Literacy Specialist

Position Overview

The Literacy Specialist position within the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI) supports development and delivery of professional services and resources for educators that focus on evidence-based instructional practices in literacy. The primary purpose of the CAREI Literacy Specialist's work is to improve the quality of education for all learners. This position will be responsible for leading a variety of assigned projects around the implementation of evidence-based literacy practices. The position requires an in-depth level of knowledge of the science of reading, multi-tiered systems of support, and implementation science. The ideal candidate will have expertise in the field of education leadership and systems improvement as well as experience working in school districts, school settings, and/or state educational agencies around literacy and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). National travel is required to deliver training, attend conferences, and collaborate with team members and other colleagues.

The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. Please note that 100% remote work requires approval prior to offer.

Job Responsibilities
Program Implementation (70%)

• Advise school districts and other educational agencies on improving their implementation of literacy improvements within an MTSS framework.
• Lead development and implementation of highly complex or specialized services, including literacy coaching, and programs related to literacy that have a broad impact.
• Build capacity with district and/or school leadership teams and teachers to incorporate proven instructional practices to promote high levels of literacy among all student groups.
• Consult with principals, instructional leaders or literacy coaches, and teaching staff in schools and districts to analyze their needs and problem-solve for practical solutions.
• Develop and implement change management strategies and plans while supporting educators to implement evidence-based literacy practices.
• Develop data collection plans and tools to inform ongoing evaluation of services and program outcomes with reporting to school leaders.
• Establish and adhere to collective agreements with respect to the designated professional learning approach, program resources, coaching tools, and language so that consistent approaches are disseminated to participating schools and districts.
• Model and maintain effective communication and productive, positive, and professional interpersonal relationships.
• Maintain a focus on the work of promoting proficiency in reading for all students.
• Support organizational equity goals and employ strategies to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in all job responsibilities.

Program Development (25%)

• Guide development of digital professional learning and curricular materials for elementary educators that demonstrate knowledge of research-based approaches to literacy and practical application.
• Identify and/or build tools and resources to assist schools in improving data-based decision-making practices.
• Receive and offer feedback on developed resources. Utilize reviewer feedback to make revisions that demonstrate an understanding of specific feedback as well as big-picture goals.
• Collect and analyze data for continuous improvement in services and resource development.
• Monitor project timelines and meet tight deadlines, when necessary.

Other (5%)

• Attend regular team meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree plus at least eight years of related experience, or Master's Degree in Education or related fields plus at least six years of related experience.
• Minimum of eight years of related experience including delivering training/professional development to adult learners and experience in a coaching-related role at a systems level
• Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities
• Previous successful leadership experience working with adult learners
• Technology skills for designing and delivering professional learning and communications
• In-depth knowledge of significant topics related to elementary and/or secondary literacy
• Flexibility in daily work schedule to accommodate school/location-based needs
• Ability to travel nationally to deliver training, attend conferences and participate in other collaboration opportunities

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual English/Spanish and/or other languages
• Professional development/training grounded in the science of reading (e.g., LETRS, CORE, etc.)
• Background in theory, research, and the practice of elementary literacy education
• Experience with implementation of an MTSS or Response to Intervention (RtI) framework at a system level
• Acquired comprehensive knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the science and practice of implementation
• Familiarity with current research in reading/writing and effective instruction
• Knowledge of best practices in literacy instruction for multi-language learners
• Experience with collecting, analyzing, and interpreting student performance data in the area of reading
• Excellent oral, written, and computer-based communication skills

Department Overview

CAREI is a well-established college-wide center that serves as the link between research and practice in Minnesota schools PreK-16 and other agencies interested in applied educational and social science research. CAREI's mission is to maximize wellbeing in schools, families, and communities. Our vision is to become the premier hub for making research accessible and actionable to ensure equitable outcomes. CAREI strives to accomplish this via the center's commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, which states, "We are committed to tackling injustices and embracing diversity by continuously engaging with principles of equity, antiracism, cultural responsiveness, and intersectionality. We seek to learn about, live out, and promote these principles in our work with educational programs and systems as applied researchers, evaluators, trainers, and coaches."

College Overview

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the University's third largest college, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of life. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

Pay Range: The salary range for this position is $85,000 - $95,000. Final salary offers are dependent on the candidate's experience, skills, and internal equity within the department.

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).