BrightWorks Employment Opportunities

There are the job positions available at this time at BrightWorks.

You can click on the links below or scroll down the page to see the job descriptions.

1. COMPASS Attendance Lead
2. MSC Professional Development (PD) and Partnership Lead
3. Statewide Low Incidence Disability Specialist: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
4. Statewide Low Incidence Disability Specialist: Physical and Health Disabilities (P/HD)

You can also check the MN Low Incidence Projects Employment Opportunities page for additional job positions.

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COMPASS Attendance Lead

Position Summary/Objectives

COMPASS is the Collaborative Partnership to Advance Student Success and is a partnership between the Minnesota Service Cooperatives and the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). The COMPASS Attendance Lead is a temporary two-year MDE-funded service cooperative employee who serves as a member of a COMPASS Attendance Team and supports regional implementation of attendance best practices within the MnMTSS framework.

The COMPASS Attendance Lead will be committed to addressing historical and persistent inequities in educational opportunities and outcomes for students of color and students with disabilities and will engage educators in conversations and action planning to ensure high levels of learning for all students and staff without exception.

The COMPASS Attendance Lead will support districts and regional partners to build systems and the capacity of district staff to implement policies and practices for improving attendance.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Attendance Team Responsibilities:

• Support regional school districts and charter schools in the implementation of attendance best practices within the MnMTSS framework through the use ofconsistent statewide technical assistance strategies. This includes:
• Collaboration with the MDE COMPASS teams (MnMTSS and Attendance) and Service Cooperative staff in the development and delivery of in-person, synchronous, and asynchronous professional learning content for delivery across all regions.
• Provide on-site coaching for district and school leaders and teams in the region.
• Developing familiarity with regional needs related to continuous improvement of systems to improve outcomes for all students with particular attention to those who have been persistently underserved and marginalized.
• Developing familiarity with MDE and regional COMPASS supports and working with the entire COMPASS team to ensure coherence and access for all districts and charter schools and alignment across all efforts.
• Developing a deep understanding of the MnMTSS framework in order to align attendance best practices within the framework.
• Support district and school leaders in continuous improvement of MnMTSS in the area of attendance through engagement with COMPASS MDE and regional content specialists.
• Work collectively with peers and the MN Department of Education in reflecting on personal learning and how that learning supports student achievement and growth of students.
• Develop and continuously improve systems coaching capacity and use of effective technical assistance strategies by:
• Attending all professional learning provided for Regional Leads by MDE and Service Coop staff.
• Participating in coaching provided by MDE and Service Coop staff.
• Participating in communities of practice with MDE and regional colleagues to deepen understanding and skill in regional coordination.

Minnesota Service Cooperative Responsibilities:

• Collaborate and coordinate with the MDE Compass Teams (MnMTSS and Attendance) and Service Coop staff to develop and provide this support regionally.
• Develop communications, resources, and training for participating district leaders in collaboration with MDE and Service Coop staff.
• Continually develop individual capacity and skills to facilitate growth-focused conversations with a variety of educators.
• Provide technical assistance, individualized coaching, and resources to districts and schools.
• Foster positive relationships with district personnel, MDE, Service Coop staff, and other education organizations and partners.
• Regularly communicate with school administrators, colleagues, and experts to keep well-informed of current and developing research.

District and School Responsibilities:

