The Connecticut RISE Network (RISE) is a Connecticut-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to ensure all RISE high school students graduate with a plan and the skills and confidence to achieve college and career success. Founded in 2016, RISE partners with Connecticut public high schools to lead statewide networks where school communities work together to use data to learn and improve. We partner with school communities across the state to understand complex challenges, unpack data, pilot new innovations, and scale effective practices.

Today, the RISE Network represents a collaboration between nine high schools and eight public school districts that form our core partnership network, reaching over 13,000 students; the majority of RISE students identify as Black, Latinx, and/or low-income. RISE high schools work together to ensure all students experience success as they transition to, through, and beyond high school.  Starting with a strong foundation in Grade 9, RISE high schools pursue school-wide improvements in Grades 9 through 12 that support college and career readiness, access, and success.

 Position Summary and Essential Job Functions:

The Freshman Success Coach  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 provide coaching and programmatic support to educators at RISE partner high schools who are working to strengthen the middle to high school transition for Grade 9 students.  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-Wide Program Strategies:

• Support the implementation of the RISE by 5 Network-wide strategies designed to strengthen the middle to high school transition.

• Collaborate with RISE high schools to implement efforts in Grade 9 to support all students in on-time promotion and pursuing a well-matched postsecondary plan, including on-track data meetings, Grade 8 to 9 summer bridge programs, and freshman on-track counseling.

• Contribute to and manage network-wide Freshman Success Team projects, collaborating with other RISE team members to identify, pursue, and scale strategies to strengthen the middle to high school transition.

• Produce and disseminate high quality tools and resources to advance network strategies and goals.

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

• Maintain accountability for individual contributions and project outcomes in support of RISE’s success. 

2.  School and District Support:

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

• Collaborate with and coach RISE school and district administrators, teachers, counselors, and other staff to build capacity around freshman success strategies and practices.

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

• Creatively solve strategy implementation challenges and champion a results-orientation mindset with a focus of on-track achievement with all school partners.

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

• Implement systems and processes that support collaboration with, and coaching of, RISE school, teachers, counselors, and other staff to build capacity around freshman success strategies and practices.

• Support educators in collecting and tracking data, ensuring all students promote on time to sophomore year.

3.  Network Learning Agenda:

• Co-facilitate RISE Network-wide convenings sessions and professional learning opportunities that advance the Network’s shared agenda to build and strengthen school and district systems.

• Design and facilitate cross-district collaboration as Network school and district teams come together to share data, successes, and challenges implementing Network-wide strategies.

• Collaborate with the Educator and Community Engagement team to design and facilitate  professional learning needed to advance overall Network-wide strategy.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Deep understanding of urban districts and schools.

• Experience and expertise with middle to high school transition efforts and strategies preferred.

• 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 four 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.

RISE is an Equal Opportunity Employer.