Principal Manager

Are you ready to lead 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.

We currently operate multiple elementary and middle schools across the Bronx, Upper Manhattan, and Queens, and continue to grow - opening 1–2 new schools each year, because children in every community deserve excellent, equitable education. As part of this organizational expansion, we are also preparing to welcome our first-ever Zeta High School class of 9th graders in the 2026-27 school year, a milestone that marks the next chapter in our mission to provide a world-class, PreK-12 pathway. Join our growing team today and be a change agent for children.

Our Network office is located at 401 W 218th St., New York, NY 10034. This role sits on our Network School Excellence Team, and while there is some remote work encompassed, the primary role will require in person work daily.

To achieve our vision, we are searching for a Principal Manager with a Bachelor's degree (advanced degree preferred), at least 4-5 years of experience as a leader and manager of high-performing, outcomes-driven teams (urban school settings or private sector experience highly preferred), and with a proven record of leading teams to achieve great outcomes. The position title and compensation will be commensurate with candidate experience.

As a Principal Manager at Zeta, you will support our team in setting and maintaining the vision for instructional leadership across our network of schools, supporting school leaders to achieve their highest potential within their individual schools. You will ensure the successful implementation of Zeta's next-generation school model in every school to drive student achievement through:

• Foster deep, authentic, and trust-filled partnerships with school leaders and network leaders to drive exceptional outcomes for all students and advance Zeta's mission and ambitious organizational goals.
• Cultivate a culture of high academic achievement, innovation, whole-child development, and "Family Wow," ensuring each school community reflects joy, excellence, and purposeful rigor.
• Lead the professional development, coaching, management, and evaluation of Zeta Principals, ensuring every school leader is equipped, empowered, and supported to meet and exceed outcomes.
• Partner with Principals to identify, coach, and develop internal leadership talent, building a robust pipeline of future school leaders as Zeta continues to grow.
• Support Principals with strategic, responsive, and solutions-oriented guidance that strengthens school communities and accelerates student and staff success.
• Participate in–and influence–key network-level decision-making, offering insight and recommendations that elevate school quality and reflect the unique needs of each campus.
• Create systems for meaningful feedback loops with school leaders, network leaders, staff, students, and families to strengthen network-wide practices and drive continuous improvement.
• Lead through an unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ), ensuring that all practices align with Zeta's values and contribute to an actively anti-racist 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 accepting applications on a rolling basis. The salary range for this position is between $125,000 and $175,000. 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 and internal equity. Compensation is based on our salary scales. This position is eligible to receive an annual discretionary, merit-based performance bonus.

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

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.).