Project Manager I

Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

The New Worlds Reading, Engagement Coordinator will support the development, implementation, and ongoing management and coordination of the New Worlds Reading Initiative Engagement Team. The Engagement Coordinator will support the Engagement Manager with ensuring project coordination and implementation alignment with university, departmental, and state goals. This position will be located in the Central Florida / Orange County area and is time-limited.

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 a broad range of thought, skill, and experience. We believe in fostering environments where team members feel respected, valued, and empowered to do their best work. 

Responsibilities may include: 

Project Coordination:

• Develop and maintain project plans, including timelines and milestones
• Effectively set and communicate project expectations to team members 
• Facilitate team meetings, develop and deliver progress reports, proposals, requirements documentation, and presentations
• Establish and maintain relationships with key partners including district POCs and community organizations to understand their needs, ensure alignment on objectives, and ensure ongoing buy-in across all project and program activities 
• Proactively coordinate and communicate ongoing changes in project and program scope, identify potential crises, and develop contingency plans 
• Support the development of best practices and tools for execution
• Execute strategies for operational efficiencies

Participant Recruitment and Partnership Building:

• Engage in market and literature review to understand how to effectively engage and support students, caregivers, schools, districts, and community organizations in service of a common goal 
• Review and disaggregate data to identify gaps and target regions/organizations for recruitment and engagement
• Develop, in collaboration with team, a recruitment strategy that specifically identifies families of children eligible for the book delivery program, with a particular focus on the most hard-to-reach communities in the state 
• Connect directly with families and educators to determine the needs and inform the design of the project and subsequent products and services 
• Build relationships with community and statewide partners to support ongoing family recruitment and enrollment efforts
• Establish and maintain relationships with key partner groups to understand their needs, ensure alignment on objectives, and ensure ongoing buy-in across all project activities
• Ensure partners are adequately supported with appropriate information, messaging, and marketing tool kits to optimize communication with eligible families 

Support

• Logistical support for literacy events, family literacy workshops, professional development events, workshops, and meetings
• Troubleshoot challenges and address them as they arise; coordinate with other project staff providing implementation support to ensure consistency and effective communication structures 
• Provide support to the Engagement Manager, other leadership team members for the New Worlds Reading Initiative, and support executive leadership as requested

$65,000- $75,000

Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• 3+ years experience in project coordination 
• Experience and success working with varied communities and/or low-income families
• Experience in management/coordination of multiple tasks and projects within a cohesive system
• Strong relational, organizational, and communication skills
• Experience working directly in communities with local organizations/nonprofits 

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.