Raising A Reader Massachusetts

Organizational Overview  Currently in Massachusetts, two thirds of children from low-income families enter kindergarten without the literacy skills they need to succeed. Raising A Reader MA (RAR-MA) directly addresses this need by providing the books and family education to ensure all children enter kindergarten with a foundation for success. Founded in 2006, RAR-MA annually serves approximately 7,500 children. Over the next few years, RAR-MA plans to deepen its impact in Massachusetts. We are seeking a bilingual (Spanish and English) Program Manager with passion for our mission to manage a portfolio of program partners in the western part of the state to ensure effective implementation of the RAR-MA program in alignment with fidelity to our model.   PROGRAM MANAGER   REPORTS TO: Associate Program Director/Team Lead   START DATE: June 2023   Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement  Diversity is at the core of our Mission, Vision, and Values. We are an inclusive organization, at all levels. To us, this signifies a commitment to being a workplace that fully embraces and reflects the different cultures, backgrounds, and viewpoints of our team and the community groups we serve. We seek qualified candidates who hold these values and help us to continue to recognize and celebrate the diversity among us, our community, and the world. RAR-MA is an equal opportunity employer.  We seek to broaden our team to reflect that strength, and we encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply for this position.   Position Summary  The Program Manager (PM) is a vital member of the program team who is primarily responsible for leading efforts to ensure parents and caregivers are exposed to our dual intervention program. This includes managing existing partnerships with early education organizations, facilitating events for families with children birth to six, building awareness for RAR-MA in the community, and participating in strategic projects to deepen or expand RAR-MA programming.    This position is ideal for a professional who thrives on developing strong relationships, has experience training adults, seeks to advance early literacy at home, and is solution oriented with an entrepreneurial spirit. The PM will be supervised by an Associate Program Director and collaborate with all program staff.   Key Responsibilities:  Program Partnerships: Maintain and develop relationships with assigned partners across primarily Pioneer Valley, specifically Springfield and Holyoke. Collaborate with partners to ensure effective RAR-MA implementation in alignment and with fidelity to our model. Facilitate periodic training, regular communications and activities, and ongoing support and coaching in accordance with the annual program calendar. Explore expansion of existing partnerships in the assigned portfolio and support recruitment as needed to meet regional goals.   Family Engagement: Plan, coordinate, and facilitate family engagement dialogic reading workshops and events onsite and online. Participate in RAR-MA and partner-led community events that engage with families with children age birth to six. Promote events and support high engagement through effective RAR-MA and partner supported outreach and marketing.    Community Presence: Collaborate with community stakeholders, including local literacy councils, libraries, and Community Ambassador volunteers in the assigned region. Develop a deep understanding of early literacy initiatives and organizations in the community. Attend events and actively participate in community groups as appropriate to effectively promote RAR-MA.   Program Monitoring and Reporting: Utilize Salesforce to document program activities in an accurate and timely manner throughout the year to track progress towards annual, regional, and organizational goals. Collect family and partner stories to demonstrate program impact as needed. Provide input into annual program budget development and manage program expenses at a portfolio level.  Respond to additional data or informational requests to support grant writing and reporting, funder inquiries, or communications and development initiatives.   Strategic Projects and Events: Lead or support program initiatives, such as statewide events, curriculum or program delivery improvements, project-based intern or volunteer management, and annual grant deliverables that align with organizational needs. Support cross-department projects or events as requested.    Skills and Qualifications  You are passionate about the RAR-MA mission and are excited to work with families, early literacy professionals, and community stakeholders to bring that mission to life.   You are committed to inspire a love for reading and early literacy in families through an interactive and strengths-based approach.   You come with 3+ years of experience in early childhood development, education, literacy, human or social services or another related field.   You are committed to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace and the community. You have a respectful communication style and can effectively communicate with individuals of varied cultural and educational backgrounds.   You have experience with relationship management and group facilitation with adults. You are committed to working across teams and perspectives to achieve shared goals and outcomes.   You are a forever learner who is solutions oriented and embraces a growth mindset for continuous improvement in the role.   You have excellent time management and can effectively balance competing priorities.   You are comfortable with technology, such as Microsoft 365 (e.g., OneDrive, Office), GSuite, Canva, and Zoom. Experience with Salesforce or another database platform is a plus.   You are a self-starter with a demonstrated ability to work autonomously and effectively without close supervision, yet also have the judgement to ask for help when needed.   Requirements:   Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent professional/life experience in Education, Human Services, or another related field.   Bilingual in English and Spanish.   Car and valid U.S. driver’s license. This position requires traveling within the community, to and from office site locations.   This position is full time, based in Pioneer Valley, with an annual salary of $50,000.00 - $55,000.00 commensurate with experience. Work can be flexible to allow for working in different locations, while recognizing that certain events, times, and needs will influence the exact schedule, allowing for attendance at events in the evening and/or weekends as needed. RAR-MA offers a competitive benefits package, including holiday, sick, vacation and personal paid time, health, dental, and life insurance, and a flexible, collaborative environment as part of the overall compensation considerations.    Note:  Vaccination is a condition of employment. RAR-MA has a vaccination policy that was created based on the information available from the CDC and local authorities as of 09/01/2021.  We understand that information is evolving, and we reserve the right to amend and/or update the policy based on updated guidance from the CDC, local authorities, and/or business needs.     To apply: Please send a resume and cover letter describing how your skill set and experience meet the qualifications of the position and including how you heard about this opportunity, both in PDF format. Please include the email subject, “Program Manager application” to careers@raisingareaderma.org       Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. RAR-MA staff will begin reviewing applications upon receipt.   

