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 Purpose

NAZ is implementing a new position for the “Year of The Scholar,” Education Specialist. This position will be held by an individual who supports the mission, vision, and values of Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ) and serves as a contributing member of the NAZ staff, collaborating effectively with team members, partners, families, and scholars. They will have a strong desire to work with scholars and be familiar with academic best practices as well as successful interventions for scholars. The candidate will possess knowledge and skills in working with struggling readers and have the ability to collaborate with others to discuss instruction and assessments to meet the needs of the scholars. They will possess a sense of responsibility for the learning of all scholars and firmly believe that all scholars can and will learn.

Primary Responsibilities

Duties of this job include, but are not limited to:

• Supporting scholars’ learning by being up-to-date on resources to help scholars excel in their schools, Out-of-School Time programs (OST) and in the home
• Supporting the NAZ collaborative in the adoption of Success Planning as a tool for increasing scholars’ academic and social emotional well being; may include direct work with scholars
• Utilize the data from scholar assessments in reading and math, supporting coaches, scholars and families to develop a plan to increase academic proficiency
• Working with the Family Achievement Team, schools and OST programs to ensure regular, open, and honest communication regarding academics, social emotional growth and attendance
• Reporting and communicating to parents and families on an ongoing basis
• Engaging in regularly scheduled professional development
• Maintaining high expectations for all scholars and exhibiting the ability to make each scholar feel valued, appreciated and respected, thereby earning the trust and respect of the scholars and their families

Partner and Staff Collaboration

• Working within a team at an assigned OST/anchor school to develop and implement academic success at each location
• Working with other staff at NAZ in a coordinated team approach

Skills and Abilities

• Results-oriented culture with the goal of promoting and supporting scholar achievement
• A devotion and ability to build close relationships with scholars and their families, and the ability to motivate them through Success Planning, positive feedback and reinforcement
• Knowledge or willingness to learn about the cultural and internal barriers to scholar success in academic settings
• Communicate both verbally and in writing with scholars and their families with goal-setting as a part of achievement and Success Planning
• Comfortable and skillful in talking with educators, OST partners and parents
• Uphold a strong belief that children growing up in North Minneapolis are destined to be successful in their own meaningful way
• Demonstrate a commitment to the equitable education of all students
• Exhibit creative planning, detail-oriented and persistent with organizational skills
• Possess highly effective interpersonal skills
• Has previous experience working with diverse learners in urban educational settings

Minimum Requirements

• Displays a positive attitude and works to promote high morale within the department, organization, and NAZ ecosystem
• Experience and proficiency with technology and the use of data management systems. Previous knowledge of SalesForce, Google Workspace, ZOOM, and MAC OS is preferred, but not required
• High school diploma or equivalent AND a minimum of two (2) years experience in community organizing or a related field, or a combination of experience and training
• Maintains and keeps up to date, all contact, referrals, case-noting conversations, and goal progress for scholars and their families

Focus Areas

• K-12 grades

Preferred Experience

• North Minneapolis residents and knowledge of North Minneapolis schools
• Ability to connect and work with scholars within a school setting, to set goals and encourage academic achievement

Working Conditions and Physical Efforts

• This is a hybrid role, and the individual will complete a portion of their work onsite at NAZ Main Office or a Partner Site located in Minneapolis, MN
• This position requires frequent walking, sitting, standing and use of stairs
• Work is normally performed in an office setting, there is a requirement to participate in community and site led events occasionally
• Regular operation of normal office machines, use of computers and telephones
• Occasional evenings and weekends are required
• May require travel throughout North Minneapolis and surrounding areas. Access to reliable transportation with proof of insurance and valid driver’s license

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!

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

Note: When applying, you must include a COVER LETTER & RESUME

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