Assistant Director of Literacy (K-12)

Position Title: Assistant Director of Literacy (K-12)

Salary Schedule: State-Based Plus Local Supplement

Department: Teaching & Learning

Job Code:

Reports To: Executive Director, K-5 Teaching & Learning

Work Schedule: 240 days

Grade/Level:  N/A

FLSA: Exempt

Primary Function: The Assistant Director of Literacy (K-12) is an instructional leadership role that focuses on overseeing, enhancing, and aligning literacy programs across all grade levels, from K to 12. The Assistant Director works closely with district and school administrators, teachers, and other stakeholders to develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive literacy initiatives that support students' reading, writing, and language development. The Assistant Director leads the districtwide implementation of the Science of Reading (SOR) and evidence-based literacy practices from kindergarten through grade 12, ensuring consistency. The Assistant Director focuses on fostering excellence in literacy and literacy leadership development. This position develops systems and processes to ensure consistency in literacy pedagogy and practices across all classrooms and school leadership teams. This role is responsible for driving student literacy achievement and promoting a culture of lifelong learning. The role ensures that literacy strategies align with district goals, improve student achievement, and prepare students for success.

Working Conditions:

Physical Demands:

Office Environment

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard

Constant Interruptions

Hearing and speaking to exchange information

Seeing to read a variety of materials

Sitting for extended periods of time

Bending at the waist, kneeling, or crouching to file materials

Must hold or be eligible for a Georgia Level 6 certificate or higher in related field. Educational Leadership certification preferred.

Reading Endorsement and/or Science of Reading credentialling required.

Minimum five (5) years of successful teaching experience.

Leadership experience at the local school required.

Deep knowledge of K-12 evidenced-based literacy practices, strong pedagogical knowledge of the Science of Reading, and strong knowledge of current literacy research trends and development   

Demonstrated leadership in K-12 literacy instruction

Demonstrated experience with leading professional development and/or program implementation

Excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal skills required

Proficiency with spreadsheets and data analysis and the ability to use the data to inform instructional decisions

Sets a cohesive vision for K-12 literacy instruction in partnership with Teaching and Learning leadership. Strategically aligns the K-12 connection between SOR pedagogy, teacher knowledge and practice, PCSD curricula, and Georgia ELA standards.

Lead and align K-12 literacy programs and practices that are pedagogically aligned with SOR, current in literacy research, and implemented with fidelity across the district, ensuring comprehensive development from early literacy through advanced literacy skills.

Develops and delivers comprehensive professional learning to build organizational capacity for literacy leadership and continuous improvement.

Develops and implements systems to ensure the sustainability and scalability of effective literacy programs and practices.

Develops and implements strategies to engage families and the community in supporting student literacy development.

Collaborates to support literacy-focused initiatives such as summer reading programs, reading challenges, or family instructional literacy nights.

Strategically develops a literacy budget and secures literacy resources to ensure comprehensive, aligned literacy instruction. Manages an annual process of stakeholder input to refine and enhance resources continuously.

Evaluates and selects digital literacy tools and platforms to enhance instruction.

Seeks and secures grant funding and other external resources to support and enhance district literacy initiatives.

Oversees and manages inventory, distribution, and maintenance of literacy resources and materials. Oversees the adoption of K-12 ELA curriculum and resources.

Coordinates and provides professional learning on high-leverage practices (HLP) and evidence-based instructional strategies that promote effective literacy instruction aligned with SOR across all grade bands.

Supports leaders and teachers with resources and knowledge of standards to effectively implement instructional resources and strategies for differentiation, promoting ongoing professional growth among teachers and leaders.

Fosters collaboration across divisions and between schools to ensure consistency in teaching methods and practices rooted in SOR.

Leads the use of formative and summative assessment data to measure district and school literacy progress, identifying areas of strength and opportunities for growth. Uses data to support continuous improvement and reports effectiveness to school administrators and district leaders.

Leads the integration of technology tools and platforms to enhance literacy instruction and data analysis

Serves as a liaison between the district, schools, and external literacy organizations or stakeholders. Serves as direct liaison with GaDOE, RESA, and other outside agencies/partnerships as approved.

Collaborates with other teams and departments (e.g., ESEP, ESOL, MTSS) to ensure literacy strategies and resources meet the diverse needs of all learners.

Collaborates closely with the Executive Director of K-5 Teaching & Learning to identify gaps in instruction, integrate and effectively utilize the district instructional resources, and implement the district literacy plan. Collaboratively leads the district literacy team with the Executive Director.

Collaborates and communicates effectively and positively to build literacy alignment across K-12, grounded in the Science of Reading and aligned with the district's strategic plan.

Maintains a close working relationship with school-based and district-level administrators to ensure effective communication, coordination of efforts, and support for decision-making processes.

Possesses excellent written and verbal communication skills for interacting with school staff to present and explain complex literacy concepts to various audiences effectively.

Relates well to a wide variety of people, observing, listening, motivating, and providing leadership that results in solid performance and improved literacy outcomes in K-12.

Stays current, knowledgeable, and aware of evolving legislation around K-12 literacy, including SOR, dyslexia, and adolescent reading strategies, to ensure district practices are aligned with state law and instructional best practices. Establishes systems to monitor school compliance with state law and state board rules.

Develops systems to ensure district compliance with federal and state laws and board policies.

Develops presentations and reports for the division, superintendent, and school board as needed.

Performs other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or designee.