• Support regional school districts and charter schools in the training and implementation of evidence-based, culturally responsive attendance best practices within the MnMTSS framework through the following:
• Build foundational knowledge of MnMTSS and attendance best practices, resources, and tools to support district and school leadership
• Support systems and district leaders in implementing and sustaining evidence-based/informed attendance best practices within the MnMTSS framework
• Support systems and educators in implementing and sustaining highly effective professional learning
• Design and facilitate professional learning opportunities utilizing the principles of adult learning including training, webinars, and networks
• Assess and prioritize professional learning needs based on assessed needs, discussions, and surveys of district staff and other education partners
• Evaluate professional learning activities and use results to improve effectiveness
• Build the capacity of district and educational partner staff to provide educational leadership, program development, training, consultation, and resources to support district leaders which will result in district-wide implementation of evidence-based attendance strategies within the MnMTSS framework leading to better student academic outcomes and improved conditions for learning by:
• On-call technical assistance, collaborative program solving, and general support to district leaders
• Maintaining a professional coaching relationship with educators through active listening, reflective questioning, and collaborative development of differentiated coaching plans
• Engaging in focused conversations with district and educational partner leaders to build capacity for continuous improvement that embeds timely and meaningful engagement with educational partners
• Modeling the use of effective team facilitation processes and protocols
• Support implementation and evaluation of district-wide improvement in consistent attendance and implementation practices within the MnMTSS framework by:
• Use evidence and data to support the continuous improvement process and ensure multiple types of educational data, and comprehensive needs assessments are completed/reviewed; examining data, practices, and implementation with an equity lens
• Assist systems and educators in identifying and implementing evidence-based practices
• Assist in selecting assessment measures to evaluate consistent attendance and chronic absenteeism within the MnMTSS framework, including measuring process and outcome measures.
• Assist in evaluating training and technical assistance activities and use results to improve activity effectiveness.
• Work with district and educational partner staff to gather pertinent program data.
• Assist in analyzing evaluation data and action plan for next steps.

Competencies

• Passion and urgency for improving attendance
• Knowledge of best practices in attendance strategies and supports within the MnMTSS framework
• Experience within a K-12 education setting
• Thorough understanding of pedagogy and best practices within education
• Deep knowledge of effective implementation and continuous improvement processes
• Experience using data to drive critical conversations and continuous improvement among peer and non-peer colleague groups
• Experience coordinating and delivering professional development for a variety of internal and external partners
• Cultural competency and ability to navigate and promote sensitivity to issues of race and equity
• Planning, facilitating, and evaluating learning activities for adult learners
• Coaching leaders and educators to increase effectiveness
• Understanding of adult learning principles
• Ability to function cooperatively as a member of a team
• Ability to reflect on and continuously improve professional practices in response to coaching
• Experience with group facilitation
• Experience addressing educational inequities in previous positions
• Experience with effective implementation practices and systems change
• Ability to adapt to and work with a variety of school contexts
• Ability to create a collaborative partnership with educators
• Experience with Universal Design for Learning
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Creative analytical and problem-solving skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently across agencies and partnerships; individually and as a team member
• Ability to show initiative in resolving problems
• Ability to assume responsibility, be well organized, execute initiatives from directives and approved self-initiatives
• Ability to build open, honest, and trustworthy relationships with people of various personality styles and behaviors – internally and externally
• Ability to conduct oneself in a professional and customer service-based manner at all times
• Proficient in the use of G-Suite applications and online learning platforms
• Proficiency in adapting to new software and digital tools

Education and Experience

This position requires an experienced professional, with a thorough knowledge of research and practice expertise around successful evidence-based schoolwide implementation of social and emotional learning generally achieved through practice experience and a degree in a related educational field. Successful candidates will have the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, social work, school psychology, or a related field
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in a PreK-12 School System, with at least two (2) years supporting attendance initiatives within a school or district setting
• Current teaching, related service, or administrative license
• Valid MN Driver’s License
  

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in a related education field (school administration, social work, etc.)
• Experience at a district level, as an instructional coach, student support services lead, or related position

Environment & Physical Demands

This job operates in a hybrid office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets. This is largely a sedentary role; however, some office organization and event set-up/tear-down are required. This would require the ability to move and lift 30 lbs., stand for extended periods, and carry items a short distance as necessary.

Expected Hours of Work

Hours of work are generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but occasional events outside typical work hours, travel to the Minnesota Department of Education, and travel within the region are expected. Occasional travel outside of the region. Office specifics will be determined.

Position Type

This is a temporary two-year 260-day position. There are multiple openings for this position.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Salary Range

$100,000-$140,000
Benefits include TRA/PERA, health and dental insurance options, LTD, PTO, and designated paid holidays.

Anticipated Start Date:

Early Spring 2025

Applications are accepted until the position is filled.
Send cover letter of interest and resume to Colleen Feller, colleen.feller@brightworksmn.org

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MSC Professional Development (PD) and Partnership Lead

Position Summary

The Minnesota Service Cooperative (MSC) Professional Development (PD) Education group provides leadership to their cooperatives and their regional school districts. The group is comprised of nine education leaders from each Minnesota Service Cooperative who are responsible for ensuring that education-related services and professional development for teaching and learning are provided to regional school districts. The nine leaders play an instrumental role in selecting and implementing programs and services that are needed by school districts. This group also partners with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) in selecting, planning, and implementing initiatives with the State of Minnesota.

