Early Literacy Project Managment Specialist

Location: Teacher Administration Center (TAC), 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131

Reports to:  Coordinator Early Literacy

Work Schedule/FLSA Status: Fulltime, 12 month / Salaried Exempt

Salary Schedule:  This is a non-negotiated position. Compensation and benefits are administered in a manner consistent with board policy.  Salary grade 92C – Specialist 3,  Starting at $74,231.95

Position Purpose:  To strengthen access and quality related to early literacy education by coordinating district and local community-based efforts.  This project manager is instrumental in developing the infrastructure necessary to promote collaboration and effective service delivery for the stakeholders in the OPS schools.

This position will be grant-funded in 2024-25, 2025-26, and 2026-27.

Essential Performance Responsibilities:

• Assists Curriculum and Instruction Support to support early literacy acquisition.
• Coordinates Early Literacy efforts to consistently improve and expand support services across a long-term project timeline.
• Develops and manages strategies to coordinate projects assigned by the supervisor.
• Collects data and compiles reports for community and district reports.
• Coordinates and plans opportunities for family involvement in family activities/engagement.
• Coordinates and collaborates with all service areas, including district stakeholders.
• Coordinates and facilitates community meetings and engagement activities.
• Coordinates training and implementation of tutoring support for early literacy, during the regular school calendar and extended programming opportunities.
• Creates a safe and trusting relationship with community partners and families.
• Assists with early literacy professional learning opportunities.
• Develops and implements information to be distributed to schools, families, and the community.
• Develops a referral network of local community resources and ensures families are aware of the resources.
• Engages in team meetings to gain and share insights and knowledge of early literacy acquisition.
• Establishes relationships with community service providers to coordinate meeting the needs of families and their children.
• Creates a variety of presentations, documents, and other communications (websites, social media, etc.) for schools, students, families, and community stakeholders to promote efforts to enhance early literacy outcomes for every student.
• Analyzes and interprets large data sets using Excel.
• Supports other project efforts as needed.
• Provides leadership to ensure that the best practices are followed. 
• Models professionalism and a positive work ethic.
• Maintains and builds trust by promoting honesty and integrity.
• Adheres to the District’s ethical policies and practices.
• Complies with District, local, state, and federal laws and standards.
• Keeps abreast of technology developments relating to current trends/issues and educational needs.

Additional Duties:
Performs other related tasks as assigned by the supervisor and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.      

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree is required in Human Services, Psychology, Early Childhood Development, Education, or a related field that includes coursework in the principles of education, social work, child development, counseling, and/or psychology.
• Minimum of one to three years of project management experience is preferred.
• Minimum of three years of experience in a school setting is preferred.
• Knowledge and experience coordinating community resources for families in need of services.
• Experience and ability to work in a culturally diverse community.
• Exemplary organizational skills.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Suite products, including Word and Excel.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the English language to read, write, and communicate with others.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and manage conflict, including appropriate handling of all confidential matters. 
• Strong organizational skills and the experience and knowledge to balance multiple projects simultaneously.
• Problem sensitivity awareness and the ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends when needed.

Equipment:  This position requires the ability to use basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, and scanners.  Must always comply with OPS’s guidelines for equipment use.

Travel: Travel within the District may be required.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

• Must be able to respond rapidly in emergency situations.
• Must have organization, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Work in an office environment, school buildings, and warehouse setting.

Interrelations:

• Contact with personnel within the district and with stakeholders and vendors.
• Will be working under the direct supervision of the department supervisor in order to complete day-to-day tasks.
• Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Must understand and respond appropriately to stakeholder needs and maintain a positive attitude with all stakeholders and colleagues.
• Expected to interact with all internal and external stakeholders in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive service.

Employee Punctuality and Appearance:

• In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave.
• Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee’s supervisor or building administrator.
• All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of Omaha Public Schools and is appropriate for their position.

Terms of Employment:

This position is treated as a full-time exempt classified position. The terms of your employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment in a Nebraska public school and Board of Education policies, as those laws and policies may change from time to time.  If your position is represented by a collective bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between OPS and that collective bargaining representative.

The offer of employment is contingent upon: 

Obtaining and providing verification of all licenses, certificates, and other requirements for the position (e.g., Paraprofessionals obtaining “Highly Qualified status,” etc.), as identified and maintaining all licenses, certificates, and requirements for your position throughout employment.

• A background check which demonstrates to OPS that background is acceptable for the position.
• Verification of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test (if required for position offered).
• Successful completion of a tuberculosis skin test (if required for position offered).
• Successful completion of a pre-employment medical examination to determine ability to safely and effectively perform the essential functions of the position.

Omaha Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or economic status in its programs, activities, employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director for the Office of Equity and Diversity, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131. (531-299-0307)   

The Omaha Public School District is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process please contact the human resources department at 531-299-0240.

Salary : $74,232