Family Engagement Specialist

For nearly 50 years, Literacy Mid-South has adapted its programs, leadership, and even its name, all while staying true to the vision that inspired its creation in 1974: to bring the gift of literacy to the people of the Mid-South.

The rich history of Literacy Mid-South began with a call to help adults with low-literacy levels gain the reading skills needed to reach personal, educational, and professional goals. Later, LMS broadened its mission to include learners of all backgrounds and ages. Today, in addition to continuing its work with adult and student readers, Literacy Mid-South serves as a convener and core collaborator for the broad community of organizations working to improve literacy outcomes in the region. As we approach our 50th anniversary, Literacy Mid-South is positioned to become a regional literacy intermediary, bridging the literacy goals of its cross-sector partners.

Literacy Mid-South seeks a dynamic, passionate Family Engagement Specialist to support its efforts to provide whole family literacy support and resources. The position will guide community & family engagement efforts for the organization’s Tutor901 program and lead outreach for the Reading Checkup tool. This position will report to the Senior Director of Strategy & Innovation.

The ideal applicant has strengths in community engagement, marketing & communications, and relationship building, with a strong passion for education equity and the Memphis community.

This is a one-year, grant-funded position, ending May 2024.

Responsibilities

• Play an integral role in developing and implementing LMS’s community engagement & whole family literacy initiatives
• Support Literacy Mid-South’s Tutor901 program by building connections with community organizations, schools, and families
• Work collaboratively with individuals across the organization to build strategies for promoting whole family literacy
• Assist with the development and implementation of strategies for introducing the Reading Checkup tool to the Memphis community
• Solicit feedback from families, schools, and community organizations to guide the development of literacy activities that fit student & family needs and interests
• Build the capacity of Literacy Mid-South and schools to recruit and onboard families to Reading Checkup, including supporting community events
• Support the creation and development of effective, culturally responsive marketing and communication materials
• Manage the Family Literacy Council, including coordinating monthly meetings and ensuring fidelity to grant requirements
• Assemble communications for families
• Advocate for learners of all backgrounds and ages
• Support distribution of resources and information through take-home kits and family engagement events at schools.
• Attend professional development workshops
• Develop family-facing foundational literacy activities
• Perform other duties as requested

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 5+ years education and/or aligned community outreach work experience required
• Familiarity with i-Ready a plus
• Knowledge of reading, writing, and literacy development
• Able to communicate effectively to various audiences, including families, students, school staff, and community partners
• Excellent oral and written communication
• Comfortable with using and learning new technology/programs
• Able to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds
• Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of how to build diversity, equity, and inclusion in advancement functions; culturally and historically competent with respect to issues such as racial, cultural, religious, sexual, ableism, and gender identity. Aligned to Literacy Mid-South’s commitment to Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
• Skilled at delivering solutions in evolving, multicultural environments
• Self-motivated, organized, and able to meet deadlines
• Able to prioritize and multitask
• Models continual improvement, demonstrates lifelong learning, and applies new learning to empower all learners
• Must be able to pass a background check
• Available to work evenings and weekends if required
• Must be able to lift 30 lbs
• Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time

Benefits

• Salary range: $52,000-57,000
  • New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary between the range minimum and the salary range midpoint depending on qualifications, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the role
• Generous paid time off (PTO)
• Competitive benefits (health/dental/vision)
• Hybrid work opportunities

To apply:

Please send a resume and a cover letter to: careers@literacymidsouth.org.