The Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ) is a bold and innovative collaborative effort to close the achievement gap in the geographic “Zone” of North Minneapolis. The purpose of our work is to end multigenerational poverty in our community, using education as a lever. We use a data-driven, evidence-based, achievement-focused model in which both children and their families move through a “cradle-to-career” ecosystem that provides comprehensive support. NAZ is a leading initiative in the national Promise Neighborhoods and cradle to college/career movement. As NAZ learns what works with families in North Minneapolis to address complex issues related to urban poverty, strategies are being set up for replication and informing the regional, state, and national field.

Position Overview

Education Partnerships Program Manager will work directly in partnership and in support of NAZ education partners, in-and out-of-school partners. The overall purpose of the Manager's role is to support our K - college Education strategy made up of partners and resources in order to support NAZ scholars to be academically successful. The focus of the role is to work with partners using evidence-based strategies designed collaboratively to support scholars and families. The Program Manager will work closely with in school and out of school time partners as well as with NAZ Families and scholars, community organizations and other entities that provide programs, resources and expertise in this area. The Program Manager may facilitate anchor partner meetings, Action Team meetings, and use data to influence improved processes with partner leadership and staff.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the NAZ site team lead for IST and OST partners contract deliverables.
• Support the internal alignment of academic focused initiatives and/or practices with other NAZ core strategies such as community wellness, family support, and family achievement in the OST Partner programs.
• Support the external alignment and collaboration with key partners in the education ecosystem (literacy partners, OST, etc.). This includes ensuring the development, implementation and coordination of high impact strategies that increase the academic success of scholars enrolled in NAZ.
• Along with the VP of Education, contribute to building NAZ staff understanding of the education landscape, assisting with grants and grant reporting, and exploring new opportunities for NAZ to improve academic outcomes for scholars. 
• Use results-based, adaptive and data-driven leadership skills to collaborate with others and take action on strategies that address equitable opportunities.
• Collaborate with the VP of Evaluation and the Data Innovation Team to support data sharing and data integrity, actively engage in data monitoring, use data for continuous improvement and nurture a culture of learning across partnerships.
• Represent NAZ at various education-related tables in the community as directed by the VP of Education.
• Develop trusting relationships with partner staff, to support shared implementation goals.

External Relationships

• NAZ OST (Out of School Time) and IST (In School Time) partners

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in education or a related field. 
• A minimum of 4 years of professional experience in an education-related leadership-level role.
• Experience working with high quality in and out of school time programs for scholars K - 12.
• Experience in community-based empowerment, systems-change efforts or non-profit organizations especially in communities serving low income children and families of color.
• Experience in working with high quality academic educational programs.
• Experience in the use of academic data to support scholar growth.
• Strong commitment to the belief and expectation that children growing up in North Minneapolis can succeed in academics and college.
• Strong interpersonal communication, motivational and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite.
• Ability to proactively identify and pursue opportunities for improvement or innovation within the scope of the role.
• Ability to communicate complex processes and procedures effectively, both written and oral. 
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and environments.
• Ability to work collaboratively as a member of an internal team, as well as in collaboration with partners.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• This is a hybrid role, the individual will complete a portion of their work onsite at the NAZ facility located in North Minneapolis, MN 55411.
• Work includes frequent walking up and down stairs, lifting, sitting, and bending.
• Regular operation of normal office machines (computer, copier, and fax) is required.
• There are occasional evenings and weekends required.
• Limited travel may be required.
• Valid Driver’s license and reliable transportation, required.

Benefits: We offer a comprehensive Benefits Package, including Health, Dental, Vision, Disability & Life Insurance; Health or Flexible Spending Accounts; Lifestyle Spending Account; Retirement Plan; generous Paid Time Off; Support for Professional Development, and more!

Note: NAZ is a qualified employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

NAZ is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.