drive action until ambitious student and program goals are met.
• 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.

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 
• 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

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.