Continuous Improvement Specialist

Learn more about working with us!

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Innovation Specialist (official job title) plays a key role in advancing strategic innovation initiatives across CommunityAid. This role leads project workstreams, inspires change, and equips departments to adopt and implement new solutions. As part of the Innovation Team-a shared service across the organization-the Specialist works cross-functionally to test, evaluate, and scale high-impact ideas aligned with our mission and strategic goals.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Adjacent & Transformational Innovation Execution

• Lead innovation projects and workstreams under supervision
• Apply design thinking tools and innovation methodologies independently
• Explore and test emerging technologies and tools
• Participate in business case development and impact evaluation
• Rapidly learn new problem spaces and contribute to transformational pilots

Continuous Improvement (CI) & Operational Excellence

• Lead store-level CI projects and pilot process improvements
• Teach CI principles to front-line staff
• Apply Lean Six Sigma methodology
• Collaborate with operations to document and standardize best practices
• Support ongoing process optimization

Strategic Insight and Deployment

• Use data analysis and qualitative research to generate strategic, operational insights
• Assist in tracking organizational progress toward key strategic goals
• Support development of strategic roadmaps and KPIs for organizational BHAGs
• Regularly engage in consumer research to build up the knowledge base around our consumers (shoppers) and customer (donors)

Communication and Stakeholder Management

• Present project findings and proposals clearly to internal teams
• Build collaborative relationships across departments
• Represent the Innovation team with professionalism and clarity
• Communicate innovation value to a wide range of stakeholders
• Support executive engagement through reporting and briefings
• Actively listen and learn from front-line staff. Advocate for front-line insights with leadership

Mission-Aligned Culture Building

• Reflect CommunityAid's mission and values in all innovation work
• Actively think about change management in cross-functional projects - stay focused on the "how" of our work
• Model emotional intelligence and collaborative behavior
• Promote a spirit of service and values-driven innovation - treat other teams as the client

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Embrace, exemplify, and endorse CommunityAid's 12 Core Behaviors.
• Embrace CommunityAid's Mission.
• Problem-solving and creative thinking
• Effective communication and storytelling
• Change management and facilitation
• Collaboration across diverse teams
• Data analysis and insight generation
• Self-direction and adaptability

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience

Experience: 2-4 years of experience in innovation, strategy, consulting, operations, or continuous improvement. Experience in nonprofit, retail, or mission-driven settings is a plus

Skills:

• Familiarity with Lean Six Sigma and CI tools (Green Belt certification preferred)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data tools
• Strong visual presentation and communication skills
• Comfort with ambiguity and ability to work on multiple concurrent projects
• Design thinking and human-centered design experience preferred

Attributes:

• Mission-driven and values-aligned
• Curious and fast learner
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively
• Desire for collaborative critique and lack of territorial attitude
• Emotionally intelligent and culturally aware

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND HOURS

• Full-time, hybrid role based in Central Pennsylvania
• Regular in-person collaboration and frequent travel to store locations required
• Occasional travel to vendor sites or partner organizations