Fast Facts

Join Ascend Learning as a Process Optimization Specialist to enhance operational efficiency and streamline processes within the Innovative Learning Assessment Sciences team, focusing on data-driven improvements and collaboration across departments.

Responsibilities: Enhance operational efficiency, streamline processes, establish metrics and monitoring for evaluation, and collaborate with stakeholders to improve content development workflows.

Skills: 3+ years of process improvement experience, knowledge of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, data analytics capability, and proficiency with process mapping software and project management tools.

Qualifications: High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor's degree or relevant work experience preferred. Professional certifications in process improvement are a plus.

Location: Hybrid schedule with a preference for candidates in Leawood, KS, but Burlington, MA candidates will also be considered.

Compensation: Not provided by employer. Typical compensation ranges for this position are between $70,000 - $90,000.

We Impact Lives Through Purpose-Driven Work in A People First Culture

Ascend Learning is the connection between a powerful portfolio of brands serving students, educators, and employers with outcomes-based, data driven solutions across the lifecycle of learning.

Our values-driven culture unifies our teams and inspires a mindset of action, innovation, and collaboration, with a relentless focus on customers.

We're always looking for talented, passionate professionals to join us in our mission to help change lives. If this sounds like an environment where you'd thrive, read on to learn more.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

The Process Optimization Specialist focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and streamlining processes within the Innovative Learning Assessment Sciences (ILAS) team. This role collaborates with other departments to ensure seamless handoffs of inputs and outputs that are critical to ILAS operations. The ideal candidate will have the ability to leverage their extensive experience in process improvement to drive efficiency and standardize key processes. Additionally, this role establishes metrics and monitoring systems to evaluate the effectiveness of these processes. 

WHERE YOU’LL WORK

This position will work a hybrid schedule from our Leawood, KS office location preferred. Candidates in Burlington, MA will be considered.

HOW YOU’LL SPEND YOUR TIME

• Use data insights and industry trends to identify opportunities for process improvements and validate workflow enhancements
• Develop clear and concise process documentation to support process improvements and standardizations
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to gather feedback and ensure policies and processes are practical and effective to streamline the content development lifecycle from ideation to launch
• Implement best practices to simplify and standardize key processes, making them more efficient and user-friendly
• Establish metrics and monitoring systems to evaluate the effectiveness of policies and processes of the content development workflow
• Regularly review and analyze performance data and identify trends and opportunities for improvement
• Adjust processes as necessary based on monitoring results and feedback from stakeholders
• Prepare detailed reports on process performance and improvement initiatives for leadership to review
• Champions, and may lead, the implementation of process efficiencies for quality assurance
• Ensures integrity and quality of data delivered through application of appropriate in-house tools/external resources

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• High school diploma or GED required. Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance and accounting or industrial engineering or relevant work experience preferred
• 3+ years of process improvement experience (preferably in educational publishing/learning solutions)
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies strongly preferred; professional certification (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.) a plus
• Experience with process mapping software, for example Visio, strongly preferred
• Ability to establish, adopt, and implement new processes, procedures, and standards in an environment of continuous improvement and innovation
• Understanding data analytics and the ability to use data to drive decision-making and process improvements
• Ability to use formal project management software and/or techniques. Experience with Smartsheet and Jira Align/Jira preferred
• Demonstrated experience working effectively in a team environment and influencing peers to achieve desired project outcomes
• Possesses excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to appropriately tailor communication for various audiences and settings
• Work collaboratively and provide feedback in a constructive manner
• Demonstrate proven problem-solving and critical-thinking skills; able to predict, identify, and independently resolve issues in a timely and effective manner

BENEFITS

• Flexible and generous paid time off
• Competitive medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• 401(k) employer matching program
• Parental leave
• Wellness resources
• Charitable matching program
• Hybrid work
• On-site workout facilities (Leawood, Gilbert, Burlington)
• Community outreach groups
• Tuition reimbursement

Fostering A Sense of Belonging

We seek out and celebrate all people and perspectives and cultivate an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued and be their authentic selves. Our culture is firmly rooted in the belief that by embracing our differences and drawing on diverse perspectives, we are a stronger, more innovative, and more successful organization where employees experience a sense of belonging.

About Ascend Learning

As a tech-enabled services company, Ascend Learning is a national leader in developing and delivering data-driven online educational content, software, assessments, analytics, and simulations serving institutions, students and employers across healthcare, fitness and wellness, public and workplace safety, skilled trades, insurance, financial services, cybersecurity, and higher education. We're committed to accelerating the learning pathways that can move people into careers where they have the knowledge and skills to have an impact and help change lives in the communities they serve. Headquartered in Burlington, MA with additional office locations and hybrid and remote workers in cities across the U.S., Ascend Learning was recognized by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group as one of America's 2023 Greatest Workplaces for Diversity.

Ascend Learning, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer (M/F/Vets/Disabled). No agency or search firm submissions will be accepted. Applications for U.S. based positions with Ascend Learning, LLC must be legally authorized to work in the United States and verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

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