Position Title: Early Literacy Education Specialist
Classification: Education Program Specialist 2
PLEASE USE THIS LINK TO APPLY: https://oregon.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/SOR_External_Career_Site/job/...
Salary: $6,230 - $9,577 (*$6,664 - $10,242 PERS)
Representation: Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Application Deadline: October 15
Join us in this exciting role and be part of a team that's redefining education in Oregon. If you're ready to make a real impact and lead the charge in early literacy, apply now! Your journey to transforming lives through literacy starts here.
This role is a hybrid of remote work and will require reporting to the office when business or operational needs are dependent on onsite activities. Remote work is embraced to the fullest extent possible without interfering with business.
Our Agency Mission and Office Culture:
The Oregon Department of Education’s (ODE’s) mission is to foster equity and excellence for every learner through collaboration with educators, partners, and communities. In fulfilling its mission, ODE has the vision to ensure all students have access to and benefit from a world-class, well–rounded, and equitable education system.
Oregon's Early Literacy Framework is intended to strengthen belonging and literacy teaching in all elementary classrooms. Its goal is to ensure that every child is proficient in reading and writing in one or more languages by the time they finish elementary school. The framework is designed to be a primary resource for district and school leaders. It consists of eight sections that work together to support culturally sensitive teaching and the use of effective reading science to ensure children's literacy and biliteracy development.
What you will do!
As our Early Literacy Community Support Specialist, you will be at the forefront of collaboration, working closely with cross-office partners, state contacts, Community Based Organizations, local communities, families, school districts, and various state representatives to bring about positive change in early literacy education.
Typical duties might include:
Lead collaborative efforts to enhance early literacy programs, partnerships, and resources at local, state, and national levels, promoting educational equity.
Develop and maintain an accessible online inventory of culturally responsive literacy tools and resources.
Coordinate research and best practices in early literacy instruction through partnerships with experts.
Monitor and evaluate the Early Literacy Success Community Grant Program, providing technical assistance and compliance guidance to grant recipients.
Analyze legislation, develop administrative rules, and contribute to agency responses, ensuring alignment with early literacy goals and educational equity.
View the entire job description here.
Minimum Qualifications (Need to have):
Master's degree in Education or related field from an accredited college or university and five years of education experience, two years of which includes leadership experience (e.g., lead teacher, program coordinator or director, school administrator).
A Doctorate in Education or related field from an accredited university may substitute for two years of education experience, but not for the two years of leadership experience.
An Oregon Standard Administrative License (issued by Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission) may substitute for the two years of leadership experience.
Desired Attributes (Nice to have):
Candidates who are the most competitive will possess a compelling combination of the following background, skills, and experience:
Literacy Expertise: Proficiency in literacy education, including K-12 initiatives, and the seamless integration of literacy concepts across all educational settings.
Partnership Building: The ability to cultivate effective relationships with various education and community partners, valuing diverse perspectives.
Communication Skills: Outstanding communication skills, including the ability to convey ideas clearly, both verbally and in writing. This includes the capacity to confidently address large audiences and simplify complex topics for diverse groups.
Project Management: A proven track record of project management, particularly in driving system-level organizational change.
Consultative Experience: Prior experience offering guidance and technical assistance to school districts, tribal communities, businesses, community organizations, and/or public entities.
Leadership: Strong leadership abilities, enabling you to guide and facilitate diverse groups with varying opinions. This requires expertise in group dynamics, problem-solving, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
Time Management: Capability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks, often within tight deadlines, demonstrating strong organizational and time-management skills.
We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every one of our listed qualifications.
Why us?
Our office prides itself on creating an inclusive, collaborative and innovative atmosphere. Autonomy is supported while also being offered opportunities to work in dedicated teams or partnerships across the agency. Our office supports a healthy work/life balance and shows genuine care for team members, students, partners and school leaders. Our team members share and educate with passion for equitable practices and sustainable development for leaders across Oregon. We maintain a constant learning and growing mentality to strive for optimum innovation and consistently applied equity practices.
Our amazing benefits include:
Excellent medical, vision and dental benefit package for the employee and qualified family members with very low monthly out-of-pocket cost
Paid days off –
11 paid holidays per year,
3 additional paid "Personal Business Days" per year,
8 hours of sick leave accumulated every month,
Progressive vacation leave accrual and increases every 5 years.
In addition to standard medical benefits and employee leave, the state also provides additional optional benefits, such as basic life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and child care expenses.
Student Loan Forgiveness Program: if you have federal student loan debt or are thinking of going back to school, then you will want to look into this program. If you make 120 qualifying payments on your student loan while working full time for a qualifying employer, your student loan debt may be forgiven.
If you currently work at an Oregon school district or education service district, we may be able to transfer in your sick leave balance!
If you have a desire to make a difference in the lives of Oregonians, apply today!
To apply:
Your cover letter and resume are the perfect opportunity to highlight your interest in the position and showcase your skills and experience that make you the best candidate for the position.
Upload a resume and cover letter.
In your cover letter, please include your qualifications relating to any of the desired attributes mentioned for this position (limit to no more than 2 pages).
External Applicants: Click on the “Apply” button and submit your resume and cover letter. Please make sure to attach all required documents in the section titled Resume/CV. View this video for help.
Internal Applicants: (this includes Current State of Oregon employees): Apply via your employee Workday account. View this job aid for help.
Informational Chats:
Would you like to learn more about this position or how our application process works? Join our Recruitment team during our ODE Career Chat Sessions. We can assist you with all your application and agency questions!
Join us every Thursday from 11:00am-11:30am.
Click Here to Join ODE Career Chats!
Meeting ID: 229 488 288 526
Passcode: gohDji
Application Tips:
Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application. Failure to attach a cover letter and resume may result in the disqualification of your application.
In addition to your related work experience and education, we will use the attributes and minimum qualifications listed under the “What we are looking for” section above to determine whom to interview. Please make sure the attributes and minimum qualifications you possess are clearly demonstrated in your resume and cover letter.
Important: Please monitor both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment. You may be asked to submit additional information after initial application.
Please contact ode.jobs@ode.oregon.gov if you have any questions on the application process.