Organizational Overview Currently in Massachusetts, two thirds of children from low-income families enter kindergarten without the literacy skills they need to succeed. Raising A Reader MA (RAR-MA) directly addresses this need by providing the books and family education to ensure all children enter kindergarten with a foundation for success. Founded in 2006, RAR-MA annually serves approximately 7,500 children. Over the next few years, RAR-MA plans to deepen its impact in Massachusetts. We are seeking a bilingual (Spanish and English) Program Manager with passion for our mission to manage a portfolio of program partners in the western part of the state to ensure effective implementation of the RAR-MA program in alignment with fidelity to our model. PROGRAM MANAGER REPORTS TO: Associate Program Director/Team Lead START DATE: June 2023 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement Diversity is at the core of our Mission, Vision, and Values. We are an inclusive organization, at all levels. To us, this signifies a commitment to being a workplace that fully embraces and reflects the different cultures, backgrounds, and viewpoints of our team and the community groups we serve. We seek qualified candidates who hold these values and help us to continue to recognize and celebrate the diversity among us, our community, and the world. RAR-MA is an equal opportunity employer.  We seek to broaden our team to reflect that strength, and we encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply for this position. Position Summary The Program Manager (PM) is a vital member of the program team who is primarily responsible for leading efforts to ensure parents and caregivers are exposed to our dual intervention program. This includes managing existing partnerships with early education organizations, facilitating events for families with children birth to six, building awareness for RAR-MA in the community, and participating in strategic projects to deepen or expand RAR-MA programming. This position is ideal for a professional who thrives on developing strong relationships, has experience training adults, seeks to advance early literacy at home, and is solution oriented with an entrepreneurial spirit. The PM will be supervised by an Associate Program Director and collaborate with all program staff. Key Responsibilities Program Partnerships: Maintain and develop relationships with assigned partners across primarily Pioneer Valley, specifically Springfield and Holyoke. Collaborate with partners to ensure effective RAR-MA implementation in alignment and with fidelity to our model. Facilitate periodic training, regular communications and activities, and ongoing support and coaching in accordance with the annual program calendar. Explore expansion of existing partnerships in the assigned portfolio and support recruitment as needed to meet regional goals. Family Engagement: Plan, coordinate, and facilitate family engagement dialogic reading workshops and events onsite and online. Participate in RAR-MA and partner-led community events that engage with families with children age birth to six. Promote events and support high engagement through effective RAR-MA and partner supported outreach and marketing. Community Presence: Collaborate with community stakeholders, including local literacy councils, libraries, and Community Ambassador volunteers in the assigned region. Develop a deep understanding of early literacy initiatives and organizations in the community. Attend events and actively participate in community groups as appropriate to effectively promote RAR-MA. Program Monitoring and Reporting: Utilize Salesforce to document program activities in an accurate and timely manner throughout the year to track progress towards annual, regional, and organizational goals. Collect family and partner stories to demonstrate program impact as needed. Provide input into annual program budget development and manage program expenses at a portfolio level.  Respond to additional data or informational requests to support grant writing and reporting, funder inquiries, or communications and development initiatives. Strategic Projects and Events: Lead or support program initiatives, such as statewide events, curriculum or program delivery improvements, project-based intern or volunteer management, and annual grant deliverables that align with organizational needs. Support cross-department projects or events as requested. Skills and Qualifications You are passionate about the RAR-MA mission and are excited to work with families, early literacy professionals, and community stakeholders to bring that mission to life. You are committed to inspire a love for reading and early literacy in families through an interactive and strengths-based approach. You come with 3+ years of experience in early childhood development, education, literacy, human or social services or another related field. You are committed to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace and the community. You have a respectful communication style and can effectively communicate with individuals of varied cultural and educational backgrounds. You have experience with relationship management and group facilitation with adults. You are committed to working across teams and perspectives to achieve shared goals and outcomes. You are a forever learner who is solutions oriented and embraces a growth mindset for continuous improvement in the role. You have excellent time management