Assistant to the Superintendent/Communications Coordinator

The Regional Centers of Excellence (RCEs), in partnership with districts, schools  and charters, focuses school improvement and turnaround efforts on equity and underserved student groups so that schools can meet the needs of each student and ensure that each student benefits from a high-quality school.

‍The Central Lakes Regional Center of Excellence is located at Resource Training & Solutions, a central Minnesota Service Cooperative and is one of six regional centers that works in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Education to support districts or charters with schools identified for Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) or Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) under the North Star Accountability system. Principal Leadership Support, School  Climate, and support for systems that serve American Indian students is also provided.

Position Purpose
As a team leader, the Center Director understands the complex nature of school improvement and possesses experience in leading and facilitating systems change. The Center Director is deeply committed to leading for educational equity–the condition of justice, fairness and inclusion in our systems of education–so that all students have access to resources and the opportunities to learn and develop to their fullest potentials.

‍The Center Director plays an integral role in leading and supervising the regional center team to build their capacity to support systems improvement, utilizing effective adult learning and feedback practices. The Center Director is responsible for regional project management and organization, and works in collaboration with the MDE Director of School Support, the RCE Program Manager, other RCE staff, and service cooperative partners to ensure statewide continuity and implementation of the RCE work plan. Requires flexibility in work schedule and location. Frequent travel is required.

‍Regional Centers of Excellence (RCE) Core Competencies –
All RCE staff demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and willingness to:

‍Equity

• engage educators in conversations and action planning to ensure high levels of learning for all students and staff without exception
  identify and eliminate structural and institutional barriers to educational opportunities resulting in improved conditions for teaching and learning
  Effective Instruction
• support systems and educators in implementing and sustaining standards-based curriculum, instruction, assessment, and multi-tiered systems of support
  support systems and educators in implementing and sustaining highly effective Professional Learning Communities
  Coaching
• maintain a professional coaching relationship with educators
  engage in focused conversations with districts and school leaders to build capacity for continuous improvement that embeds timely and meaningful stakeholder engagement
  Facilitation
• build the capacity of leadership teams to function effectively in continuous improvement process
  design and provide professional development activities
  Evidence / Data
• use evidence and data to support the continuous improvement process and ensure equitable distribution of recourse, including the use of MDE secure reports, multiple types of education data, and comprehensive needs assessment
  Active Implementation
• assist systems and educators in identifying and implementing evidence-based practices using the Active Implementation Framework (AIHub)

Regional Centers of Excellence (RCE) Director Competencies:

Leadership

• establish, promote, and maintain a professional environment and culture with a regional team that is focused on ensuring educational equity
• support RCE Theory of Action, grant aims and implementation of workplan
• collaborate with other leadership to design and implement the state school support and improvement model that complies with federal and state requirements
• model appropriate personal, professional, and ethical behavior

Staff Development and Support

• implement a cohesive approach to recruitment, placement, induction, and retention of staff with specific practices designed to hire staff of color
• provide effective and timely supervision and evaluation of staff through on going feedback and support to build capacity based upon identified needs
• facilitate weekly team regional meetings and professional development provide guidance and direction to individuals and the team to build their capacity to guide continuous improvement
  expand knowledge and skills to advocate for adaptive and technical change
• support staff in ensuring equitable learning conditions and addressing resource inequities in schools and districts

Communication, Collaboration, and Capacity Building

• communicate effectively and build collaborative relationships with all levels of district, school, regional and MDE staff, service cooperative partners, other RCE partners and the general public
• actively participate in regularly scheduled Center Director meetings and other cross-regional or agency partnership meetings
• facilitate and lead RCE project teams and other groups as assigned
  maintain open communication links with participating schools and districts

Administration

• administer and oversee implementation and monitoring of program work plan, budget and other required documentation related to projects and program evaluation
• coordinate delivery of regional services to schools and districts that is aligned to the statewide work plan and aims
• develop, implement, monitor and revise service model and work plan for the RCEs
• differentiate and prioritize technical assistance for schools and districts
• make appropriate and effective use of time, technology, and resources
• complete all operational reports within a timely manner
  be flexible in a variety of working environments in schools, virtual or home office settings
• perform other duties as assigned
• travel to perform the duties of the job (Travel costs are reimbursed.)
• report to Service Cooperative Executive Director or designee

Education, Licensure, and Experience

• licensed administrator or educator with supervisory and program administration experience preferred
• a minimum of five years of experience focused on collaborating with district and school leadership in the development, implementation, and monitoring of continuous improvement efforts
• understanding of the RCE support model
• experience working with marginalized groups to ensure equitable learning environments by incorporating student, parent and community stories ad voice
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Additional Service Cooperative Information
The Central Lakes Regional Center of Excellence is housed from Resource Training & Solutions in Sartell, with a remote office option. The Center Director position is expected to schedule weekly office dates in Sartell as a means of collaboration and connection with the service cooperative.

‍ Salary is commensurate upon experience. Resource Training & Solutions provides TRA or PERA contribution and an excellent benefits package.

‍Please send cover letter, resume, and three letters of reference to Dr. Michelle Wang, Education Director.

‍Contact Information: [email protected]

‍This position posting will close Friday, November 20. Interviews will be conducted the week of November 23, with an anticipated start date on or before December 11, depending upon the selected candidate’s availability.