The MSC PD and Partnership Lead will provide leadership to the PD/Education group to meet the goals of the Executive Directors of the Minnesota Service Cooperatives and the members of MSC PD Education group. The PD and Partnership Lead will partner with the MSC Executive Director in the planning and delivery of the work of the Minnesota Service Cooperative Executive Directors.

In addition, the PD and Partnership Lead will work with the various staff at the Minnesota Service Cooperatives who are part of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Consortium and the statewide COMPASS system. The PD and Partnership Lead will focus on bringing the regional perspective to statewide strategic initiatives and program design.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Minnesota Service Cooperative Responsibilities

• Through strategic planning, develop goals and implement activities to achieve the goals of the MSC PD/Ed group and the Executive Directors of the Minnesota Service Cooperatives.
• Set agendas and lead all monthly MSC PD/Ed group meetings.
• Attend MSC Executive Committee Meetings as needed or requested to report on activities and receive strategic direction.
• Support and problem solve with MSC Ed/PD and COMPASS leaders in delivering quality service and programs to regional school districts.
• Assist team members who are working within the same district to provide integrated and coordinated support to districts and schools.
• Assist the Executive Director in legislative agenda setting and advocacy, especially as it relates to curriculum and teaching and learning legislation.
• Assist with aligning MSC’s student academic programming with MSC’s Strategic Framework.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Responsibilities

• Regularly attend Career and Technical Education (CTE) Consortium meetings.
• Report regularly on the activities of the CTE consortium to the Executive Directors of the Minnesota Service Cooperatives and other stakeholders.
• Provide guidance to the granting process to ensure all regions in the State receive support for their CTE needs and programming is aligned with the Strategic Framework and other education initiatives.

Partnership with MDE

• Provide leadership with MDE’s Education/Professional Development-related initiatives.
• Meet regularly with MDE leadership to nurture new and advance current initiatives, as it related to teaching and learning.
• Partner with the MDE in the planning and deployment of statewide initiatives.
• Attend Statewide COMPASS meetings and other work groups as needed or directed.
• Stay up to date on all MDE initiatives and grant opportunities, particularly those that can advance, support, align with or potentially hinder current or future regional initiatives.

Other Duties

• Other duties as assigned by the MSC Executive Director or Executive Council.

Competencies

• Thorough understanding of pedagogy and best practices within education
• Understanding of adult learning principles
• Ability to lead and function cooperatively as a member of a team
• Ability to reflect on and continuously improve professional practices in response to coaching
• Proficiency in group facilitation
• Proficiency in addressing educational inequity in previous positions
• Proficiency with effective implementation practices and systems change
• Ability to adapt to and work with a variety of school and leadership contexts
• Ability to create a collaborative partnership with educators and MDE leaders
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Creative analytical and problem-solving skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently across agencies and partnerships, individually and as a team member
• Ability to show initiative in resolving problems
• Ability to assume responsibility, be well organized, execute initiatives from directives and approved self-initiatives
• Ability to build open, honest, and trustworthy relationships with people of various personality styles and behaviors – internally and externally
• Ability to conduct oneself professionally in many contexts, which includes individual and groups
• Proficiency in adapting to new software and digital tools

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field
• A minimum of 5-7 years’ experience in PreK-12 education, with at least two years in a school or district leadership position
• Valid MN Driver’s License

Preferred Education and Experience

• Significant experience in school and/or district leadership
• Master’s degree in education
• Licensed school or district administrator

Environ ment and Physical Demands

This job operates in a hybrid office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets. This is largely a sedentary role; however, some office organization and event set-up/tear-down are required. This would require the ability to move and lift 30 lbs., stand for extended periods, and carry items a short distance as necessary.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time, 260-day position. Must be available to work during typical school hours, travel to the Minnesota Department of Education, and travel within the State to meet in person with regional education leaders. Occasional travel outside of the region. Office specifics will be determined.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Salary Range

$100,000-$140,000

Benefits include TRA/PERA, health and dental insurance options, LTD, PTO, and designated paid holidays.

