Innovation & Learning Facilitator


 

Reports to: RISE Innovation & Learning Manager

Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience

Location: New Haven, with significant in-state travel

 


Overview:


The RISE Network is a Connecticut-based non-profit organization with a mission to empower educators to achieve breakthrough results, helping all students realize and achieve their full potential.  RISE facilitates networked improvement communities by bringing together educators working in different contexts to advance shared goals. Together, we build community, democratize innovation, and improve systems in public schools and districts.  


Through our current network, RISE represents a multi-year partnership between East Hartford, Meriden, New Haven, and Hartford Public Schools to support educators striving to ensure every RISE high school student graduates college and career ready.  The Network serves more than 6,000 students and 500 educators in five high schools. RISE districts and schools commit to sharing resources and expertise, pursuing innovative solutions, strengthening school and district systems, and empowering educators and leaders through continuous improvement.    


Position Summary and Essential Job Functions:


The RISE Innovation & Learning Facilitator will play an integral role in advancing RISE’s programmatic efforts through school and district support, Network-wide strategies, and facilitated learning and collaboration.  RISE is seeking a talented and highly motivated individual to advance Network goals and strategies.  This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who thrives in an entrepreneurial environment, and is passionate about closing achievement gaps and developing the potential of all students regardless of life circumstance.


Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:


  1. Network Strategies:

  • Support the implementation of the RISE by 5 Network-wide strategies designed to strengthen the middle to high school transition, and increase college and career readiness, access, and success.

  • Collaborate with RISE high schools to implement on-track data meetings, Grade 8 to 9 summer bridge programs, freshman on-track counseling, Grade 10 college visits, Grade 11 SAT prep programming, and Grades 11 and 12 college access work.

  • Design tools, curricula, and resources to advance Network strategies and goals.

  • Collect, analyze, and use data to strengthen program design and implementation.


  1. School and District Support:

  • Collaborate with RISE school and district administrators, teachers, counselors, and other staff.

  • Provide embedded support and cultivate strong partnerships with RISE school/district staff.  

  • Support each school and district on its unique path to advance student outcomes.

  • Invite teachers and counselors to pursue innovative ideas through the RISE Educator Innovation Fund, and create opportunities for cross-school sharing and learning.

  • Create opportunities for students to pursue their passions, cultivating student agency and a network of student ambassadors.


  1. Network Learning Agenda:

  • Support RISE Network-wide convenings and professional learning opportunities.

  • Facilitate cross-district working groups as Network school and district leaders collaboratively pursue a shared agenda to build and strengthen school and district systems.  

  • Facilitate monthly Innovation & Learning Cycles where school and district teams come together to share data, successes, and challenges implementing Network-wide strategies.


  1. Communication and Knowledge Management:

  • Execute a multifaceted communication strategy, leveraging multiple modes of communication to connect with partners and stakeholders.

  • Maintain the RISE website and internal RISE Network portal.

  • Maintain regular RISE Network communication, including monthly e-newsletters.

  • Design and oversee a robust internal and external knowledge management strategy, facilitating information and resource sharing internally and across districts.

  • Develop and disseminate tools and resources directly responding to school and district needs.


Required Knowledge and Skills:


  • Deep understanding of urban districts and schools.

  • Strong belief that all students can learn and achieve at high levels.

  • Strong sense of accountability and responsibility for results.

  • Desire to work in a dynamic, entrepreneurial, results-oriented environment.

  • Commitment to systems-driven solutions for scalable and sustained impact.

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, including group facilitation.

  • Ability to interact professionally and earn credibility with a diverse range of stakeholders.

  • Demonstrated ability to motivate and inspire school and district staff.

  • Sense of humor, positive attitude, and willingness to work in a collaborative environment.

  • Ability to ramp up on new content quickly and work in a self-motivated manner.

  • Strong critical thinking including synthesizing different types of data.

  • Experience assessing and applying best practices at scale to drive results.

  • Strong organizational and project management skills.

  • Ability to work effectively under pressure and to meet competing demands.

  • Excellent computer skills; ability to use PowerPoint, Excel, Google apps, and the Internet.


Required Education and Experience:


  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required; master’s degree in a relevant field preferred.

  • Minimum of three years of professional experience with deep experience facilitating improvement and working in and/or with schools and/or districts.

  • Prior experience working as and/or directly with urban school/district leadership.

This position has been filled. Would you like to see our other open positions?