Program Coordinator/Technical Assistant

University of Iowa • Iowa City, IA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Program Coordinator/Technical Assistant at the Iowa Reading Research Center (IRRC) supports statewide literacy improvement by designing, delivering, and evaluating structured literacy professional development and technical assistance for Iowa schools and partner organizations. This role coordinates PD planning and implementation; develops evidence‑based training materials, resources, and eLearning content; and delivers sessions in both in‑person and virtual formats. The provider collects and analyzes participation and implementation data to inform continuous improvement and ensure high-quality, research-aligned professional learning.
In collaboration with IRRC leadership, the provider contributes to strategic literacy initiatives, supports development of the Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement program, and may serve as an adjunct instructor. The position also helps identify emerging literacy needs, participates in cross-functional project teams, and may provide supervision or guidance to staff. Through strong facilitation, coaching, and content expertise, the Program Coordinator/Technical Assistant serves as a key liaison to districts, AEAs, educators, and caregivers statewide.

Requirements

• Minimum 1–3-year experience as a certified classroom teacher.
• Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in evidence-based literacy assessment and instruction.
• Experience designing and delivering high-quality professional development for in-service educators.
• Experience developing literacy lessons or instructional materials aligned to evidence-based literacy practices.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the area of dyslexia, such as specialized training and/or certifications in structured literacy, experience assessing and teaching students with characteristics of dyslexia, or the Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement.
• Strong written communication skills, including development of professional learning materials and practitioner-facing resources.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and virtual meeting platforms.

Nice To Haves

• Terminal degree in education, special education, or communication sciences and disorders
• Experience as an instructor in a teacher preparation program.
• Experience coaching educators or serving in a literacy leadership role (e.g. instructional coach, reading specialist, literacy coordinator).
• Master’s in education, special education, communication sciences and disorders.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate planning, scheduling, and delivery of professional development and technical assistance services for Iowa school districts and other organizations.
• Monitor project timelines, milestones, and deliverables to ensure high-quality, on-time implementation of PD initiatives.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of IRRC strategic goals related to statewide literacy improvement.
• Identify emerging literacy trends, policy shifts, and district needs to inform PD priorities and resource management.
• Serve as a liaison between IRRC and school districts, Area Education Agencies (AEAs), administrators, instructional coaches, and educators across Iowa.
• Facilitate in-person and virtual professional development sessions, workshops, webinars, consultation meetings, and observations.
• Ensure all PD content and guidance aligns with IRRC editorial guidelines and complies with University policies.
• Maintain alignment with research-based literacy practices in all PD and resource development.
• Evaluate effectiveness of PD sessions and technical assistance using participant feedback and implementation data.
• Analyze data to identify patterns, strengths, and growth areas within and across districts.
• Provide functional supervision, mentoring, or guidance to project staff, graduate assistants, or consultants as assigned.
• Serve as a leader through content expertise and teaching experience on cross-functional project teams in developing literacy tools, eLearning modules, or statewide initiatives.

Benefits

• Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees