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Executive Director

April 2024

POSITION DESCRIPTION

REPORTS TO:  Board of Directors

JOB SUMMARY:  The Literacy Council is one of the fastest growing nonprofit organizations in Frederick County.  If you are a dynamic leader who thrives on growth and impact, we encourage you to apply! The primary responsibility of the Executive Director is to manage the day-to-day operations of the Literacy Council of Frederick County (LCFC). The Executive Director works toward fulfilling its mission of increasing literacy by serving more people and increasing its impact on the community. The Executive Director serves as the face of the organization and participates in external events to increase visibility, credibility, and market brand; develop strategic partnerships to further increase community awareness and expand programs by implementing the policies and objectives of the Board of Directors, and directs the operations, fund-raising, planning and delivery of programming, and fiscal areas of the organization.

HOURS AND SALARY:  This position is full-time with some night and weekend obligations.  Salary will be commensurate with experience.

BENEFITS:

  • Health insurance
  • Employer matching Simple IRA retirement fund
  • Paid parking,
  • Paid time off and sick leave

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Visionary leader with strong strategic thinking, organizational development, and planning skills
  • Bachelor’s Degree in a related field preferred
  • Management experience with non-profits strongly desired
  • Experience with adult education strongly desired
  • Strong fundraising and relationship building skills with proven experience in foundation, corporate, and individual giving
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal and public speaking skills
  • Collaborative leader with an ability to foster a spirit of cooperation among board members, staff, and volunteers
  • Demonstrated ability to work with and facilitate strong board development and leadership
  • Comprehensive understanding of board governance
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines
  • Effective computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite, donor and adult literacy databases, Financial literacy and demonstrated program management experience
  • Effective communications and marketing skills, including working with WordPress, Canva, and social media platforms
  • Experience with grant development and contract negotiations

 ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(ED has authority to enlist assistance of volunteers or assign tasks to staff in discharging these responsibilities)

 Fund Development

  • Develop and implement LCFC’s Fundraising & Sustainability Plan with the Development and Finance Committees, and Development Coordinator to ensure ongoing revenues and maintain fiscal stability
  • Research, identify, cultivate, and solicit corporate and individual donors
  • Direct and oversee the Grants Management processes, including grant applications and reporting, in coordination with grant writers, the Grants Sub-Committee, Treasurer, and Staff

 Administration and Operations

  • Work with the Board of Directors to create and administer plans, policies, and procedures including implementation of the Strategic and Marketing Plans
  • Develop overall work plan, monitor progress, and evaluate the results in relation to the mission, goals, and objectives
  • Ensure effective use of technology in accomplishing the objectives
  • Manage/Oversee CiviCRM and Microsoft Office Suite and information technology (IT) systems used by staff, volunteers, board, and security support provided by outside agencies
  • Maintain effective communications and operational relationship with Frederick County Public Libraries and Frederick County Government

 Programs

  • Oversee operations and staff implementing adult literacy (Basic Literacy and English as a Second Language/ESL programs)
  • Oversee the development and implementation of plans to improve LCFC’s ability to serve its clients
  • Oversee the development and implementation of strategies for new students
  • Oversee Tutor Training Workshops and Volunteer Information Sessions including scheduling, publicizing, and recruiting trainers and presenters

 Human Resources

  • Recruit, hire, train, and supervise staff
  • Manage payroll and benefits for staff
  • Demonstrate ability to counsel staff to improve performance
  • Develop and implement strategies and plans for recruiting and training volunteers

 Community Relations

  • Develop and implement a strategic community relations plan to promote literacy issues
  • Establish and build relationships with top leaders in Frederick, including those representing business, government and non-profit sectors, to increase trust and relevance in the community
  • Serve as chief spokesperson for the organization and participate in community activities to promote the mission of the Council

 Finance

  • Maintain sound and ethical financial practices in the management of the organization
  • Work with Finance Committee and accounting firm in preparation of a viable budget

Communications and Marketing

  • Manage communications and marketing contract work with outside agency
  • Coordinate staff team for planning of social media, monthly and seasonal print and e-newsletters, and production of annual report
  • Oversee website maintenance and updates

Interested candidates are requested to send a cover letter and resume to the attention of the Literacy Council’s Board of Directors: boardpresident@frederickliteracy.org

Office/Program Administrator

March: We are hiring for this position!

The Literacy Council of Frederick County is seeking a candidate who is interested in joining a growing team of nonprofit professional staff and volunteers who are dedicated to supporting adult basic education and literacy programs for a diverse community of adult learners and their families in Frederick County. The ideal candidate will be proficient in English and Spanish.

