Continuous Improvement Specialist
Reports to: Vice President, Strategy and Impact
Date: Jan. 16, 2025
FLSA: Exempt
About Seeding Success
Seeding Success (S2) is an organization focused on designing, building, managing, and sustaining systems of opportunity for children in Memphis and Shelby County. We work to improve outcomes for every child from cradle to career by changing how institutions, community organizations, policies, and resources work together to support our community.
Seeding Success leads and coordinates the More for Memphis initiative, a comprehensive, county-wide plan to improve the quality of life for all residents by ensuring all people, especially those in Black, brown, and low-income communities, have access to the essential services and resources they need to thrive. The More For Memphis plan, accessible at moreformemphis.org/the-plan, outlines over 30 research-supported strategies to help improve financial opportunities and quality of life for residents. The goals of More for Memphis are driven by collaboration across sectors, data-based decision-making, and using public policy to ensure sustainability.
Position Summary
The Continuous Improvement (CI) Specialist has a unique opportunity to contribute to the success of Seeding Success by walking alongside colleagues, partner organizations, schools/school districts, residents and youth to implement data-informed processes leading to improvement efforts. This role will collaborate with Seeding Success’s Data Analyst to monitor performance and quality control plans and recommend improvements. This position will serve as the primary point of contact for coordinating and implementing continuous improvement initiatives aligned with Seeding Success's mission to enhance economic mobility opportunities.
Duties and Responsibilities
Interface with stakeholders to coach and train partner organizations on building a more data-driven culture, including co-leading continuous improvement training.
Support key stakeholders in developing, implementing, and documenting rapid cycles of continuous improvement, ensuring effective integration of these processes.
Collaborate with the Seeding Success Operations team to establish, document, and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work instructions to drive continuous improvement.
Create and maintain continuous improvement and knowledge capture documentation, ensuring that all processes are clearly defined and accessible.
Monitor performance and quality control plans, making actionable recommendations for improvement based on data and outcomes.
Track and report on the progress of strategies, providing insights and recommendations for adjustments as needed.
Navigate complex data systems and processes, ensuring smooth integration and efficient use of data in continuous improvement efforts.
Analyze process, indicator, and outcome data, producing reports, policy briefs, research summaries, and one-pagers to communicate findings and recommendations clearly to stakeholders.
Support the standardization of data collection processes on service utilization and work to connect data to longitudinal outcomes for improved tracking and impact analysis.
Analyze data at different stages of continuous improvement to inform the planning and implementation of data-driven strategies. Present findings in clear, concise reports or dashboards for actionable insights.
Work closely with the Data and Performance Management team to identify and implement the most appropriate analytical techniques for data collection and analysis.
Assist partner organizations in standardizing their data collection processes related to service utilization and ensuring alignment with longitudinal outcomes.
Maintain up-to-date documentation and standard work to ensure ongoing consistency and alignment with continuous improvement efforts.
Build and manage strong relationships with partner organizations, co-facilitating convenings, training sessions, and other relevant learning activities.
Coach and train external partners on data literacy, using data for continuous improvement, and applying continuous improvement tools and frameworks.
Support the project management of Seeding Success’s strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with continuous improvement goals.
Assist in the continuous improvement of all aspects of Seeding Success’s impact, programs, initiatives, and grants, ensuring data-driven decision-making and ongoing program enhancement.
Complete other tasks and duties as assigned.
Travel
Local travel between Seeding Success’ offices and partner organizations' offices is required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Demonstrates ability to plan, organize, and execute tasks efficiently to meet deadlines, deliver high-quality results, and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced work environment. Demonstrates the ability to prioritize tasks, manage resources, and oversee multiple projects simultaneously without compromising quality.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, model, and interpret large sets of complex data to uncover trends, insights, and actionable recommendations. Capable of using statistical tools and techniques to transform data into meaningful solutions.
Ability to take initiative, identify opportunities, and drive projects forward independently with minimal supervision. Demonstrates self-motivation, resourcefulness, and the ability to navigate ambiguity and uncertainty while achieving high-impact results.
Demonstrates a strong aptitude for quickly learning new concepts, tools, technologies, or methodologies, and applying them effectively in real-world scenarios. Able to adapt to changing environments and integrate new information into existing knowledge bases to drive continuous improvement and innovation.
Proven experience in taking charge of and delivering successful projects from initiation to completion. Demonstrates leadership in managing external teams, resources, and timelines, while maintaining focus on the objectives and achieving measurable outcomes.
Experience/understanding of Continuous Improvement Cycles/Framework (ie. Lean, Six Sigma)
Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to represent the organization externally across a wide range of stakeholders and constituencies.
Fosters strong relationships, with the ability to find common ground, build consensus and strengthen collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
Ability to successfully navigate in a fast-paced, outcomes-driven environment.
Demonstrates a commitment to the values of diversity, inclusiveness and empowerment.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required.
At least 3 years of experience in project management and/or continuous quality improvement, demonstrating the ability to lead and manage complex initiatives effectively.
Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification (or higher) strongly preferred.
To Apply
Please send your resume and cover letter to Taylor DeMagistris at strategyadmin@seeding-success.org with the subject line Continuous Improvement Specialist - Your Name.