Literacy Program Manager

Literacy Program Manager

The City of Richmond is seeking a dedicated and experienced Literacy Program Manager to support Richmond's Literacy for Every Adult Program (LEAP), a program of the Richmond Public Library within the Community Services Department. LEAP provides adult learners with access to basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, English as a Second Language (ESL), digital literacy training, family literacy support, and individualized tutoring services.

The Literacy Program Manager plays an important role in supporting programs that help adult learners strengthen essential skills, pursue educational and career goals, and increase access to community resources. LEAP offers small-group classes both in person and online, along with one-on-one support from volunteer tutors. Classes are currently offered on weekdays and evenings, with plans to expand evening and Saturday offerings to better meet the community's needs.

The ideal candidate will bring strong communication, organization, leadership, and community partnership skills, along with experience supporting adult learners and grant-funded programs. The successful candidate will be committed to literacy, lifelong learning, equity, and helping Richmond residents build the skills needed to thrive personally, academically, and professionally.

Annual salary for this classification is as high as $125,876.16, at the top of the range, with approved Cost of Living Adjustments on July 1, 2027 (5%). City-paid benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid vacation, holidays, administrative leave days, sick time, CalPERS retirement contribution, life insurance, disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, annual professional development reimbursement, four weeks of paid parental leave, and more! All benefit information can be found in our Benefits Summary.

The Literacy Program Manager plans, implements, coordinates, and evaluates the Literacy for Every Adult Program (LEAP) at the library. Prepares budgets, grant requests, and reports for library administration and funding sources, and supervises the literacy team.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This class is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and managing a major literacy program. The Literacy Program Manager reports directly to the Deputy Director - Libraries and uses considerable judgment, initiative, and independence in planning, directing, and managing the program's work activities.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Strong public speaking and communication skills.
• Proficiency with modern office software, including Microsoft Office.
• Ability to multitask and manage competing deadlines and priorities.
• Ability to speak and understand multiple languages.
• Experience preparing grant applications and reports.
• Experience leading teams and managing change.
• Experience working with adult learning populations.
• Experience developing and maintaining community partnerships.
• Experience developing and evaluating literacy materials or curriculum.

The City of Richmond is the City of Pride and Purpose, and we value these traits in our employees!

The following list is intended to be illustrative in nature and does not necessarily represent the entire range of work duties expected of employees within the job classification.

• Plans and manages the day-to-day operations of the adult literacy program.
• Researches, analyzes, develops, and implements instructional methods and materials for the literacy program, and monitors the use and need for additional or new materials.
• Recruits, hires, supervises, and evaluates the work of assigned support staff.
• Develops and trains staff to ensure literacy program students receive individualized and effective instruction.
• Establishes networking partnerships, maintains relationships and regular communication with local agencies, literacy service providers, and city departments to advocate for and promote the literacy program.
• Creates and maintains a communications plan that results in high visibility for literacy services in the library and the community.
• Monitors budget expenditures and provides reporting for Library administration and funding sources.
• Develops literacy materials for use by staff and tutors and coordinates the procurement and distribution of such materials.
• Prepares the program budget in alignment with the program's goals and objectives.
• Administers all literacy grants and grant requests, and researches program funding sources.
• May be required to work nights and weekends.
• Performs related work as required.

Master's degree from an accredited college or university in a field relevant to adult literacy instruction

Three (3) to five (5) years of related experience, including two (2) years of experience in teaching/tutoring adults, volunteer coordination and program management, and one (1) year of supervisory experience

Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities

Must be able to travel to various locations within and outside of Richmond to meet program needs and to fulfill the job responsibilities. When driving on City business, maintenance of a valid California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record is required.

It is the City's policy that all persons hired on or after October 18, 2021, must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, including the booster. New employees will be required to provide proof of full vaccination or have an approved medical or religious accommodation before employment may commence. If you have any questions regarding this policy, please contact Human Resources.

Knowledge of:

• Literacy Program administration
• Methods and materials used in literacy instruction including online educational programs
• Objectives, standards, and trends in adult literacy instruction
• Administrative policies and procedures
• Budgetary goal setting and implementation
• Grant writing principles and practices
• Modern office practices and equipment, including applicable software

Skill in:

• Organization and time management
• Customer Service

Ability to:

• Develop and implement literacy program methods and materials to provide a tailored instructional approach that meets the specific needs of students
• Compose and communicate clear and concise information in written correspondence, reports and learning materials
• Supervise and direct the work of others
• Train staff in the use of specific methods and materials for literacy instruction
• Demonstrate good judgement and decision making
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Speak publicly and conduct presentations
• Maintain accurate records
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

Application and Selection Process

Interested individuals must apply online by fully completing the City of Richmond Employment Application, including answers to supplemental questions, by 11:59 p.m. PST on the final filing date. Incomplete applications or those lacking in sufficiently detailed information will be rejected. Resumes or prior applications will not be accepted in lieu of a thoroughly completed application. All communication regarding this recruitment will be via email. Each applicant must apply with a monitored email address.

Qualifying Phase: All completed applications will be evaluated based on job-related qualifications criteria, which could include desirable qualifications and the specific needs of the hiring department(s). Candidates may be screened for better qualified.

Examination Phase: A limited number of the most qualified candidates, as determined by a review of their application materials, will be evaluated and scored based on job-related qualifications and responses to the supplemental questions. An Employment List will be established, and placement on the list will be based solely on the information provided in the Employment Application and responses to the Supplemental Questions. A minimum score of 70% is required to pass.

Employment Eligibility List: A ranking of "A" (Best Qualified), "B" (Well Qualified), or "C" (Qualified) is required to achieve a position on the Employment Eligibility List. This List will be in effect for a maximum of two (2) years; however, the list may be canceled without notice after six (6) months.