Associate Director of Early Elementary School Literacy

Follow your passion

Are you looking to make a BIG impact? 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.

Currently, we operate multiple elementary and middle schools in the Bronx and Upper Manhattan, and are opening three new elementary schools in Queens for the 2025-26 school year. We plan to grow and open 1-2 schools each year because children in every community deserve excellent, equitable education. 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. Our Network team follows a hybrid work schedule: we work in-person from our office on Tuesdays and Thursdays with optional remote days on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, if your team’s scope of work permits.

Deliver powerful results

To achieve our vision, we are searching for an Associate Director of Early Elementary Literacy with a Master’s Degree and at least 5 years of experience with a proven record of leading exceptional academic outcomes in early elementary reading, and demonstrated leadership at the school or network level. 

Responsibilities:

• Literacy Vision and Strategy: Design a rigorous and engaging early elementary literacy experience for our students based on inquiry, strong understanding of complex texts, development of foundational literacy skills, and learning how to collaborate and communicate powerful ideas.


• Achieve Annual Academic Goals: Lead early elementary literacy with a high bar of excellence to meet rigorous annual goals assessments including comprehension and foundational reading.


• Collaboration and Problem Solving: Develop authentic and meaningful relationships across Zeta to collaborate effectively to support growth in service of student learning. View every challenge as an opportunity for root cause analysis and change


• Science of Reading Knowledge and Experience: Demonstrated track record of expertise in the Science of Reading and supporting all students to become excellent readers and writers


• Curriculum and Assessment Management: Create and curate literacy curriculum across curriculum and assessment materials aligned with the New York State Learning Standards and our Zeta Learning Competencies, including unit plans, lesson plans, and assessments. Ensure a coherent sequence of learning through unit and lesson plans grounded in critical thinking


• Professional Learning: Design and lead early elementary literacy professional learning trainings for school principals, assistant principals, and teachers to lead to excellent academic results


• Instructional Management: Develop clear instructional management plans to ensure all early elementary literacy instruction is consistently implemented at a high level. Observe instruction across Zeta schools and develop leaders and teachers in service of ensuring programming is implemented at a high level to lead to exceptional academic outcomes


• Data Analysis: Study data to identify gaps and take action to ensure leaders and teachers are using data to increase learning outcomes


• Feedback Driven: Embrace a growth mindset. Actively seek, provide, and incorporate feedback, while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration


• Wear multiple hats as a part of a lean scale-up team, supporting the work of others on the team and taking on new projects and tasks as needed

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 hiring for immediate openings and onboarding on a rolling basis. The salary range for this position is between $90,000 and $105,000. New hires can expect to be brought into the organization at a salary at or near the start of the range, depending on relevant educational leadership experience and internal equity. 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 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

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.).