and can effectively balance competing priorities. You are comfortable with technology, such as Microsoft 365 (e.g., OneDrive, Office), GSuite, Canva, and Zoom. Experience with Salesforce or another database platform is a plus. You are a self-starter with a demonstrated ability to work autonomously and effectively without close supervision, yet also have the judgement to ask for help when needed. Requirements Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent professional/life experience in Education, Human Services, or another related field. Bilingual in English and Spanish. Car and valid U.S. driver’s license. This position requires traveling within the community, to and from office site locations. This position is full time, based in Pioneer Valley, with an annual salary of $50,000 - $55,000 commensurate with experience. Work can be flexible to allow for working in different locations, while recognizing that certain events, times, and needs will influence the exact schedule, allowing for attendance at events in the evening and/or weekends as needed. RAR-MA offers a competitive benefits package, including holiday, sick, vacation and personal paid time, health, dental, and life insurance, and a flexible, collaborative environment as part of the overall compensation considerations.   Note: Vaccination is a condition of employment. RAR-MA has a vaccination policy that was created based on the information available from the CDC and local authorities as of 09/01/2021.  We understand that information is evolving, and we reserve the right to amend and/or update the policy based on updated guidance from the CDC, local authorities, and/or business needs.   To apply: Please send a resume and cover letter describing how your skill set and experience meet the qualifications of the position and including how you heard about this opportunity, both in PDF format. Please include the email subject, “Program Manager application” to careers@raisingareaderma.org Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. RAR-MA staff will begin reviewing applications upon receipt.

Organizational Overview  Currently in Massachusetts, two thirds of children from low-income families enter kindergarten without the literacy skills they need to succeed. Raising A Reader MA (RAR-MA) directly addresses this need by providing the books and family education to ensure all children enter kindergarten with a foundation for success. Since its founding in 2006, RAR-MA annually serves approximately 7,500 children. Over the next few years, RAR-MA plans to deepen its impact in Massachusetts. We are seeking an experienced, well-connected development professional to refine our development strategy and lead fundraising, with a particular focus on increasing individual and corporate giving.    Position Summary  The Director of Development (DOD) will report to the Executive Director and participate as a member of a three-person Executive Leadership Team, which includes the Director of Programs. The Director of Development is responsible for working with the Executive Director and Board of Directors and is the primary staff liaison to the Development Committee and Marketing and Communications Committee, to strategically target development efforts to grow revenues and relationships over time and increase the community of funders . The Director of Development will lead and be supported by the Development Team which includes a part-time remote contract Grant Manager, a full-time Development and Communications Manager, and a part-time remote Executive Admin and Data Analytics Manager.   The DOD provides high level strategic leadership, execution, and operational management of the organization’s current and future development activities, while also focusing on increasing the organization's ability to attract and retain donors. The DOD is responsible for creating annual and multi-year strategic development plans and for providing leadership and oversight for all fundraising activities including major gifts, annual funds, special events, corporate, foundation, and government support, and new opportunities. Currently the organization raises approximately $750,000-$900,000 per year through philanthropic support from foundations, corporations, and individuals.    The successful candidate will be drawn to the RAR-MA team culture that values a close, congenial spirit of family and is laser focused on the mission and the beneficiary communities, partners, and families, while creating a donor centric relationship with funders. Our team works co-creatively, cooperatively, and collaboratively. Since RAR-MA operates in Boston and Gateway cities across the Commonwealth, RAR-MA staff is adept at working collaboratively and remotely using electronic shared resources.  Work time for the Director of Development can be flexible with in-office time and remote work, while recognizing that donor meetings, board meetings, networking and industry events, and other needs may require flexibility throughout the day and evening.    Key Responsibilities   Development Strategy   Provide overall development strategy and leadership, with a particular emphasis on developing and executing the organization’s short- and long-term fundraising strategies for high-level individual giving as well as strategies that build on RAR-MA’s signature and successful Dinner with an Author Gala and other events.   