Position Type: Part-time, 20 hours/week, $18/hour

Benefits: Simple IRA retirement plan with 3% employer match, flexible work schedule, parking reimbursement provided.

Roles and Responsibilities: The Office/Program Administrator provides day-to-day support for the Literacy Council’s English as a Second Language (ESL) and Basic Literacy programs, including: tutoring, community classes, parent literacy and workplace literacy programs.  The Office/Program Administrator will be under the supervision of the Executive Director and will work in close coordination with the Program Manager, Program and Workplace Coordinators, and Development Coordinator.  This position will have the benefit of interacting directly with prospective and current adult learners from many diverse backgrounds, as well as an amazing team of dedicated volunteer tutors, class instructors, and staff. The position will be located at the Literacy Council’s office located at 110 E. Patrick Street, Frederick, Maryland.

Key Responsibilities:

Ensure that the office is accessible during regular work hours; greet and assist clients, volunteers and other visitors; answer telephone calls; respond to ongoing inquiries, email, and phone messages

  • Participate as an integral member of the Literacy Council’s Program Team for community classes to analyze data, create and coordinate class schedules, support student registration and prepare for ongoing adjustments
  • Participate in regular planning meetings with the coordinators for the tutoring program to support the tutor and student matching process and analyze program data
  • Support new student intake and assessment process
  • Conduct data entry for new student and volunteer applications; and program registration processes
  • Respond to and prepare material requests for tutors, class instructors, and students, coordinate pickup/drop off of teaching and learning materials
  • Manage lending library of teaching and learning materials, including new inventory, new patrons, annual inventory, track circulation
  • Order and maintain office supplies, classroom and tutoring teaching and learning materials
  • Prepare and assemble handouts and curriculum materials
  • Maintain office electronic calendar for classroom, tutor room reservations and community classes, class and training schedules, office signage, and website updates
  • Develop flyers for classes, trainings, events, distribute promotional materials to library and other agencies on a regular basis
  • Contribute content for monthly updates for tutors, volunteers and students, including information and referral resources for students and tutors, social media, publicity, press releases, and online newsletters
  • Coordinate Literacy Council participation in community outreach events
  • Support Literacy Council events, including Celebration of Achievements, Scrabble fundraiser, and other special events
  • Coordinate and support office volunteers who provide day-to-day administrative support and office coverage, train office volunteers, distribute workload and day to day volunteer tasks among office volunteers
  • Prepare and maintain bookkeeping documentation (purchase orders, invoices) for expenditures, and funds received.
  • Open and distribute mail, manage mailings
  • Coordinate and perform general office maintenance, work order requests, copier usage report

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

  • Education or related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
  • Experience working with nonprofit organizations, English language learners, and volunteers preferred.
  • Excellent communications skills required, including oral and written English communications skills, including the ability to listen, write and speak clearly. Ability to work positively and effectively with students from diverse language, cultural, and educational backgrounds.  Spanish language proficiency preferred.
  • Strong organizational skills – ability to self-manage, work independently and as a member of a team of highly-motivated co-workers; ability to manage multiple projects and to meet strict deadlines.
  • High energy, “can do” attitude, flexibility, teamwork and attention to detail, ability to prioritize tasks.
  • Strong leadership, partnership-building and collaborative skills required.

Technical Skills: Excellent computer skills required, including Microsoft Office applications: Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, Sharepoint, database experience, LACES experience a plus, experience with WordPress websites and Canva recommended. Must have own transportation and a valid driver’s license. Vehicle insurance must meet minimum requirements.

References: Must be able to provide references relevant to experience.

You will join a collaborative team of colleagues who display a high degree of professionalism, intercultural sensitivity, a belief in lifelong learning, and a strong commitment to help lift lives through literacy programs.

The Literacy Council of Frederick County is an Equal Opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law.

For more information, contact Laurie Fisher, Executive Director, Literacy Council of Frederick County.  (301) 600-2066 or lauriefisher@frederickliteracy.org. Interested applicants, please email a cover letter and resume to Laurie Fisher.

Development Coordinator

This position has been filled.  

The Literacy Council of Frederick County seeks a candidate who is interested in joining a team of nonprofit professionals and volunteers who are dedicated to supporting adult basic education and literacy programs for a diverse community of adult learners and their families in Frederick County. The focus of this position is to contribute to building the development and fundraising capacity of this growing nonprofit, including expanding donor outreach and stewardship, systems and processes for donor-centered fundraising, donor development, and community engagement.

