Founding High School Counselor (2026-2027 School Year)

Job Description

Job Description

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.
Learn more about Zeta's innovative high school model by clicking HERE .

To achieve our vision, we are searching for a New York State certified School Counselor with a Master's degree in School Counseling , a proven record of successfully supporting students in crisis and propelling student growth and achievement, and experience working in a high school setting (preferred) .

Responsibilities:

• Serve as a key contributor to the school community , partnering with school leaders, teachers, and families to drive high-quality student support systems and social-emotional learning (SEL).
• Lead and monitor individualized student growth for students who need targeted support in emotion regulation, social perspective-taking, problem-solving, and self-control—partnering closely with school leaders, network experts, and external consultants.
• Design and implement impactful, research-based SEL programming , coaching teachers on effective execution and ensuring consistent, school-wide immersion of Zeta's SEL curriculum and practices.
• Build deep, trusting relationships with students and families , and lead efforts to ensure students consistently demonstrate Zeta's EPIC values—Excellence, Perseverance, Integrity, and Community—strengthening a joyful, values-driven school culture.
• Collaborate closely with the Student Achievement Team and the Committee on Special Education (CSE) to identify, support, and monitor students with disabilities and diverse learning needs.
• Play a critical role on the Response to Intervention (RtI) Team , using data to design, implement, and refine tiered supports that address students' academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
• Partner regularly with school psychologists and network staff , consulting on complex cases, sharing best practices, and engaging in ongoing SEL and student-support professional learning.
• Maintain proactive, consistent communication with families , providing clear updates and partnership for the students you serve to ensure alignment and sustained progress.

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 the 2026–2027 school year at Zeta High School, with a start date of July 27, 2026. The salary range for this position is between $72,000 and $103,000, with an additional $3,000 signing bonus . 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 full-time School Counselor role and internal equity. Compensation is based on our salary scales.

Zeta offers a relocation reimbursement of up to $2,500 for eligible staff relocating to join our school community.

We offer great benefits:

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, and vision plans
• Flexible spending accounts for eligible medical purchases and commuter expenses
• Lifestyle savings account, providing a monthly reimbursement for eligible fitness and emotional health expenses
• Free Talkspace therapy and psychiatry services
• 403(b) retirement plan; Zeta offers matching contributions toward your savings
• Free student loan counseling

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.).