Coordinator of Special Projects, Philadelphia Reads

Posted by on October 15, 2004

Immediate Job Opportunity
Coordinator of Special Projects ? PHILADELPHIA READS

When the President’s Summit for America’s Promise met in Philadelphia in 1997, educators, legislators, and other community leaders discussed ways to help build the character and competence of America’s youth. As a part of America’s Promise, PHILADELPHIA READS was formed to enhance the literacy experiences of Philadelphia’s students in kindergarten through third grade, ensuring that they will be able to read well and independently.

PHILADELPHIA READS works with individuals, schools, community and faith-based organizations and businesses to provide mentors, resources and advocacy for in-school, after school and summer programs. Together these partners and PHILADELPHIA READS help to strengthen the literacy skills of Philadelphia’s youngest and neediest school children.

PHILADELPHIA READS is a collaborative effort with the School District and Free Library of Philadelphia. It is an initiative of the Office of the Mayor and an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition.

Specific Duties:

? Representation at meetings with various stakeholders from schools, community and faith based organizations
? Supervision of the Volunteer Program
? Supervision of office staff
? Management of consultants
? Responsible for overall administrative functions including program design, management and assessment
? Assist in the development of fiscal and programmatic reports and end of year summary
* Management of budget related operations including oversight of expenditures, processing invoices, petty cash, and other bookkeeping functions
? Responsible for maintaining and implementing Reading Is Fundamental
? Serve as Chair of Community Literacy Coalition including communications and event planning
? Establish and maintain productive partnerships with schools, community based organizations, businesses and funders
? Researching , reacting to, and organizing responses to public policy issues surrounding the mission of PHILADELPHIA READS
? Updating website, organizational handouts and oversight of information technology needs

Qualifications
* Outstanding ability to communicate with a wide range of people, including but not limited to directors and professional staff of large corporations, program officers of both large and small foundations, and university staff and students.
* Experience in program administration in an educational or social service setting.
* Experience in supervision of office staff
* Ability to work independently and as part of a group
* Ability to handle multi-tasks simultaneously and effectively
* Exercise good time management skills
* Able to negotiate small to large boxes of books
* Skill and complete compatibility with the Microsoft Office Suite. Knowledge of Corel Word Perfect, Quicken and familiarity with database management.

Education
* Minimum of a Bachelor?s degree in Education, Liberal Arts or Social Work. Experience in indicated duties and qualifications are essential and will be used to determine salary level.

Salary and Benefits

? Salary ranges from low to mid thirties with some flexibility predicated on education and experience.
? Full range of benefits is available under the auspices of the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition and includes health, dental and vision benefits as well as participation in the 403(b) Retirement Plan. It should be noted that this position is not related to the bargaining organizations of the City of Philadelphia nor the School District of Philadelphia
? Position is contingent upon outside funding

PHILADELPHIA READS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender nor sexual preference.

Resumes with cover letter should be sent to Thomas S. Jacoby, Executive Director, PHILADELPHIA READS, 1207 Chestnut Street, 6th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107 via mail or fax (215) 851-1953.