This position is perfect for an experienced professional in the development field looking for a part-time job with flexible hours (some of which can be remote).

Position Type: Part-time (28 hours/week), $27/hour.

Benefits: Simple IRA retirement plan with 3% employer match, flexible work schedule.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Work in collaboration with Executive Director to implement action items in the organization’s fundraising, sustainability and marketing plan
  • Contribute to expanding and deepening the organization’s donor management systems and infrastructure
  • With the Executive Director, support the Board of Directors and Development Committee
  • Oversee donor database and reporting, ensuring integrity of data and consistent best practice procedures
  • Coordinate the development and deployment of donor communications
  • Coordinate the following activities under direction of the Executive Director
    • Annual donor appeals
    • Tracking donor activity
    • Outreach to current donors
    • Support Executive Director and Development Committee with major donor stewardship and Giving Societies program
    • Support Executive Director with development of a Planned Giving program
  • Support donor engagement and appreciation outreach efforts
  • Support donor and sponsorship involvement at annual events, annual fundraiser
  • Other duties as assigned

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in communications, marketing, or related field desirable, or equivalent work experience will also be considered
  • Demonstrated experience with database entry and management
  • Demonstrated experience with digital communication and be comfortable with one-to-one and personal “old school” communication
  • Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, including the use of personal computers and related software
  • Detail-oriented self-starter capable of working in a team or individually. Attention to detail, accuracy, and strong organizational skills. Ability to prioritize as well as multi-task and work under specific time constraints
  • Ability to interact effectively with the public in representing the Literacy Council and its services

Skills

Basic computer skills required, including Microsoft: Word, PowerPoint, Excel. Familiarity with Microsoft 365 and Teams preferred.

REFERENCES

Must be able to provide references relevant to recent experience.

The Literacy Council of Frederick County is an Equal Opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law.

For more information, contact Laurie Fisher, Executive Director, Literacy Council of Frederick County.  (301) 600-2066 or lauriefisher@frederickliteracy.org. Interested applicants, please email a cover letter and resume to Laurie Fisher.

Workplace Literacy ESOL Instructor(s)

December 2023 Update: We have filled all available instructor openings for our Winter Session of workplace English classes.  We will update this post regularly as our needs change.  This program is growing!  Thank you for your interest!

The Literacy Council of Frederick County seeks experienced ESOL instructors who display a high degree of professionalism, intercultural sensitivity, a belief in lifelong learning, and a strong commitment to adult learners to join a collaborative team.

Position Type: Part-time, hourly, contract for class preparation/instruction.

Level/Salary Range: $32/hour (commensurate with prior experience) which includes preparation and instruction time, plus stipend, workman’s compensation coverage provided.

Job Description: We are seeking applicants for part-time, hourly Workplace Literacy Program Instructors.

Schedule: We currently have need for an instructor or instructors for Workplace Literacy Program classes in Frederick, Maryland.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Teach English to classes of adults representing a wide range of cultures and educational backgrounds.  Responsible for instructing workplace classes for adult English language learners employed by local businesses for the Literacy Council’s Workplace Literacy Program. Instructor(s) will utilize curriculum that concentrates on English language literacy and life skills.  Instructor(s) will be under the supervision of the Literacy Council’s Workplace Literacy Program Coordinator.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • 2 years ESL/EFL/English for Specific Purposes classroom teaching experience with adults or other strong teaching background
  • Experience working with a diverse learner population
  • Ability to work positively and effectively with students from diverse language, cultural, and educational backgrounds
  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Excellent oral and written English communications skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Master’s degree in teaching English as a second language (TESOL, TEFL, etc.) or completion of a 120-hour TESOL certificate with practicum (e.g., CELTA, SIT TESOL Certificate)
  • Experience delivering customer service training or similar experience

SKILLS

Basic computer skills required, including Microsoft (or Google equivalent): Word, PowerPoint, Excel. Must have own transportation and a valid driver’s license. Vehicle insurance must meet minimum requirements.

REFERENCES

Must be able to provide references relevant to recent teaching experience.

The Literacy Council of Frederick County is seeking candidates who are interested in joining a growing team of nonprofit professional staff and volunteers who are dedicated to supporting adult basic education and literacy programs for a diverse community of adult learners and their families in Frederick County.

The Literacy Council of Frederick County is an Equal Opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law.

For more information, contact Laurie Fisher, Executive Director, Literacy Council of Frederick County.  (301) 600-2066 or lauriefisher@frederickliteracy.org. To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to Laurie Fisher, or apply through LinkedIn.