Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine dilemmas in a district-university partnership that used network improvement communities (NIC) as a levers for systems change after COVID-19. Design/methodology/approach: We draw on observations and in-depth, semi-structured interviews to understand the benefits and limitations of using network improvement communities embedded within a longstanding district-university partnership to address problems of practice. Findings: Five dilemmas that emerged: (1) the need to continue the pilot roll-out of the NIC while still communicating a vision of the long-term, large-scale vision of NIC work, (2) center collaborative inquiry while still moving at a fast enough pace for participants to see progress, (3) include those most involved in the work while still having efficient decision making processes, (4) respect the knowledge and agency of participants while still supporting rigorous and impactful change and (5) honor the work the district is already engaged in while still extending beyond existing initiatives. Originality/value: We conclude that the work of leading network improvement communities as part of a district-university partnership is complex. We add to the emerging research on NIC hub leadership by highlighting the dilemmas that must be managed in this work.