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Apply for Job Job ID365739 LocationTwin Cities Job FamilyEducation-General Full/Part TimeFull-Time Regular/TemporaryRegular Job Code9745S2 Employee ClassAcad Prof and Admin Add to Favorite Jobs Email this Job About the Job Position Overview The Institute on Community Integration (ICI), part of the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), seeks a full-time (100% FTE) Education Program Specialist 2 - working title Check & Connect Implementation Specialist. This position is under our program area Entrepreneurial and Development Programs and is aimed at supporting the implementation of evidence-based practices through collaborative partnerships with various stakeholders nationally and occasionally international stakeholders. The Check & Connect intervention focuses on children and youth showing signs of disengagement, including children with disabilities. The Check & Connect Implementation Specialist will work with a team of implementation specialists to design, develop, implement, and evaluate training programs (including professional development and coaching) for state education agencies, school districts, postsecondary institutions, juvenile corrections programs, and other community service agencies. For the first four years, 75% of this position will be dedicated to the CONNECT UP research project, "Enhancing Secondary/Transition Outcomes Using Check & Connect with the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction," a collaboration between the University of Kansas, the University of Minnesota, and the Georgia Department of Education. This research project focuses on studying the combined effects of Check & Connect (C&C) and the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI) on secondary/transition and postsecondary outcomes for students with disabilities. This role involves assisting in the development of training, implementation resources, data collection tools, and coaching supports for this project, while ensuring that the C&C and the C&C+SDLMI interventions are implemented with fidelity in 20 schools during cohort 1 (2025-2027) and 20 new schools in cohort 2 (2027-2029). The training program focuses on building professionals' capacity nationwide to successfully implement the Check & Connect student engagement intervention model using the National Implementation Research Network's guiding principles and core competencies of implementation support practitioners. This position will identify, contextualize, and improve the use of implementation strategies in a range of settings and build implementation capacity among varying teams, organizations, and systems. This role requires independent decision-making within defined quality standards and protocols to ensure the quality of training curricula, and the timeliness and effectiveness of delivery to targeted audiences. A commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence is essential when working with diverse and sometimes marginalized populations. Monthly travel within Minnesota and nationally, on average 1-2 times per month for 2-3 days at a time, is required. During the first four years of this position, we expect that most travel will be to school sites in Georgia. The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. Please note that 100% remote work requires approval prior to offer. The budgeted salary range for this position is $65,000-$79,000. Final salary offers are dependent on the candidate's experience, skills, and internal equity within the department. Job Responsibilities Develop, Implement, and Evaluate Training, Professional Development, Technical Assistance, and Coaching Activities (60%) Apply research-based practices of instructional design and adult learn ng theory to design and deliver high-quality online and in-person training programs to support participants in the Check & Connect (C&C) local certified trainer program across the U.S. Utilize improvement cycles to review the C&C local certified trainer program and its learning objectives to ensure continuous training program improvement. Build and maintain relationships with local/state leadership personnel, C&C local certified trainers, and other key stakeholders related to training program activities to promote long-term partnerships and build capacity within implementation systems. Provide ongoing professional development for C&C Coordinators in each of 20 schools who are part of the CONNECT UP research project to build internal capacity and ensure project fidelity. Provide technical assistance support for C&C local certified trainers who are part of the CONNECT UP research project to build internal capacity and ensure project fidelity. Co-Creation and Engagement (15%) Collaborate with stakeholders to adapt implementation to the local context, fostering mutual learning about culture, history, and priorities for effective implementation. Facilitates knowledge exchange and resource sharing among stakeholders to enhance understanding and decision-making related to program design and implementation. Mitigate power imbalances by building trust, fostering two-way communication, and creating opportunities for mutual collaboration and accountability. Collaborate with project staff and grant partners on developing products related to grant deliverables and local context in which the program is being implemented such as coordinator training and ongoing professional development. Ongoing Improvement (10%) Collaborate with stakeholders to evaluate community assets and needs, ensuring that programs, training, and practices align with these factors and promote equitable outcomes for diverse populations. Conduct thorough assessments of how well proposed programs, training, and practices fit with local service settings, considering contextual factors such as site priorities, community values, and organizational capacity, with an emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Employ and adapt various implementation frameworks and strategies to best fit the context of implementation sites (CONNECT UP research project and trainer/coach certification) using systems thinking, participatory methods, and knowledge management to address barriers and achieve goals. Provide ongoing professional development for C&C Coordinators in each of 20 schools who are part of the CONNECT UP research project to assess needs, and implement changes to improve program outcomes. Sustaining Change (15%) Build and maintain diverse, authentic, and trusting relationships with stakeholders by modeling transparency, seeking feedback, and demonstrating empathy and commitment to support and guide implementation, training, and systems change efforts. Help build and coach C&C local certified trainers to support implementation teams at various levels and aspects of a program or system, focusing on inclusive leadership, effective planning, and collaborative... For full info follow application link. The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.