Anticipated Start Date: Early Spring 2025

Applications are accepted until the position is filled.

Send cover letter of interest and resume to Colleen Feller, colleen.feller@brightworksmn.org

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Statewide Low Incidence Disability Specialist: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The individual occupying the position of Statewide Low Incidence Disability Specialist: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) will become part of a team in providing support for our Special Education Program in the area of Traumatic Brain Injury. This individual will work with educational teams throughout the state who support students in the categorical area of TBI.

The activities of this position will include the following:

• Serve as the primary educational contact for Minnesota (MN) school personnel and families regarding technical support, professional development and resources in the special education categorical area of TBI.
• Serve as an educational liaison in the area of TBI with agencies throughout the state in an effort to strengthen interagency collaboration to effectively address the needs of students and their families in current and future settings, (Examples: MN Regional Low Incidence Projects; Low Incidence Leadership Forum; MN Department of Education; MN Department of Health; Department of Human Services: Health Care Providers and Hospitals; School districts.)
• Facilitate the Statewide TBI Community of Practice (CoP) meetings, including, but not limited to, securing speakers, giving professional development presentations; coordinating committee and/or work group meetings; providing support with planning, registration, facility use, and technology support; and providing ongoing statewide updates.
• Serve as moderator of electronic communication forums and Mailing Lists, including membership management, approval of postings, and periodic internal system updates.
• Develop, organize and facilitate professional development opportunities and resources for a broad spectrum of audiences (including general and special educators, families, professional and/or related service providers, and medical service providers) which address the educational needs of students who have traumatic brain injury.
• Serve as an organizational and disability-specific representative and/or presenter in educational and community-based professional conferences, webinars, roundtable discussions, panels, exhibits, etc.,
• Actively participate as a member and disability-specific representative in scheduled agency meetings, such as monthly Low Incidence Leadership Forum (LILF) meetings and MN Low Incidence Projects LIS meetings; and in BrightWorks meetings, as appropriate.
• Serve as a disability-specific resource to all regions in Minnesota, including attending virtual (or in-person) regional CoP meetings, as appropriate; and maintaining close communication with all regional low incidence facilitators (RLIFs), including posting and sharing monthly updates.
• Provide direction and support for development and updating of public media sources such as website content, online professional development tools, program brochures, and statewide disability manuals, as appropriate.
•  Development of annual program goals and progress reports, including associated budgetary planning.
•  And other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Current MN special education teacher license; preferred licensure in low incidence disability area.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience teaching students with TBI; leadership experience in an educational setting preferred.
• In-depth understanding and application of MN special education disability criteria, Statute and Rule in the area of TBI.
• Ability to direct own activities, prioritize work responsibilities, and complete work in a timely manner, including progress reporting as requested by the Low Incidence Projects director/Director of Special Education or designee.
• Effective interpersonal communication and leadership skills in a variety of settings and situations; demonstrate the ability to work positively and professionally with others.
• Displays comfort in public speaking to small and large audiences; has conference speaking and/or professional development presentation experience.
• Effective use technology and collaborative platforms (like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet) to facilitate engaging virtual meetings along with ensuring meetings are accessible by using features such as closed captions or real-time transcription services and other features that effectively provide adjustments for people with disabilities.
•  Effective use of tools like Microsoft Word, Google Docs or Adobe Acrobat to create documents that are fully accessible along with effectively using accessibility checkers to ensure that documents are compliant with accessibility standards.

