Adult Literacy Program Assistant Director

Posted by on August 29, 2011

Adult Literacy Program Assistant Director

The Mayor’s Commission on Literacy is moving forward dynamically to create a system that engages all adults in Philadelphia in lifelong learning for their economic success, civic engagement, and personal development.  The Adult Literacy Program Assistant Director is a member of a closely-knit staff team that will develop  a learning management system for adult literacy in Philadelphia, establish standards, develop community partnerships, develop volunteerism, raise quality, evaluate, and extend services on a very large scale (500,000 + learners).  This work will require significant knowledge of workforce education and the use of new learning technologies, including web-based and mobile learning.  It will also require experience in change management, systems change, and community development.   The Mayor’s Commission will assist the literacy and workforce development providers and public and private partners throughout  Philadelphia with the tools, skills, capacity and knowledge they need to  build communities of learners throughout the city, and to achieve the vision of Philadelphia becoming a national leader in literacy.

Required skills, credentials and experience:  Bachelors’ required, Master’s degree preferred in social science, education, project management, or a closely related field. Knowledge of and experience with adult education or with the learner population for adult literacy,   and extensive knowledge of workforce education systems and literacy in the context of workforce education are essential.  Demonstrated ability to work with community-based organizations in Philadelphia; experience as a trainer of  adult educators. Outstanding public speaking/presentation skills; outstanding written skills.  Knowledge of adult literacy, workforce preparation, adult education providers, social service agencies and neighborhood resources in Philadelphia. Understanding of distance learning best practices, platforms, and use  of social networking tools in adult education. Experience with program development in adult education and workforce development. Research and data-driven. Experience  with change strategies. Experience in building learning communities.   Experience with digital curriculum development and best practices in teaching using instructional technologies desired.  Responsibilities will include:

•    Help to build neighborhood-based learning communities;
•    Research, compile, and develop  curricula that incorporate practical  applications that teach literacy, numeracy, digital skills, information literacy, and “soft” skills along with work skills in particular industry sectors;
•    Provide technical assistance to build capacity in workforce education agencies and organizations, neighborhood-based organizations, and literacy organizations;
•    Volunteer organization and training;
•    Referral management;
•    Budget management and compliance with guidelines set by funders and The Mayor’s Commission on Literacy;

•    Provide timely information to the communications and to the field for all activities;

•    Develop proposals for project activities and for funding;

•    Represent the agency in appropriate forums;

•    Participate in agency events and activities as appropriate, including evenings and weekends as needed;

•    Participate in and support all team and other Mayor’s Commission activities;

•    Provide support on request for mailings, phone coverage, or logistics of meetings as needed.
•    Data analysis and reporting to the staff and board of the Commission, funders, and the field to inform program improvement make recommendations for future work, and on progress toward achieving goals.
•    Model expert distance, face to face, and blended learning.
Program team members spend the majority of their time in the field.

Reports to the Director of Adult Literacy Programs

Salary $50,000.

This position is Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation position.

To apply for this position:  Submit all of the following documents electronically
1.     A detailed cover letter expressing specifically how your education, experience and skills can help the Mayor’s Commission carry out its ambitious agenda.
2.   Attach a detailed résumé.  Include home address, including Philadelphia zip code in the application materials.
3.    Provide names, titles and contact information including daytime phone and email address of three references, and indicate for each one the nature of the person’s relationship to you.  Ideally, references should include one recent or current supervisor; a recent or current professional colleague; and a subordinate.
4.   Provide examples of your range of professional work.  You may provide URLs for materials that are currently available online.
Send all documents to:  Dr. Judith Renyi at RenyiJ@FreeLibrary.org
Submit applications immediately.  Review of candidates is immediate and the search will be concluded by September 15, 2011.

For more information contact:  Judith Renyi
Email: renyij@freelibrary.org

The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Minorities are encouraged to apply.