Children’s Literacy Program Specialist

The Children’s Literacy Program Specialist will design and deliver library programs and outreach in children’s literacy across the system.

They own a portfolio of programs from first rough idea through delivery and evaluation,including key initiatives such as the Youth Literacy Project, managing the Grow A Reader website, and overseeing early literacy reading campaigns like 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten and Read 20 for 20.

The Specialist brings genuine subject expertise in the science behind reading and literacy development and directs the work of Associates and volunteers in their programs.

Primary Responsibilities

• Program design and delivery: Designs and delivers a portfolio of programs, campaigns, and outreach in children’s literacy for young children, youth, and families at all library locations and in community settings.
• Rapid prototyping: Gets new program ideas in front of participants fast, runs pilots, one-off tests, and small versions before scaling anything.
• Subject expertise: Maintains advanced knowledge of the science behind reading and child literacy development, as well as current best practices in informal education.
• Welcoming environment: Creates a safe, inclusive space where participants feel they belong.
• Working relationships: Fosters good working relationships with diverse people including staff, participants, volunteers, vendors, and community partners.
• Partnerships and community presence: Builds relationships with schools, organizations, artists, practitioners, and agencies focused on children’s literacy.
• Activating public spaces: Designs and delivers programs in parks, plazas, and other public spaces across the city.
• Leadership and mentoring: Directs the day-to-day work of associates and volunteers in programs.
• Program materials and digital resources: Maintains content for the Grow A Reader Initiative, including the website and keeps supplies, literacy kits, and equipment for youth literacy programs stocked and in good condition.
• Training: Trains Programming and other staff on delivering programs on children’s literacy and on related policies and procedures.
• Evaluation: Collects attendance, outcome, and participant feedback in simple, quick ways.
• Project management: Leads the creation and execution of substantial projects such as program series, festivals, grant-funded initiatives, or new service pilots while working with Library teams.
• Committees and workgroups: Takes on a leadership role when participating in committees or workgroups on activities outlined in the Strategic Plan.
• Other duties: Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Requirements

• Completion of a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Literacy, Education, Library and Information Science, or a related field, and experience teaching or facilitating programs in children’s literacy and reading development;
• 1 year of experience leading and mentoring other experts in literacy program development;
• Demonstrated knowledge of child development, foundational reading science, and early literacy instructional practices;
• Enthusiasm for teaching people of all ages and a genuine pull toward working with the public;
• Comfort learning by doing: trying a new idea quickly, watching how people respond, and adjusting on the spot;
• A record of launching new programs or activities and improving them through repetition rather than upfront planning;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentation skills, ability to work with teams, and the ability to motivate and negotiate with diverse individuals and groups;
• Experience taking a leadership role on a workgroup, task force, or project;
• Experience mentoring other employees or volunteers;
• Intermediate knowledge of operating a computer and common programs;
• Required to maintain professional knowledge and skills through reading professional journals, viewing related webinars, and attending training or professional conferences;
• Ability to work days, nights, or weekends as scheduled and to travel between library locations and community sites.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing early literacy initiatives, managing web content (such as Grow A Reader), or coordinating community reading challenges like 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten;
• Experience designing programs with clear learning goals;
• Experience delivering programs in a public library, museum, school, or community setting;
• Experience delivering programs in parks, plazas, or other public spaces, or partnering with a city or public agency;
• Desire to serve all age ranges: children, teens, and adults;
• Spanish language and/or other non-English language skills.