Job Overview
The Youth Literacy Director provides strategic vision, operational leadership, and instructional oversight for a community-based program delivering high-dosage, evidence-based reading tutoring to K-8th grade students in Buncombe County. This role is responsible for driving program growth, cultivating critical community and school partnerships, overseeing curriculum development, and managing a robust paid internship program for high school and college young adults. The Director ensures high-quality instruction, robust data compliance for grant reporting, and the effective supervision and support of the Youth Literacy Associate, interns, and volunteer tutors.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Partnership Management
● Program Vision & Growth: Provide strategic direction for the Youth Literacy Program, including identifying service gaps, exploring new partnership opportunities, and establishing program policies and compliance standards.
● Community & Site Alliances: Serve as the primary relationship holder and liaison for school districts, community stakeholders, and after-school partners (including Youth Transformed for Life, Christine W. Avery Learning Center, and the YMCA); set the tone for high-level collaboration to ensure tutors are seamlessly integrated into sites for maximum program efficacy.
● Grant & Impact Reporting: Compose compelling program narratives and detailed progress reports for grantors. Oversee data collection, track reporting deadlines, and ensure on-site media/photography captures the program's daily impact.
● Executive Collaboration: Execute additional strategic initiatives and programmatic duties as designated by the Executive Director to advance the organization's overarching mission.
Instructional Oversight & Curriculum Design
● Curriculum Development: Lead the design and implementation of evidence-based teaching methods, including specialized curriculum adaptations for English Language Learners (ELL).
● High-Dosage Quality Control: Ensure high-dosage tutoring standards are maintained across all sites through regular observations, troubleshooting, and quality control.
● Resource & Budget Management: Establish the strategic vision for the youth literacy budget and oversee all program expenditures.
Team Supervision & Delegation
● Staff Management: Provide direct supervision, coaching, and professional development to the Youth Literacy Associate.
● Program Optimization: Delegate routine administration, data tracking, and material logistics to the Youth Literacy Associate to maximize capacity for strategic program leadership and development.
Volunteer & Intern Management
● Workforce Pipeline: Lead the recruitment, interviewing, and hiring process for the youth literacy paid internship program; manage a cohort of approximately 10 high school and college interns during the academic year, expanding to 30+ during the summer, with a strong focus on providing meaningful leadership development opportunities.
● Training & Onboarding: Conduct comprehensive volunteer and intern tutor training regularly throughout the year. Facilitate seamless site inductions, coordinate student baseline pre-testing, and establish clear expectations for tutor logs.
● Ongoing Mentorship: Serve as the primary escalation point and support system for volunteers and interns, conducting periodic in-service workshops, providing real-time on-site coaching, and offering lesson-planning guidance.
● Data Oversight: Review tutor logs, student assessments, and pre/post-test data to accurately measure student growth and track total volunteer/intern service hours.
Desired Experience & Skills
Candidates who possess a strong combination of the following qualifications and attributes are strongly encouraged to apply:
● Facilitation & Training: Proven success as an engaging educator, trainer, or facilitator capable of designing and delivering impactful workshops for volunteers and interns.
● Instructional Expertise: Experience with evidence-based, phonics-based literacy programs (such as Wilson Reading or Orton-Gillingham principles); experience supporting students with learning disabilities or differences is highly valued.
● People Management: A proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop both paid staff and volunteers, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented environment.
● Organizational Mastery: Superb time-management and project-management skills, with a demonstrated ability to initiate, sustain, and successfully monitor and complete multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
● Technical Proficiency: Strong operational literacy in Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides) and Microsoft Office for data tracking, reporting, and team collaboration.
Mindset & Interpersonal Attributes
Candidates with the following qualities would thrive in this role:
● Excellent Communicator: Exceptional verbal, written, and active listening skills, with the ability to communicate with clarity, empathy, and professionalism across diverse audiences (students, tutors, and community partners).
● Belief in Mission: A deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of education and literacy and a commitment to advancing racial equity and educational justice.
● Collaborative Spirit: A highly collaborative and positive spirit, with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a passionate and high-performing team.
● Growth Mindset: A commitment to personal growth, professional development, and programmatic expansion – paired with a healthy sense of humor.
Application Process
To apply, please send us your resume and a thoughtful cover letter describing your interest and qualifications for this role. Finalists will be asked to provide three professional references.
Please submit your application by email to [email protected] using the subject line: "Youth Literacy Director” plus your last name. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. We look forward to hearing from you!
Pay: $50,000.00 - $53,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Asheville, NC 28801
