Associate Director, Strategy & Operations (Science of Reading)

About the position

At Leading Educators, we’re building a national movement for literacy grounded in the Science of Reading—and we need a powerhouse Associate Director of Strategy & Operations to help us lead the charge. In this role, you'll work cross-functionally to support internal operations, network-wide initiatives, client engagements, and business development. You'll be a trusted partner to senior leaders, a thought-partner for stakeholders, and a driver of strategic projects that enhance the network's effectiveness and long-term sustainability. This is more than a behind-the-scenes role. It’s a front-row seat to systems-level change—where your strategic thinking, creativity, and operational brilliance will help thousands of students become confident, capable readers.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage systems for operations, communication, and knowledge sharing across multiple stakeholders.
• Support cross-functional teams with logistics, project planning, and strategic execution.
• Analyze data to generate insights, improve processes, and demonstrate impact.
• Develop compelling, aligned messaging for internal and external audiences.
• Build connections across teams, partners, and communities to drive a shared vision.
• Lead behind-the-scenes to ensure seamless events, convenings, and engagements.
• Collaborate with mission-driven colleagues in a fast-paced, purpose-led environment.
• Work independently, solve problems, and continuously optimize systems.

Requirements

• 4–7 years of experience in operations, communications, marketing, or project management, ideally in a mission-driven or educational context.
• Strong writing, communication, and visual design skills using tools like Canva, Google Slides, PowerPoint, and AI-based platforms.
• Proficiency with data analysis and visualization tools (Google Sheets, Excel, Power BI, Survey Monkey).
• Experience managing events and creating content for diverse stakeholders.
• Comfort with tools such as Asana, Google Drive, and knowledge management systems.

Benefits

• 100% paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for individual employees.
• 60% coverage of additional premium costs for partners and dependents on medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 4% matching 401k plan.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical, childcare, and commuter expenses.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Benefits valued at or above $9,000 for employees.
• 22 days of paid time off accrued per year for the first three years of employment.
• Five additional days accrued after the third and sixth year of employment.
• 16 additional paid days off for various holidays, including three floating holidays.