COMPASS Continuous Improvement Lead

Job Summary:

COMPASS is the Collaborative Partnership to Advance Student Success and is a partnership between the Minnesota Service Cooperatives and the Minnesota Department of Education. The Continuous Improvement Lead is a key member of the COMPASS Regional Teams, focusing on strategic planning, leadership development, and coaching to support schools and districts identified through the Minnesota State Accountability system. This role is dedicated to building systems-level coherence, helping district and school leaders implement evidence-based programs and drive continuous improvement across buildings. The Continuous Improvement Lead collaborates with regional and statewide educational initiatives to enhance student outcomes by supporting a cohesive approach to district-wide improvement efforts.

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Statewide Team Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the COMPASS School Improvement Supervisor, Statewide Improvement Coordinators, and Continuous Improvement Leads to support the implementation of federal ESSA school improvement guidelines, documentation, and reporting requirements.
• Contribute to statewide initiatives by sharing insights and data collected from district and school-level support, informing progress on state and regional school improvement goals.
• Develop and maintain expertise in school improvement, the MnMTSS framework, and culturally responsive practices through required training and professional development.
• Engage with state educational partners, including the Minnesota Department of Education, to align district and school-level strategies with broader educational initiatives.
• Collaborate with state and regional leads, as a member of the statewide school improvement leadership team, to provide input and ensure consistent school improvement support and communication.
• Develop statewide school improvement guidance and assist in the delivery of Communities of Practice.

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Regional Responsibilities:

• Collaborate and coordinate support with other regional COMPASS staff to align supports within districts.
• When applicable, align support with Continuous Improvement Leads to ensure a systematic approach to continuous improvement within districts.
• Support regional efforts by participating in meetings and collaborating with other team members to address common challenges and share best practices.
• Provide guidance and coordination to support Continuous Improvement Coaches in implementing effective improvement strategies within the region.

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District and School-level Responsibilities:

• Work closely to ensure a systematic approach to continuous improvement within districts where school-level action plans are aligned to district goals.
• Provide job-embedded coaching to district and school leaders and leadership teams, helping them develop and execute MnMTSS Continuous Improvement Action Plans.
• Guide districts and schools through the continuous improvement cycle, including conducting comprehensive needs assessments, implementing evidence-based practices, and monitoring progress.
• Support the development of effective district and school leadership teams, fostering collaborative environments that use data to drive decision-making and improvement.
• Assist schools in aligning their action plans with district-wide goals, ensuring coherence and consistency across the education system.
• Collaborate with district and school staff to identify and address specific areas for improvement, providing tailored support and resources as needed.
• Build capacity of district and school staff, focusing on continuous improvement processes, data-driven decision-making, and the implementation of the MnMTSS framework.
• Collaborate with district and school leaders to monitor and adjust action plans based on data-driven insights and district-aligned outcomes.
• Facilitate communication between school and district leadership to ensure consistent understanding and execution of improvement efforts.
• When applicable, coordinate support with the Continuous Improvement Coach(es) to ensure consistent understanding and execution of improvement efforts.

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Competencies:

• Demonstrated experience in systems-level strategic planning, including the ability to analyze district-wide needs, develop cohesive improvement strategies, and support implementation across multiple schools. 
• Skilled in aligning initiatives with district priorities, facilitating cross-functional collaboration, and ensuring sustainable, data-driven improvements that impact student outcomes at scale.
• Extensive experience in K-12 education, with a deep understanding of pedagogy, best practices, and adult learning principles.
• Strong coaching and facilitation skills.
• Proven ability to address educational inequities through effective implementation of evidence-based practices and systems change.
• Adaptability to diverse district and school contexts, with a collaborative approach to building partnerships with educational leaders and partners.
• Exceptional organizational skills, creativity in problem-solving, and proficiency in both written and verbal communication.
• Capacity to build open, authentic, and effective relationships with diverse educational partners, internally and externally.

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Education and Experience:

• Required:
  • Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field.
  • Minimum of five (5) years of experience in a PreK-12 school system.
  • Building- or District-level Leadership within an educational setting
  • Valid MN Driver’s License.

• Preferred:
  • Advanced degree in education or a related field (e.g., school administration, curriculum and instruction)
  • Current administrative license
  • District-level leadership or administrative experience, especially with supporting and guiding teams at the systems-level within strategic planning and implementation

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Environment & Physical Demands:

This role operates in a hybrid office environment, requiring standard office tasks such as using computers and phones, and occasional travel for meetings and events. The position may also involve setting up and tearing down for events, including lifting up to 30 lbs., and standing or carrying items for short distances as needed.

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Duty Days and Expected Hours of Work:

This 260-day position’s working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Travel to districts, educational events, and the Minnesota Department of Education, along with occasional events outside of typical work hours, are expected.

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Other Duties:

This job description provides an overview but is not comprehensive. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may evolve and change at any time without prior notice.

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Salary and Benefits:

Competitive salary and benefits package.

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Apply:

Send resume, cover letter, and three letters of recommendation to Michelle Wang, Education Director, mwang@resourcecoop-mn.gov.

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