Assistant Director of Literacy

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

4d•$115,000 - $130,000

About The Position

The University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning works to improve the quality of teaching, learning, and childcare. It researches, develops, and scales equitable educational innovations for adults and children, focusing on kindergarten readiness, third-grade reading proficiency, and algebra proficiency. The Center works across research, practice, and policy to develop sustainable systems that use educational technology and strengthen implementation of research-based practices. It is housed at the University of Florida and describes itself as a dynamic, entrepreneurial workplace committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse team. The Assistant Director of Literacy supervises Literacy Team Managers and supports high-quality service to stakeholders, integrated literacy initiatives, team development, and the Center’s literacy mission. The role manages literacy projects and professional development, guides research-based product and content development, and oversees the design and maintenance of state-approved endorsement, certification, and micro-credential programs. It provides literacy expertise across the Center, reviews and approves learning and technical-assistance materials, coordinates with teams and executive leadership, and tracks project outcomes and partner progress. The position also supports partnerships, fundraising, marketing consultation, dissemination of research findings, and federal grant proposals. Professional development is delivered primarily online and through virtual sessions, with occasional in-person facilitation as project needs require. The position is time limited and soft funded. Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume. A valid Florida driver’s license is required.

Requirements

Master’s degree in an appropriate area and two years of appropriate experience, or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and four years of relevant experience.
Valid state of Florida driver’s license.
Upload a cover letter and resume as part of the application.

Nice To Haves

Doctoral degree in literacy/reading, special education, educational leadership, or a related field.
Strong organizational skills.
Experience in educational administration and/or working with school districts.
Expertise in literacy coaching.
Experience conducting literacy professional development.
Expertise in statewide professional learning systems.
Experience designing state-approved endorsement, certification, or micro-credential programs.
Expertise in asynchronous and synchronous online course design for adult learners.
Grounding in adult learning theory and its application to professional learning design.
Strong research and writing skills.
Expertise in literacy instruction across PreK–Grade 12.
Experience as a leader, coach, mentor, or facilitator.
Experience with and belief in the value of professional collaboration.
Evidence of ability and willingness to work collaboratively and with a commitment to collegiality.
Demonstrates dispositions valued by the Lastinger Center: committed, collaborative, culturally attuned, conscious of practice, curious, and a change agent.

Responsibilities

Supervise Literacy Team Managers and ensure high-quality service to stakeholders.
Lead managers in integrating literacy initiatives and schedule and facilitate recurring team meetings to support projects.
Work with the Director, Early Childhood and Literacy, to develop onboarding plans for new employees and plan and implement the Literacy Team’s vision and the Center’s mission.
Coordinate with the Organizational Excellence and Products teams to ensure research-based products are developed and delivered using adult learning principles.
Oversee high-quality professional development, primarily through online instruction and virtual sessions, with occasional in-person facilitation as project needs require.
Guide development of research-based content in early learning and literacy and identify development opportunities for discussion with the Director, Early Childhood and Literacy.
Facilitate strategic conversations with current partners to gather information and contribute to proposals focused on a one- to five-year horizon.
Support evidence-based content-focused professional learning with partners, including online instruction, coaching, literacy matrix, literacy micro-credential, science of reading, and small-group learning.
Guide the design and ongoing maintenance of state-approved endorsement, certification, and micro-credential programs, including competency alignment, assessment design, and facilitator preparation.
Provide literacy expertise and consultation for the design and development of the Center’s online learning platform and other literacy products for school systems, leaders, providers, coalitions, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies.
Review literacy professional-learning and technical-assistance materials for accuracy, alignment with the science of reading, and consistency with current state standards.
Review and approve literacy content developed by team members and external partners before release to districts and schools, and resolve content questions escalated by Literacy Team Managers.
Serve as liaison between the Literacy Team and executive leadership; contribute to meetings, retreats, and focus groups; and partner across Center teams to establish and maintain processes and systems.
Work with the Director, Early Childhood and Literacy, and Research and Evaluation to track quarterly Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), including gathering metrics with the Research and Evaluation Senior Manager.
Monitor developments in the field and share information to guide refinement of products and services.
Coordinate with the Partnership Manager to share partner progress with the Director, Early Childhood and Literacy.
Support use of Lastinger products through varied tasks, including marketing consultation; schedule deliverables, including dates, people, materials, and other supports; and disseminate research findings on literacy products.
Assist the Director, Early Childhood and Literacy, with external partnerships, fundraising, and federal grant proposals.
Perform other duties as assigned.