Build on recent development strategy planning by refining and executing the annual plan for fundraising, including identification of growth areas, measures of success, return on investment, and supporting metrics.   Increase support from individuals, including major gifts, in support of RAR-MA’s long-term sustainability and growth strategy.     Development Execution   Drive and execute identification, research, cultivation, and stewardship work to attract new donors, deepen relationships with existing donors and ensure a rewarding donor experience to increase retention and giving annually.   Become a high-level expert in RAR-MA programming and be able to speak knowledgeably, passionately, and compellingly about organizational impact, current success stories, and programmatic initiatives.   Collaborate with Director of Programs to ensure that funding is aligned with program needs and activities   Work efficiently, coordinate and lead efforts across roles, and strategically build on organizational strengths to improve return on investment, conversion of event attendees to donors, and donor retention with an overall focus on outcomes.   Manage development budget and revenue forecasting and report results in a timely manner   Utilize the capabilities of the existing CRM system (Salesforce) and other donor resources to manage the entire donation process and produce reports that inform development efforts.   Oversee events, managing expenses and making use of outside event consultants if cost-effective in maximizing staff time and return on investment.   Oversee grants, including weekly pipeline reviews and whole organization participation in grant preparation, site visits, and reporting that strengthens grants capacity, making use of contract grant writers as needed.   Oversee consultants and vendors working in development areas, ensuring that all fundraising and communication initiatives are strategic, effective, and focused on outcomes.   Oversee all public relations and marketing efforts by working closely with the Development and Communications Manager   Supervise and support the Development and Communications Manager in the creation of clear and compelling communications to institutional funders, donors, and community members     Supervise and support the Data Analytics Manager to maximize efficiencies, complement revenue growth strategy and conduct donor research.    Qualifications  Passion for our mission   5+ years of development experience, including at the executive level, to earn the respect and support of various constituencies including the Board, team, donors, press, community leaders, and partners   Experience in creating annual fundraising plans and development calendars   Proven record of measurable accomplishments in fundraising, particularly in the areas of individual major gifts, and corporate giving, with a working knowledge of all other aspects of fundraising, such as annual campaigns, special events, foundation support, and local, state, and federal funding opportunities   Ability to think creatively and identify new opportunities   Demonstrated success in securing individual and corporate donors and stewarding existing relationships   Exceptional interpersonal, networking, written, presentation and verbal communication skills   Eagerness to learn, grow, and stay on top of trends in philanthropy and early literacy    Excellent ability to write and edit persuasive materials    Exceptional time, task, project management and organizational skills focused on both short-term and long-term strategy with an attention to detail   Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and effectively without close supervision   Willingness to function effectively as a member of a team and to participate in activities that will contribute to the organization’s overall success   Strong understanding and practice of cultural humility and respect for others   Proficiency in Salesforce, other CRM, or fundraising software and/or systems   Bachelor’s degree or equivalent life/professional experience   RAR-MA encourages individuals of all backgrounds to apply for this position. Raising A Reader MA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to creating a multicultural organization.  We celebrate the diversity of our world and our community, and we seek to build a team that reflects that strength.    This position is full-time, based in Boston, MA and with some remote work flexibility.  The annual salary of $100K is commensurate with experience. RAR-MA offers a competitive benefits package and a flexible, collaborative environment as part of the overall compensation considerations.   Note:  Vaccination is a condition of employment. RAR-MA has a vaccination policy that was created based on the information available from the CDC and local authorities as of 09/01/2021.  We understand that information is evolving daily, and we reserve the right to amend and/or update the policy based on updated guidance from the CDC, local authorities, and/or business needs.     To apply : Please send a resume and cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for the position, as well as a writing sample, to careers@raisingareaderma.org . Please state where you learned of this opportunity.   Please note that we will be reviewing application submissions on a rolling basis and expect to begin the interview process after January 1, 2023, in order to meet year-end priorities and dedicate our full attention to the hiring process. We hope to have the Director of Development in place by the end of the first quarter of 2023.