Position Details:

This position is for 130 days per year (equivalent to 50% or .5 FTE)

Salary range:

$61,500-$63,183

Benefits include: TRA, individual voluntary contributions to 403b and Aflac

Application deadline:

May 9, 2025

Start date:

January 2, 2026

Send cover letter of interest and resume to: Gail.Jankowski@brightworksmn.org
Please direct questions concerning salary and benefits to: Ingrid.Aasan@brightworksmn.org

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Statewide Low Incidence Disability Specialist: Physical and Health Disabilities (P/HD)

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The individual occupying the position of Statewide Low Incidence Disability Specialist: Physical and Health Disabilities will be a part of a team in providing support for our Special Education Program in the area of Physical and Health Disabilities (P/HD). This individual will work with educational teams throughout the state who support students in the categorical areas of Physically Impaired (PI) and/or Other Health Disabilities (OHD).
The activities of this position will include the following:

• Serve as the primary educational contact for Minnesota (MN) school personnel and families regarding technical support, professional development and resources in the special education categorical areas of PI and OHD.
• Serve as an educational liaison in the areas of PI and OHD with agencies throughout the state in an effort to strengthen interagency collaboration to effectively address the needs of students and their families in current and future settings i.e., MN Regional Low Incidence Projects, Low Incidence Leadership Forum, MN Department of Education, MN School Districts, MN Department of Health, and Medical Health Care Providers.
• Plan and facilitate Statewide Community of Practice (CoP) meetings which includes, but not limited to, securing speakers, providing statewide updates, providing professional presentations, establishing and coordinating work groups, along with providing support with registration, facility use, and technology,  
• Serve as moderator of electronic communication forums and Mailing Lists, including membership management, approval of postings, and periodic internal system updates.
• Develop, organize and facilitate professional development opportunities and resources for a broad spectrum of audiences, i.e., general and special educators, related service providers, families, and other professional stakeholders who address the educational needs of students who have physical impairments and/or acute or chronic health disabilities.
• Serve as an organizational and disability-specific representative and/or presenter at educational and community-based professional conferences, webinars, roundtable discussions, panels, exhibits, etc.
• Actively participate as a member and disability-specific representative in scheduled agency meetings, i.e., monthly Low Incidence Leadership Forum (LILF) meetings, MN Low Incidence Projects LIS meetings, and BrightWorks meetings, as appropriate.
• Serve as a disability-specific resource to all Minnesota regions which includes, but not limited to, attending virtual (or in-person) regional CoP meetings as appropriate, maintaining close communication with all regional low incidence facilitators (RLIFs), including posting and sharing monthly updates.
•  Maintain close communication with institutions of higher education in meeting the educational needs of students with physical impairments and/or acute or chronic health disabilities.
•  Provide direction and support for development and updating of public media sources such as website content, online professional development tools, program brochures, and statewide disability manuals.
•  Develop annual program goals and progress reports, including associated budgetary planning.
•  Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Current MN special education teacher license in the area of Physical and Health Disability (P/HD) preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience teaching students with OHD and/or PI; leadership experience in an educational setting preferred.
• In-depth understanding and application of MN Statute and Rule that align with special education criteria in the areas of PI and OHD.
• In-depth understanding of various technologies in different educational environments that make learning accessible for students especially those with OHD and/or PI.
• Ability to direct own activities, prioritize work responsibilities, and complete work in a timely manner, including progress reporting as requested by the Low Incidence Projects Director/Director of Special Education or designee.
• Effective interpersonal communication and leadership skills in a variety of settings and situations; demonstrate the ability to work positively and professionally with others.
• Displays comfort in public speaking to small and large audiences; has conference speaking and/or professional development presentation experience.
• Effectively uses technology and collaborative platforms (like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet) to facilitate engaging virtual meetings along with ensuring meetings are accessible by using features such as closed captions or real-time transcription services and other features that effectively provide adjustments for people with disabilities.
•  Effectively uses tools like Microsoft Word, Google Docs or Adobe Acrobat to create documents that are fully accessible along with effectively using accessibility checkers to ensure that documents are compliant with accessibility standards.

Position Details:

This position is for 260/261 days per year (equivalent to 100% or 1.0 FTE)

Salary range:

$123,000-126,366

Benefits include: Individual or family health and dental insurance plan options, LTD, PTO, designated paid holidays, TRA, individual voluntary contributions to 403b and Aflac

Application deadline:

March 7, 2025

Start date:

July 1, 2025

Send cover letter of interest and resume to: Gail.Jankowski@brightworksmn.org
Please direct questions concerning salary and benefits to: Ingrid.Aasan@brightworksmn.org

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Brightworks is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with applicable state and federal law, Brightworks will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with Brightworks.
Benefits include PTO, health & dental insurance, and PERA retirement plan.