At Great MN Schools, we know that literacy is key to every person’s ability to live a choice-filled life. However, in Minneapolis, fewer than 33% of Indigenous, Black and Latinx students are reading at grade level vs. more than 75% of white students. Students who can not read by the end of third grade are 4x more likely to drop out of school.
In 2020, Great MN Schools commissioned a Literacy Needs Assessment to better understand how the shift to literacy, aligned to the science of reading, was going in schools. After speaking to dozens of organizations and community leaders working tirelessly to address the literacy gap, it was clear there was an interest in collaborating more deeply and connecting efforts to increase our collective impact.
In response, Great MN Schools stood up as convener and launched the Minnesota Literacy Coalition in 2023 alongside co-chairs from the National Parents Union MN and Minneapolis Public Schools. The Minnesota Literacy Coalition (MLC) currently convenes local leaders from over 70 organizations to work towards improved equity and excellence in literacy outcomes for all kids.
Role description
Great MN Schools is hiring for a Manager of Literacy. We are seeking an individual passionate about literacy outcomes for all children to help us maintain the incredible momentum we have gathered. Our Manager of Literacy will work closely with the Director of Literacy to strategize and implement the strategies of the MLC and ensure strong communication about our work throughout the coalition as we continue to grow.
The position is full time (40 hours per week) with standard working hours between 9:00am – 5:00pm. The position is a hybrid role based in Minneapolis, requiring some in-person office work each week and reports to the Director of Literacy.
Provide Support to the Minnesota Literacy Coalition (MLC)
● Collaborate with Director of Literacy and MLC co-leads to revise and implement strategy for the MLC to increase impact on literacy initiatives
● Design and implement systems for communication across the MN Literacy Coalition that improves member engagement and provides ongoing inspiration for our mission
● Write content for the MN Literacy Coalition blog and website
● Co-lead planning of Literacy Day at the Capitol 2024 event with coalition partners
● In collaboration with the Director of Literacy, prepare programming and materials for literacy coalition meetings (printing decks, creating folders, adding assets, labeling materials)
● Provide logistical support to all literacy initiative events including event planning, tracking RSVPs, planning and executing logistics, and preparing materials
Out of School Time Literacy Support Project Management
● Own the management and execution of the Out of School Time Literacy Support project, a collaborative effort with community non-profits to identify and launch student-facing supplemental literacy supports
● Coordinate survey and optional interviews with support providers to determine their offerings and impact
● Lead joint committee from School Support and Family Partnerships Action Teams to review survey and interview data and select pilot programs
● Research potential partners for summer school programming in response to results from focus groups and interviews; potentially act as lead for summer programming support
Qualifications
The ideal candidate has at least 3-5 years of professional experience demonstrating a commitment to meaningful change in K-12 schools. The candidate is strategic, detail oriented, able to juggle multiple projects at once, enjoys working in a team setting, and brings a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens to their work. This person is passionate about education and closing education opportunity gaps in
Minneapolis. They bring the following skills and personal characteristics:
Knowledge and Skills
● Robust content knowledge around the science of reading and strong literacy instruction; classroom teaching experience strongly preferred
● Strong interpersonal skills, and ability to identify impactful opportunities for shared work toward common goals
● Experience in and willingness to work across lines of difference, particularly in racially and ethnically diverse settings
● Experience managing multiple priorities simultaneously with strong attention to detail, ability to operate independently and in collaboration with others
● Demonstrated ability to manage timelines and meet deadlines, and proactively identify problems and potential solutions, resulting in an ability to move forward work in a fluid environment with significant flexibility
● Strong written and verbal communications skills
● Experience using a variety of technology platforms, including Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Zoom, and project management software
● Understanding of the local K-12 education landscape and relevant education organizations; public school experience in the Twin Cities education landscape is preferred
Personal characteristics
● Strong commitment to Great MN Schools’ mission and vision to transform K-12 education so that children of all races, means, and origins access excellent and equitable schools:
- Mission—Ensure every child attends a great school that prepares them to thrive in their lives, careers, and community.
- Values—Honesty, Inclusivity, Intentionality, Courage, and Collaboration
● Growth mindset and an aptitude for learning and building new systems
● Flexibility, willing to adapt to changes and motivated to take on unfamiliar tasks
● Strong work ethic, results orientation, and a high bar for quality and accuracy
● Ability to apply an equity lens in their work and actively participate in the organization’s DEI work
● Commitment to collaboration, a team-orientation, and enthusiastic, positive energy
Location
Great MN Schools offices in the North Loop Minneapolis WeWork office located at 729 N Washington Avenue. Team members are expected to work from the office at least two days a week (currently all staff are in the office Tuesday and Wednesday).
Compensation
$50,000 – $65,000 plus a competitive benefits package, including 401K match, health, vision, and dental insurance, disability coverage, and access to HSA and FSA plans. Employees are also eligible for the team bonus program, designed to support collaboration and collective ownership, and to recognize shared impact on organizational goals.
Apply by January 31st, 2024
Please fill out this form to share your interest in the position.
Great MN Schools is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity within our team. We encourage applicants who are Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and/or disabled.