High School Associate Dean of Specialty (2026-2027 School Year)

Follow your passion

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’re thrilled to launch our first-ever Zeta High School class of 9th graders in the 2026-27 school year, located at 1080 St. Nicholas Avenue in Upper Manhattan. This exciting milestone marks the next chapter in our mission to provide world-class education from pre-kindergarten through high school. We currently operate multiple elementary and middle schools across the Bronx, Upper Manhattan, and Queens, and plan to open 1–2 new schools each year – because children in every community deserve excellent, equitable education. Join our growing team today and be a change agent for children.

Deliver powerful results

To achieve our vision, we are searching for an Associate Dean of Specialty with a Bachelor’s degree, 3-5+ years of experience teaching and leading teams to excellent student outcomes, and who are fueled by a passion for their team’s success and continual improvement.

Responsibilities:

• Uphold and advance Zeta’s vision of excellence for specialty programming, setting the tone and expectations for the teams and student experiences you manage.

• Build a joyful and rigorous school culture among leaders, specialty teachers, staff, students, and families—one where specialty disciplines are valued, vibrant, and deeply integrated into the high school experience.

• Foster authentic, meaningful relationships with specialty staff, students and families—ensuring collaboration, trust, and community engagement around specialty areas.

• Maintain the standard for excellence in content knowledge, planning, and implementation across the specialty disciplines you oversee, ensuring that all specialty programs meet the high bar of Zeta’s mission.

• Manage specialty outcomes using a data-driven approach, tracking, analyzing and improving results related to student participation, engagement, growth and quality of instruction in those areas.

• Provide students access to the rich cultural, artistic, and community experiences of New York City that deepen their understanding and connection to their specialty focus areas.

• Analyze data and execute strategic plans that engage school leaders, specialty teams, teachers, and the parent community in strengthening specialty programming and aligning it with the high school’s broader goals.

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 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 now accepting applications for a Spring 2026 start date. The salary range for this position is between $90,000 and $125,000. 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 in a lead classroom role, leading teams in schools, and internal equity. Compensation is based on our salary scales. This position is eligible to receive an annual discretionary, merit-based performance bonus.

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

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 a free Headspace subscription

• MacBook Air, and specified monthly reimbursement for use of 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

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 (candidate must have permanent authorization to work in the U.S.).