Reading Allowed is the only literacy nonprofit in Philadelphia to provide structured literacy tutoring delivered by certified and experienced tutors. High quality structured literacy tutoring is cost-prohibitive for many students, and Reading Allowed is committed to breaking down this barrier. Reading Allowed ensures that this high-caliber instruction is accessible to all struggling readers, regardless of financial circumstances. The quality of instruction and dedication to equity is what sets Reading Allowed apart from other literacy organizations.
Because of its unique niche in reading instruction in Philadelphia, Reading Allowed has experienced exponential growth since its founding in 2019 – increasing its budget tenfold since 2020, proving the need in the community and the sustainability of the organization. Reading Allowed has served more than 700 students and trained 45 tutors and is positioned to continue its growth to meet the needs of the Philadelphia community.
Mission: To provide struggling readers of all ages, regardless of their ability to pay, with individualized evidence based structured literacy instruction in schools, prisons and communities, delivered by highly trained instructors. We are dedicated to promptly identifying children at risk of reading failure, providing appropriate instruction and sharing the tools to implement best practices.
The next Executive Director will be a visionary and experienced non-profit executive who leads from a human-centered and community-led approach. They serve as the strategic and operational leader of Reading Allowed. Working in partnership with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director ensures alignment around vision and mission and the achievement of key strategic goals.
Our Values:
- Equity: We provide access to the highest quality literacy instruction regardless of financial circumstances. This will help to combat systemic injustices.
- Inclusion: Everyone, of any age, actual and perceived gender, race, ethnicity, religion, orientation and circumstance, is welcome.
- Respect: We treat all stakeholders with the utmost respect and value all points of view.
- Compassion: We recognize that each person comes to us with their own story and we work hard to understand and empathize to ensure the best possible outcome.
- Quality: We are committed to providing the highest quality instruction and to ensuring we are up to date with the latest developments in the science of reading.
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and implement a strategic plan aligned with Reading Allowed’s mission and long-term goals.
- Identify and pursue growth opportunities to expand the organization’s impact on literacy and education.
- Ensure alignment between programs, partnerships, and organization objectives to maximize effectiveness.
Operational Management
- Oversee daily operations, ensuring efficiency, compliance and adherence to organizational policies.
- Review and adapt organizational structure to ensure effective and efficient operations.
- Manage budgets, financial planning, and resource allocation to support sustainable program delivery.
- Establish and implement robust evaluation methods to assess program performance and organizational metrics to inform decision-making, program design, and resource allocation.
Fundraising and Financial Oversight
- Design and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies, including grant applications, donor campaigns, and sponsorship initiatives.
- Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, sponsors, and funding agencies to secure financial support.
- Ensure financial sustainability through sound fiscal management, adequate cash reserves, and diversified revenue streams.
Board Relations
- Collaborate with the board of directors to set organizational priorities and ensure effective governance.
- Provide regular updates on operational, financial, and programmatic progress.
- Engage board members in strategic discussions, fundraising efforts, and advocacy initiatives.
- In partnership with board members, drive efforts to be a more diverse and inclusive board.
- Evolve governance to ensure support of strategic goals.
- Strengthen the board-staff partnership.
Team Leadership
- Lead and model student- and community-centered approach ensuring every decision is in service of students and the communities that support them.
- Inspire, mentor, and lead staff, to foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and commitment to literacy and education.
- Oversee recruitment, professional development, and performance management of team members.
- Promote an inclusive and supportive work environment that empowers all employees.
Public Leader and Advocate
- Serve as the primary spokesperson for Reading Allowed, representing the organization at community events, conferences, and public forums.
- Foster strong relationships with board members, partners, community leaders, and the broader public to enhance the organization’s profile and reach.
- Develop and oversee communication strategies to effectively share the organization’s mission, impact, and initiatives.
- Represent Reading Allowed with education stakeholders and policymakers to promote evidence-based literacy practices and equitable access to reading support.
Qualifications
- Skills and experience to deliver on key responsibilities.
- Proven experience in non-profit leadership and fundraising.
- Knowledge and understanding of the Philadelphia School District and the literacy and education landscape in Philadelphia is preferred.
- Deep understanding and passion for reading, literacy, and education.
Compensation and Benefits
Reading Allowed has a flexible work environment including hybrid work arrangements. Regular in-person staff meetings are held in Center City and onsite with school partners.
The starting salary for the Executive Director position is $130,000. Employees have access to a benefits package through the Professional Employer Organization CLEAR. Reading Allowed provides generous time off including two office closures for winter and spring break.
Application Process
The anticipated interview process includes:
- Telephone screen
- Zoom interview with the Search Committee
- Conversation with the current Executive Director
- In-person interview with the Board of Directors
If you see yourself reflected in this job description but don’t feel you meet every criterion, we encourage you to apply anyway. We take a holistic and equitable approach to our hiring practices and seek to hire those who best align with our mission and goals.
To apply: Please submit your cover letter and resumé to RA_EDSearch@fairmountinc.com. Quick Apply applications through LinkedIn will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
For questions, please contact Lori Blair, Vice President, Fairmount Ventures: lblair@fairmountinc.com; 215.717.5129.
Reading Allowed is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.