| Job Description: |
Under the supervision of the Operations Manager, the Operations Specialist supports the operations and implementation of the New Worlds Reading Initiative, Florida’s free at-home literacy program for VPK through fifth grade students reading below grade level. The program is administered by the University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning and delivers high-quality books and family resources directly to children’s homes each month during the school year.
The Operations Team serves as the program’s central hub. It provides project management support that fosters collaboration, organization, and timely delivery. By coordinating across internal teams and affiliate partners, the team streamlines processes, improves communication, and strengthens program outcomes.
As part of this team, the Operations Specialist helps turn strategy into action by supporting projects from planning to completion, ensuring coordination among partners, and contributing to measurable literacy gains for Florida’s children and families.
About Our Program
The New Worlds Reading Initiative is Florida’s free at-home literacy program for students in VPK through fifth grade who are reading below grade level. Administered by the University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning, the program delivers high-quality, age-appropriate books directly to children’s homes each month during the school year, along with resources for families to support reading at home. Materials are available in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and braille. Since its launch in 2021, the initiative has provided millions of books to Florida students, helping children build reading skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.
The University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning’s mission is to improve the quality of teaching, learning, and childcare. We research, develop, and scale educational innovations for adults and children that put all learners on trajectories for lifelong success. Specifically, the Center targets kindergarten readiness, 3rd grade reading proficiency, and algebra proficiency as critical milestones in children's educational trajectory that are predictive of success in school and life. The Center works at the nexus of research, practice, and policy to develop sustainable systems that leverage educational technologies and improve the implementation of research-based practices. Housed in one of the nation's elite public research universities, the Center operates as a dynamic, entrepreneurial workplace focused on executing UF's service mission to strengthen the human condition and improve the quality of life. The Lastinger Center is committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining top talent by valuing diversity of thought, skill, and experience. As an equal opportunity employer, we believe in fostering environments where team members feel included, valued for their differences, and empowered to do their best work.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
General Project Management Support
- Act as project manager for a variety of initiatives and processes across the program.
- Maintain and manage project management software, providing support and training to staff outside of the operations team.
- Create and maintain standard operating procedures and documentation to ensure clarity and consistency.
- Develop, track, and monitor project timelines and deliverables.
- Maintain accurate project documentation, data, and records to ensure transparency.
- Coordinate regular reporting and evaluation activities; make recommendations for process improvements.
- Support cross-team collaboration by facilitating communication, aligning goals, and streamlining workflows.
- Assist with planning, coordination, and execution of program events, meetings, and trainings, including logistics, communications, and follow-up.
- Identify opportunities to improve processes, tools, and workflows to enhance efficiency and impact.
- Support internal stakeholder engagement by preparing communications, updates, and materials that keep teams aligned.
Vendor and Affiliate Management
- Manage relationships with vendors and affiliate partners to support program goals and ensure strong collaboration.
- Coordinate communications and serve as a primary point of contact between internal program teams and external partners.
- Facilitate project meetings to provide updates, address challenges, and track progress with vendors, affiliates, and internal stakeholders.
- Develop and maintain project plans, timelines, deliverables, and critical milestones in partnership with vendors and affiliates.
- Monitor vendor and affiliate performance, identify risks or barriers, and escalate issues as needed.
- Support the continuous development of best practices, tools, and processes to strengthen partner management and program execution.
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| Preferred: |
- Project Management: Experience managing complex projects, including planning, tracking, and coordinating cross-functional teams. Professional certification (such as PMP, CAPM, or PRINCE2) preferred but not required.
- Collaboration & Communication: Experience working with internal teams, vendors, and external partners; strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Software Proficiency: Familiarity with project management software (Asana, Trello, Smartsheet, Microsoft Project) and productivity tools (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Zoom).
- Data & Reporting: Experience maintaining project documentation, tracking progress, and generating reports for stakeholders.
- Higher Education or Nonprofit Experience: Experience in higher education, literacy programs, or nonprofit program administration.
- Flexibility & Adaptability: Ability to manage changing priorities, adapt to new processes, and work independently when needed.
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